Chapter 3: Bonds Forged in Battle
As the dust settled across the battlefield, a tense silence fell over the hideout grounds. Asta stood tall, his golden bow glowing faintly in one hand and Hoffnung resting heavily on his shoulder. His towering form cast a long shadow, the sheer magnitude of his power radiating off him like waves. Across from him, Magna, Luck, Gauche, and Finral stood bloodied but unyielding, their grimoires glowing as they prepared for one last stand.
Far above, hidden from the chaos, Noelle Silva watched from a tower window. Her arms were crossed, a pout etched on her face. "That idiot," she muttered, her voice dripping with exasperation. "Why does he have to show off like that? It's so… ugh!" Despite her words, she found herself gripping the window's edge tightly, her heart racing.
Outside the hideout, the other Black Bulls observed the fight unfold. Vanessa leaned casually against a wall, her wine bottle swaying lazily in her grip. A sly smile played on her lips as she took another swig. "First time meeting the guy, and he's already pulling out all the stops. Big man's got some style, I'll give him that."
Yami stood nearby, arms crossed as he watched with a stoic expression.
Charmy, sitting cross-legged on the grass with a plate of snacks balanced on her lap, munched absently. "They're gonna need food after this. Lots of food," she mused, popping a pastry into her mouth. "Fighting burns calories, you know!"
Gordon stood off to the side, mumbling quietly to himself, his words incomprehensible to those around him. His pale eyes, however, shone with admiration.
Gray, still disguised in her assumed form of a large man, fidgeted nervously.
---
Back on the battlefield, Luck charged forward with a wild grin, his Thunder God's Gloves sparking with raw electricity. "Come on, Asta! Don't think you're invincible just because you've got some shiny tricks!"
Asta raised Hoffnung, its golden edge glinting ominously. "You're persistent, Luck. I'll give you that."
Their clash was electric,literally. Luck's strikes came faster than the eye could follow, his fists a blur of lightning and fury. Asta parried each blow with Hoffnung, the blade absorbing the energy and reflecting it back in brilliant flashes.
Magna joined the fray, his fiery bat swinging in a wide arc. "Don't forget about me!" he roared, the flames roaring brighter with each swing.
Asta ducked beneath the swing, countering with a sweeping kick that sent Magna skidding backward. Before he could recover, Asta nocked a Heilig Pfeil onto his bow and released it. The golden arrow streaked toward Magna, but Finral's portal opened just in time, redirecting the arrow harmlessly into the sky.
"Nice save, Finral," Asta said, genuinely impressed.
Finral smirked nervously, sweat dripping down his face. "Yeah, well, I don't plan on letting you hit me with one of those!"
Gauche activated Mirror's Brigade again, this time summoning more clones than before. The battlefield became a chaotic blur of doppelgängers, all attacking Asta simultaneously.
Asta planted his feet firmly, his eyes narrowing. "You think numbers are enough to stop me?" With a mighty swing of Hoffnung, he unleashed a wave of golden energy, dispersing the clones in an instant. The real Gauche gritted his teeth, frustration evident on his face.
"Damn it," Gauche muttered. "How is he still getting stronger?"
---
In the tower, Noelle slammed her fist against the windowsill. "What the hell is that guy's deal"
Outside the hideout, Vanessa chuckled softly. "First day on the squad, and the guy's already causing a stir. Gotta admit, he's making quite the impression," she said, her voice tinged with amusement.
Yami took a long drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly. "They're pushin themselves," he said quietly. "That's what matters."
Charmy nodded enthusiastically, crumbs dotting her face. "Push harder, fight harder, eat harder! That's the Black Bulls way!"
Gordon mumbled something unintelligible, his pale fingers clasped tightly together.
---
Asta's towering form seemed almost unstoppable now, his every movement radiating power. He fired another barrage of Heilig Pfeil, the arrows exploding on impact and forcing his opponents to scatter.
"You've done well," Asta said, his voice filled with genuine respect. "But it's time to end this."
He raised Hoffnung high, the blade glowing brighter than ever. The energy around him surged, creating a golden aura that pulsed with raw power.
Magna, Luck, Gauche, and Finral regrouped, their grimoires glowing brighter as they prepared their final attack.
"We're not going down without a fight!" Magna shouted, flames erupting around him.
"Let's see who's faster!" Luck added, his grin as wild as ever.
Gauche's mirrors multiplied, reflecting their determination back at them. "Don't hold back."
Finral opened a portal behind Asta, his eyes sharp. "Now!"
The four attacked in unison, their combined might creating a dazzling display of magic and energy. Asta met them head-on, Hoffnung clashing against their spells in an explosion of light and sound.
---
When the dust finally settled, the battlefield was unrecognizable,craters and scorch marks everywhere, the air heavy with the scent of magic. Asta stood tall, his towering form slowly shrinking back to normal. Magna, Luck, Gauche, and Finral were sprawled on the ground, exhausted but alive.
"You guys…" Asta said, his voice soft as he smiled down at them. "You're incredible."
Up in the tower, Noelle sighed in relief, her tension finally easing.
Vanessa raised her bottle in a toast. "To the idiots who never give up."
Yami smirked, flicking his cigarette away. "They'll be fine."
Charmy clapped her hands together. "Time to cook!"
Gordon whispered something unintelligible, his eyes shining with pride.