A/N: Once we get to the 40th chapter which will be the last volume of volume 1 I'm going to be fixing up my other fanfics and try to at least get them all to the 20th chapter and then I'll be continuing Reborn As Asta
But for now
Enjoy
Mimosa worked diligently over Asta's injuries, her golden healing magic illuminating the dimly lit room. The soft glow cast a warm radiance over his battered form, highlighting the extent of the bruises and cuts that had only recently marred his skin. Her delicate hands hovered above his chest, her expression a mix of focus and astonishment.
"It's… incredible," Mimosa whispered, almost to herself, as she stepped back and let her spell fade. Her amber eyes, wide with disbelief, traced the faint scars that had already begun to vanish. "At this rate, you'll be fully healed in just a few days. I've never seen someone's recovery speed like this before—it's beyond anything I've studied."
Asta pushed himself up slightly, his ever-present grin lighting up his face despite the lingering stiffness in his muscles. "Well, I couldn't have done it without you, Mimosa."
Mimosa's cheeks flushed a soft pink at the unexpected compliment, and she fidgeted with the hem of her cloak. "W-Well, you certainly gave me plenty of work to do," she said, trying to sound stern but failing to mask the relief in her voice. "Honestly, Asta, the way you push yourself—it's like you're not even human sometimes."
Asta laughed awkwardly,
"Yeah, just a normal guy."
Mimosa tilted her head, her lips curving into a soft smile as she observed him. Even in the face of exhaustion, Asta radiated an energy that was impossible to ignore. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, gathering her thoughts.
"You know," she began, her voice quieter now, "You should let yourself rest more often. You don't always have to carry everything on your own. We're here to help you too."
Asta's grin softened into something more genuine. "I know, Mimosa. And I'm lucky to have all of you here with me. I'll try to take it easy… truly."
"Good," she replied, her tone firm but laced with gentle concern. She glanced at the bandages she'd carefully wrapped around his arms, already noticing how they seemed unnecessary with his rapid healing. "Because if you don't, I'll personally make sure you stay in bed next time."
"Deal," Asta said, giving her a playful salute before sinking back against the pillows.
As Mimosa gathered her supplies, a faint smile lingered on her face, as she left his room.
Diamond Kingdom
Mars stood at attention in the grand hall of the Diamond Kingdom's royal palace. The cold marble floors reflected the dim light of the chandeliers above, casting long shadows across the room. Before him sat the council of the eight Shining generals, their faces carved with disdain and skepticism.
"You return empty-handed, Mars," one of the generals barked, his voice echoing through the chamber. "No treasure. No spoils. Not even a single survivor from your squad."
Mars met their gaze with calm determination, refusing to waver under the weight of their judgment. "I made a choice. A choice to protect lives rather than take them. The mission—"
"—was a failure!" another general interrupted, slamming his fist onto the table. "You not only failed to secure the Clover Kingdom's resources, but you also allowed your squad to be wiped out. Your incompetence has cost us dearly!"
Mars's jaw tightened, but he remained silent. He had anticipated this.
The head general leaned forward, his eyes cold and calculating. "And as if that wasn't enough, we've received reports that you willingly aided the Clover Kingdom's magic knights. Is that true, Mars? Did you turn your back on your kingdom?"
A murmur rippled through the chamber, accusations and suspicions mounting.
Mars took a deep breath. "I didn't turn my back on this kingdom. I saved lives—lives that didn't need to be lost. The Clover Kingdom is not the enemy you make it out to be. They showed mercy, something we've long forgotten."
The generals erupted into an uproar, voices overlapping in anger. One slammed his hand on the table again. "Mercy? Mercy is weakness! Their kindness is a façade, Mars, and you fell for it. You've disgraced the Diamond Kingdom!"
The head general raised a single hand, silencing the room. His eyes bore into Mars, icy and unrelenting. " For your acts and your treason against the Diamond Kingdom, bye effective of immediately, you are stripped of your rank and command. You are to serve under direct supervision until such a time comes for you prove your loyalty."
Mars stood motionless, the words cutting deep, but he remained composed. This was what he had expected. What he had planned for.
"Understood," he replied simply, bowing his head.
The generals seemed momentarily taken aback by his lack of resistance, but the head general simply waved him away.
"Dismissed."
Mars turned on his heel, exiting the hall without another word. As the heavy doors closed behind him, he allowed himself a moment to breathe. The demotion was humiliating, but it was a small price to pay for what he had learned in the Clover Kingdom.
Walking through the palace corridors, his thoughts drifted to Asta and the others. They had risked their lives to protect him, even after everything the Diamond Kingdom had done to them. It was a kindness he could never have expected, and it had opened his eyes.
The Diamond Kingdom needed a massive shift.
Mars clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. He would rebuild this kingdom from the inside, tearing down the systems that thrived on cruelty and exploitation. He didn't need a title or rank to make a difference. The rebellion he envisioned wouldn't rely on brute force; it would be a revolution of ideals, one that would take time and patience.
He looked out a nearby window, the sprawling city below bathed in the golden light of dusk. "For you, Fana," he murmured under his breath, thinking of his lost friend. "And for everyone who deserves better than this."
The Black Bulls' training yard hummed with intensity as lightning crackled in the air and flames scorched the earth. Magna and Luck squared off, their sweat-soaked faces set with determination.
"Luck, damn it!" Magna roared, dodging yet another wild burst of electricity that splintered the ground behind him. "You can't just throw everything you've got at the enemy without control !"
Luck's grin twitched, his usual manic energy faltering for a moment. "But if I just go all out, I'll win faster," he said, though there was less confidence in his voice.
Magna slammed his fist into the dirt, flames erupting around him. "It's not about just winning! You're not fighting for yourself anymore, idiot! You're part of a squad—our squad! So start acting like it!"
The words hit Luck harder than any attack. His grin faltered completely, his eyes darting to the ground.
Over the next few days, Magna pushed Luck harder than ever. But this time, it wasn't just about sharpening his reflexes or teaching him strategy. Magna's lessons dug deeper, forcing Luck to confront the reasons behind his recklessness.
"You're not fighting to earn anyone's love anymore, Luck," Magna said during one of their breaks, his tone unusually soft. "You're already part of this family. You don't have to prove yourself to us."
Luck's hands clenched, sparks flickering faintly around his fingers. "But... if I'm not strong, what good am I? My mom—"
Magna cut him off with a firm hand on his shoulder. "Screw what your mom thought. You're not that kid anymore. And you're not here to fight for her or anyone else's approval. You're here because you're Luck. The crazy, grinning weirdo we all care about. That's enough."
For once, Luck didn't have a quick comeback. He stared at Magna, his usual grin replaced by something quieter, more vulnerable.
By the end of the week, their sparring sessions had changed. The yard was quieter now, with no reckless bursts of energy or wild attacks. Magna lunged at Luck with a flaming punch, but this time, Luck didn't meet it head-on. He stepped back, watching, waiting.
When the moment came, he struck—not with brute force, but with precision and control. Lightning crackled, but it didn't rage. It was focused, restrained, and devastatingly effective.
Magna staggered back, coughing as the smoke cleared. He wiped sweat from his brow and let out a laugh. "Well, I'll be damned. You actually learned something."
Luck smiled—not his usual manic grin, but a softer, more genuine expression. "Guess I had a good teacher," he said.
Magna smirked, crossing his arms. "You're damn right, you did."
Luck nodded, the sparks around him flickering faintly before fading completely. For the first time, he felt like he didn't need to prove anything to anyone.
Inside the Black Bulls' common room, Asta sat on the couch, fully healed with Noelle, and Vanessa. The door creaked open, and Luck walked in.
His usual grin was gone, replaced by a serious expression that caught everyone's attention. "Hey, Asta," he began, his voice quieter than usual. "Can we talk?"
Asta blinked, surprised. "Yeah, of course. What's up?"
Luck hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just wanted to say... I'm sorry. For how I acted on our last mission. I wasn't thinking, and I put everyone in danger. I... I guess I've been trying too hard to prove something, and it's not fair to the rest of you."
The room fell silent. Noelle glanced at Vanessa, while Vanessa leaned back, watching with an approving smile.
Asta stood, a bright grin on his face. "It's okay, Luck. You're part of this squad, and we've got each other's backs. No matter what." He extended a fist.
Luck blinked, then smiled—a genuine, heartfelt smile. He bumped Asta's fist. "Thanks, Asta. I'll do better from now on."
Before the moment could linger, Yami appeared in the doorway, a cigarette dangling lazily from his lips.
"Alright, idiots," he drawled. "Asta, Noelle. The Magic Knight headquarters wants a full report on what happened in that dungeon. Get your butts moving."