The air was thick with anticipation as Escanor, Asta, Magna, and Luck soared across the landscape, riding Magna's flaming broomstick. The burning trail left in their wake illuminated the night sky, a stark contrast to the darkened forest stretching below them.
Escanor sat at the back of the broom, arms crossed, his golden grimoire floating beside him. He had been quiet for most of the journey, absorbing the details of the mission.
Bandits.
It was a simple enough task—eliminate the threat and protect the village. Yet, Escanor felt something deeper stirring within him. He had witnessed firsthand what lawless men could do to the helpless. He would not allow such cowardice to run rampant.
Magna glanced back. "Hey, big guy, you good? You've been awfully quiet back there."
Escanor met his gaze. "Simply contemplating the fate of those who prey upon the weak."
Luck let out a laugh, sparks crackling from his fingers. "Ohhh, I like that! You're already thinking about beating them up!"
Asta pumped his fist. "That's the Black Bulls' way! We'll take them down together!"
Escanor smiled. This group, despite their chaotic nature, possessed a camaraderie that reminded him of his old comrades.
He would fight alongside them proudly.
The moment they arrived, chaos greeted them.
Fires raged through the village, houses reduced to smoldering embers. Villagers ran in terror, screams piercing the night air. A gang of bandits, clad in tattered armor, looted without mercy, their crude laughter echoing through the destruction.
Asta's grip tightened around his sword. "Those guys…!"
Magna spat in anger. "Damn scum. Time to teach 'em a lesson!"
Luck's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I call dibs on the strongest one!"
Escanor's gaze darkened. The mere sight of the destruction ignited something within him—a flame hotter than the fires around them. He stepped forward, the ground cracking beneath his weight.
"Enough."
His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable power. Even the bandits momentarily faltered, their instincts screaming at them to run.
One of the larger bandits, seemingly their leader, scoffed and stepped forward. "Hah! Look at these clowns. Some kids and a guy in a cape think they can stop us?"
Escanor smiled. "Ah, a fool who cannot see the dawn approaching."
The leader growled. "Enough talking. Kill them!"
The bandits rushed forward, weapons drawn.
Escanor sighed.
"Solar Flare: Blazing Palm!"
The moment his hand moved, a radiant explosion of light erupted from his palm, engulfing the nearest bandits in a searing wave of heat. They were sent flying, crashing through burning debris as golden flames flickered across their armor.
Asta's jaw dropped. "That's so cool!"
Magna whistled. "Damn, newbie's got style!"
Luck only grinned wider. "Oh yeah! That's what I like to see!"
The remaining bandits hesitated, stepping back. Their leader clenched his fists, eyes blazing with rage. "Tch! You think you're tough?! I have magic too!"
The bandit activated his grimoire, summoning jagged spears of dark metal. They shot forward, aiming straight for Escanor's chest.
But Escanor didn't move.
He simply raised his hand.
"Solar Guard."
A golden barrier manifested instantly, melting the spears into nothingness before they could touch him. The heat alone forced the bandit leader to step back, shielding his eyes.
Escanor lowered his hand. "You are weak."
He took a step forward.
The bandit growled and sent another barrage of attacks. But Escanor kept walking.
Another step.
The attacks melted upon impact.
Another step.
The leader trembled, sweat forming on his brow.
One final step.
Escanor was now towering over him, bathed in the warm glow of his own radiance. The bandit leader's confidence shattered in an instant.
Escanor placed a single hand on his shoulder.
"Kneel."
The sheer force behind the command—his overwhelming presence, his unyielding strength—made the bandit collapse.
The remaining bandits, witnessing their leader's humiliation, dropped their weapons and ran.
Magna laughed. "Well, that was easier than expected!"
Luck pouted. "Aw, I wanted more of a fight!"
Asta clapped Escanor on the back. "That was amazing! You didn't even have to punch him!"
Escanor smiled, satisfied.
The village was safe.
The mission was complete.
And Escanor… had taken one step closer to his true power.