Asta stood at the edge of Hage, where the lively hum of the nearby town served as a backdrop to his thoughts. The streets below buzzed with the rhythm of daily life—merchants peddling their wares, children darting between stalls, and the occasional clatter of hooves on cobblestones. But Asta's gaze wasn't on the bustle of the marketplace. His focus was on something far above it.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto a sturdy wooden crate, steadying himself. With a burst of energy, he bent his knees and sprang into the air, his legs pushing with newfound power. Wind whipped past his face as he soared, and just as gravity reached to claim him, Asta summoned a surge of ki to his legs. He kicked off the air itself, creating an invisible platform beneath his feet and launching himself higher.
New Skill
Double Jump
Type Active
(Basic)
Allows the user to generate a second jump mid-air, extending reach or enabling evasion.
Asta's grin widened as he soared higher, exhilaration flooding his senses. His feet found purchase on the rooftop of a nearby building, his landing feather-light. Without hesitation, he broke into a sprint, his boots tapping a rhythmic cadence against the tiles. The town below blurred as he dashed forward, each movement fluid and precise.
Ahead, a clothesline stretched across the gap between buildings. Asta leapt, twisting his body mid-air to avoid the obstacle. His landing wasn't on solid ground but on a narrow windowsill, where he balanced momentarily before kicking off again. This time, he aimed for a protruding wooden beam, his hands latching onto it. He swung with practiced ease, using the momentum to propel himself across the next gap.
New Skill
Parkour
Type Active
(Basic)
Enables smooth navigation through simple urban environments. User can vault over obstacles and traverse gaps with basic proficiency.
The world seemed to slow as Asta pushed himself harder, testing the limits of his agility. He approached the towering stone archway marking the entrance to the market square. With a determined grin, he surged forward, his speed increasing in a blur of motion.
New Skill
Dash
Type Active
(Basic)
Increases short-distance movement speed for quick bursts, allowing the user to evade or close gaps in combat.
His boots hit the stone wall, and instead of stopping, Asta began to run vertically, ki coursing through his limbs to keep him anchored against gravity's pull.
New Skill
Wall Run
Type Active
(Basic)
The ability to run short distances on vertical surfaces without losing balance.
Halfway up, Asta pushed off the wall, twisting mid-air. His movements were smooth, almost instinctual, as he propelled himself forward with another burst of energy.
New Skill
Air Dash
Type Active
(Basic)
Enables a quick burst of speed in any direction while airborne. Useful for mid-air combat and evasion.
The world around him blurred as Asta zipped through the air, landing gracefully on a hanging balcony. He crouched low, his muscles coiled like springs, and launched himself upward again, clearing a narrow alleyway with ease. Gripping the edge of a tiled roof, he pulled himself up in one swift motion and stood tall, the town stretching out beneath him.
Asta's feet became a blur as he leapt, slid, and vaulted across the rooftops. He slid down sloping tiles with ease, flipping over chimneys and spinning through the air like a dancer in perfect rhythm. At one point, a crumbling brick wall loomed ahead. Asta sprinted toward it, running partway up before using a combination of double jumps and air dashes to scale it entirely.
[(Due to the user's speed reaching 100, the user has unlocked his 4th unique skill.)]
Enhanced Speed
Type Passive
(Unique)
The user's running and reaction speed increase slightly above average, allowing for quicker movement and basic evasion techniques.
Every motion felt like second nature, each skill flowing seamlessly into the next. The adrenaline coursing through Asta's veins sharpened his focus, and the wind roaring past his ears made him feel alive in a way he hadn't before. He was no longer just running or jumping; he was soaring, dancing with gravity as his only partner.
Finally, Asta reached the tallest rooftop in the area. He skidded to a halt, breathing hard but grinning from ear to ear. From his vantage point, the entire town stretched out before him, alive with movement and sound. The heights gave him a new perspective, not just of Hage but of himself.
"Not bad," he muttered, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms. His voice carried just above a whisper, but it was filled with pride and determination. Already, his mind raced with ideas for how to push his limits even further.
Asta crouched low, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Let's see how far I can really go."
Suddenly, Asta's sharp hearing picked up a faint, desperate cry from a nearby alley. His body froze mid-step, his head tilting as he honed in on the sound. A girl's voice-frightened and pleading- echoed faintly through the narrow streets, cutting through the lively noise of the town.
Asta's jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed. Activating Dash, he surged forward with blinding speed, his footsteps barely audible as he darted through the maze-like alleys. His heart raced, not with fear, but with a growing determination. Each step brought him closer to the source of the distress.
He reached the edge of a dimly lit alley and pressed his back against the rough stone wall. Peeking around the corner, his gaze locked onto a chilling scene: a man loomed over a trembling girl, his coarse laughter mixing with her muffled cries. The man's hands clawed at her clothing, his intentions vile and unmistakable.
Asta's grip instinctively tightened around the hilt of his dagger. Using appraisers eye to look over the weapon
[Asta's Dagger
Grade: C
This carefully handcrafted blade boasts excellent edge retention and durability.
Its design mirrors Thorfinn's iconic weapon, but with a thicker, longer build and a distinct "A" carved into the hilt.]
Asta's hand trembled, not from fear, but from the restraint it took to remain calm. His mind assessed the situation rapidly, scanning for any accomplices. It seemed the man was alone, too engrossed in his wickedness to notice anything else.
Steeling himself, Asta felt a surge of quiet resolve.
New Skill
Stealth
Type Active
(Basic)
Allows the user to move silently and avoid detection in simple environments. Offers a foundational understanding of hiding spots,moving in the shadows and sound suppression .
Channeling his newfound skill, Asta moved without a sound. His steps were calculated, his breath steady, his figure a shadow in the dim light. The man, oblivious to the encroaching danger, sneered as he leaned closer to his victim.
That's when Asta struck.
With a swift and decisive motion, Asta lunged forward, his dagger glinting briefly in the faint light. The blade's edge found its mark-a precise strike to the man's side. He let out a strangled cry before crumpling to the ground, clutching his wound as consciousness slipped away.
Asta stepped back, his dagger poised for another attack if needed, but the man remained motionless. Satisfied there was no immediate threat, Asta turned his attention to the girl. Seeing how to torn her clothes were he took off his hoodie to give to her.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently, his voice calm but firm.
The girl, tears streaming down her face, nodded shakily. "Th-thank you... thank you so much," she stammered, her voice breaking.
"Go home,okay " Asta urged softly, stepping aside to clear her path.
Without hesitation, she fled, her footsteps echoing in the alley as she disappeared into the night. Asta watched her go, his heart still pounding with residual adrenaline.
He knelt beside the man, confirming he was dead. With swift precision, Asta wiped the blade clean on the man's shirt before sheathing it. He stood and took a deep, steadying breath.
In that moment he only thought two things how lucky he was it was night time and exactly how to get rid of the body
so he picked up the dead man and brought him to the underground
A/N: when Canon starts or know when Asta gets his grimoire then flashbacks might become a bit more frequent because there's a lot of things I want to add to the world of Black Clover and there might be some memories to go over... including
The air grew colder and heavier as Asta followed Garret down a series of twisting, dimly lit stairs. The faint murmur of voices and clinking metal grew louder with each step, accompanied by the occasional flicker of torchlight bouncing off the damp, stone walls.
"This," the Garret said, turning to Asta with a smirk, "is the real world, kid. The Underground."
Asta raised an eyebrow as they emerged into a sprawling cavern bustling with life. The scene was unlike anything he'd imagined—a hidden city beneath the surface. Flickering lanterns cast an eerie glow over the chaotic marketplace. Stalls hawked all manner of goods, from rare artifacts and strange potions to weapons and stolen treasures.
"You can buy or sell just about anything here," the Garret continued, gesturing broadly to the black market. "Weapons, info, rare ingredients—you name it, they've got it. But it ain't just a market."
As they walked, Asta's sharp eyes caught sight of every type of person: shady merchants haggling over prices, rugged fighters in tattered clothes, and even families living in makeshift homes carved into the cavern walls. He spotted a brightly lit brothel at the far end, its entrance guarded by two burly figures. The faint hum of laughter and music drifted from inside.
"People live down here?" Asta asked, his tone laced with disbelief.
The Garret nodded. "Some folks never leave. It's dangerous topside for them, or they've found a way to thrive down here. But you're not here to sightsee." He smirked again, a glint of pride in his eyes.
They stopped in front of a massive iron gate. Behind it, Asta could hear the roar of a crowd and the heavy thud of fists meeting flesh. A grizzled gatekeeper stepped forward, immediately recognizing Garret.
"Garret," the man greeted with a nod, unlocking the gate. "Back for more?"
Garret chuckled, clapping Asta on the shoulder. "Not this time. I'm just showing this kid the ropes."
The gate creaked open, revealing a massive arena surrounded by tiered seating carved directly into the rock. The energy inside was electric. Fighters squared off in the pit below, their bare fists colliding with bone-shaking force as the crowd roared its approval.
Asta's eyes widened as he took it all in. The fighters moved with raw, brutal efficiency, their techniques honed by countless battles.
"This," Garret said, his voice reverent, "is where you'll become a better boxer. The arena's not just about fights—it's about respect, survival, and rising through the ranks. No weapons, no magic. Just Hands."
Asta glanced at Garret, a question forming on his lips, but Garret cut him off. "The main rule is simple: you leave your weapons and grimoires at the door. It's all hand-to-hand here."
They made their way to a quieter corner of the cavern, where a few fighters were wrapping their hands and sparring. Garret lowered his voice. "The fights aren't just for glory, though that's part of it. Winners get a shot at the top, and the top fighters… well, let's just say they're never hurting for bread." He smirked at Asta's raised brow.
"Why'd you bring me here?" Asta asked, his tone serious.
"Because, kid," Axel said, meeting his gaze, "you've got potential. But raw strength and speed won't cut it everywhere. You need technique. Grit. And there's no better place to learn that than down here."
A Fighters voice cut through their conversation. "Eh, Garret still in the top 10"
Garret's grin widened. "Number eight. But I might have to stop coming in for a while, Elara and i are expecting"
Asta looked at him, realizing just how much weight Garret's name carried in this place. Fighters passing by gave him nods of respect, and Fans would talk about following in his footsteps
Garret clapped Asta on the back again. "Stick with me, and you'll learn what it takes to survive down here. Maybe even thrive. But first…" He gestured to the arena floor, where a fresh pair of fighters squared off. "Let's see what you're made of."
The men's body turned cold over Asta's shoulder as he descended the familiar dark staircase into the Underground. His steps were steady, his mind already rehearsing what lay ahead. The dim torchlight flickered off the rough stone walls, and the ever-present hum of life below grew louder with each step.
As Asta emerged into the sprawling cavern, the sights and sounds hit him all at once: the clamor of merchants bartering in the black market, the muffled thrum of cheers from the arena, and the occasional bark of laughter from the brothels.
He headed straight for the marketplace, weaving through the chaotic crowd with practiced ease. Soon, he found his destination—a shadowy stall manned by a wiry, sharp-eyed merchant known as Kolm. The man leaned lazily against the counter, his gaze narrowing as Asta approached.
"Kolm," Asta said, unceremoniously dropping the dead man's body onto the counter.
Kolm raised an eyebrow, inspecting the limp figure. "What's this?"
"Trouble," Asta replied curtly. "He was assaulting a woman on topside. Thought he might be worth something down here."
Kolm smirked, his sharp features twisting in amusement. "Not bad, kid. Vigilante justice and a payday. I like it." He crouched, checking the man's pockets and examining his gear. "Hmm. Low-level scum, Oh but you're in luck he's got a bounty on his head. Small-time stuff, but enough for a few coins."
Kolm reached under the counter and grabbed a small pouch of coins,"Here." which he tossed to Asta.
Asta caught the pouch, tucking it away without a word.
"So," Kolm added, his tone turning sly, "you here for a spar, or you looking to raise your rank again?"
Asta grinned. "You know me too well. Yeah, I'm here to raise my rank."
Kolm chuckled, a knowing glint in his sharp eyes. "Knew it. Have fun, kid. Hope it doesn't get as intense as your last match."
Ignoring the jibe, Asta turned and made his way toward the Arena. The roar of the crowd grew louder with each step, the energy of the place pulling him in.
At the entrance to the fighter's section, a burly guard stepped forward, arms crossed.
"Asta," the guard greeted, his voice a low rumble.
"Shin," Asta replied, stepping past him and securing his dagger in his personalized locker.
Shin gave him a smirk. "You're up next. Oh, and Asta? I've got money riding on you, so whoop this guy's ass."
"Don't worry," Asta replied, his grin sharpening as he stepped into the waiting area.
The booming voice of the announcer echoed through the arena:
"Next up, Asta! Ranked 82! Can he climb higher? Let's find out!"
The gate creaked open, and Asta stepped into the arena. The crowd roared, a sea of jeering faces and raised fists surrounding him. Across the pit, his opponent, a hulking man with a confident smirk, stood waiting.
Ranked 81 . Not unbeatable, but still a threat.
Asta's pulse quickened, but he forced himself to stay calm. His sharp eyes analyzed his opponent's stance—balanced, but slightly over-reliant on his right arm.
The referee signaled the start of the fight. The man charged forward, his arm swinging with brutal force. Asta sidestepped, feeling the air ripple as the attack narrowly missed. He darted in, landing a quick jab to the man's ribs before retreating.
The crowd roared in approval, and Asta's confidence grew. He stayed light on his feet, dodging the man's wild swings and countering with sharp, precise strikes.
But the opponent was no novice. He feinted a punch and followed up with a spinning kick, catching Asta off guard. The impact sent Asta skidding back, his breath hitching as pain radiated through his side.
He clenched his fists, pushing the pain aside. This wasn't just about winning—it was about testing out two skills he had in mind.
As the fight wore on, something inside Asta shifted. His body felt lighter, his movements sharper. An idea surfaced, a technique he had watched multiple times in his mental Realm constantly be watching it and studying it frame by frame and now that his body was Stronger he could test it out in this very fight
New Skill
Whip Strike
Type Active
(Basic)
A striking technique where the user's body mimics the flexibility and snap of a whip. Delivers sharp, fluid strike with high impact.
Asta darted forward, his body twisting fluidly. His arm lashed out like a whip, the speed and impact catching his opponent off guard. The strike connected with the man's shoulder, dislocating it with a sickening crunch.
The crowd erupted, a mix of cheers and gasps.
The man staggered but didn't fall. He switched to a defensive stance, but Asta wasn't done. There was another technique that he wanted to use called
New Skill
Water Stream Smashing Fist
Type Active
(Basic)
A flowing martial art style that mimics water's unpredictability. Incorporates rapid jabs, hooks, and evasion techniques inspired by Garou's martial prowess. Enhances physical strikes with rhythmic precision.
Asta began to move like water, his attacks flowing seamlessly from one to the next. Rapid jabs and hooks overwhelmed his opponent, each strike landing with rhythmic precision. The man's defenses crumbled under the onslaught.
With a final combination—a whip-like strike followed by a devastating hook—Asta sent his opponent crashing to the ground.
The crowd roared as the referee raised his arm in triumph.
"Winner: Asta! Ranked 81!"
But there was no time to celebrate. Asta was immediately matched against Rank 80—a wiry fighter known for his speed.
The fight began. His opponent danced around him, landing quick strikes and evading his counters.
Asta closed his eyes for a split second, feeling the flow of the fight. He began combining Whip Strike and Water Stream Smashing Fist, his body moving with a fluid, rhythmic precision.
Each strike was like a wave, building momentum until it became an unstoppable force. His opponent tried to dodge, but Asta's attacks were relentless, synchronized to perfection.
A whip-like strike stunned the opponent, followed by a series of rapid, flowing punches that left him reeling. The finishing blow—a spinning hook delivered with the precision of flowing water—sent the opponent sprawling.
The crowd went wild, chanting Asta's name as the referee raised his arm once again.
Winner: Asta! Ranked 79!"
And after winning that round he left the arena, wanting to go back to his bed in the orphanage and rest
TO BE CONTINUED...