Six months had passed since Revchi's awakening. During this time, he had trained relentlessly, honing his skills with the Chain Grimoire. His second grimoire, the Inert Transfiguration Grimoire, remained an absolute secret. Revealing it could attract Lucius's attention, something he knew would not end well.
Using the contacts from Revchi's original memories, he secured something essential: a new identity. Now, he was Lincon, a young man from a border village. This change in name and background was crucial for his next goal: to take the Magic Knight exam.
But what to do in this new world still troubled him. Lincon spent days reflecting until an idea struck him. If he was here, why not aim for the top? Why not compete with Asta and Yuno for the title of Wizard King? If he was to live in this world, he would live to be the best.
During this period, Lincon encountered two young men during an unexpected incident.
Night had already fallen over the region, and the grimoire distribution had ended. The sky was starry, but the tranquility was deceptive. Two young boys walked back to Hage Village, discussing the day's events. One, with silver hair and a serene gaze, held his newly acquired wind grimoire. The other, shorter, with spiky hair and overflowing energy, grumbled in frustration.
— I can't believe it! Everyone got a grimoire except me! — complained the shorter one, kicking a rock along the path.
— Maybe it's because you have no magic? — teased the other, his usual calm tone evident.
Before the shorter one could retort, a sudden crack echoed through the air. Sparks danced among the trees, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. Three figures emerged from the shadows—three mages, each holding a three-leaf grimoire. Their tattered clothes marked them as fugitives.
— Hand over anything valuable — growled the first, a burly man with dark hair. His grimoire glowed yellow as he cast "Lightning Magic: Static Spear".
— We don't have anything for you! — snapped the spiky-haired boy, clenching his fists.
— Then your lives will do — replied another, lean and sharp-eyed, flames dancing around his hands. "Fire Magic: Scorching Whip".
The third, a short man with a sadistic grin, raised his hands. "Rope Magic: Constricting Prison". Thick ropes slithered across the ground toward the silver-haired boy, who agilely leapt backward.
Lincon, observing from a distance, sighed. He hadn't planned to interfere, but leaving two kids to face experienced mages didn't sit right with him. With a fluid motion, he opened his Chain Grimoire.
— "Chain Magic: Restrictive Domain!" — he muttered.
Silver chains shot out at high speed, intercepting the ropes before they could reach the silver-haired boy. The sparks from the lightning spear dissipated as another chain coiled around the magical weapon, grounding the energy into the earth.
— Who are you?! — exclaimed the rope mage, stepping back.
— Just someone tired of seeing idiots like you terrorizing villages — Lincon replied, advancing. — Hey, you two! If you've got any tricks, now's the time!
— I don't need magic for this! — shouted the spiky-haired boy, clenching his fists.
At that exact moment, something unexpected happened. The sky flickered for an instant, and a black five-leaf grimoire slowly descended in front of him. The boy's eyes widened as the book hovered before him.
— A grimoire?! — the silver-haired boy exclaimed, surprised.
— Five leaves… — Lincon muttered, recognizing the cursed symbol.
Without hesitation, the boy grabbed the grimoire, instinctively pulling a massive black sword from its pages. With a determined cry, he charged at the rope mage, slicing through the bindings like paper.
The other, seizing the distraction, cast "Wind Magic: Celestial Scythe", forcing the fire mage to retreat to avoid the sharp cut.
Lincon didn't stand idle. His chains moved like serpents, capturing the lightning mage before he could cast another spell. The chains tightened with controlled force, slamming him to the ground.
— You've got potential, kid — Lincon said, sending another chain to bind the fire mage. — But magic without control is just waste.
— And you're kind of bossy! — retorted the boy with the black sword, knocking out the last enemy with a direct strike.
The bandits were quickly immobilized, groaning on the ground as Lincon sealed their magic with reinforced chains.
After the battle, the three stood facing each other, breathing heavily. The silver-haired boy spoke first.
— You're not from around here. And your magic… it's not ordinary.
Lincon smirked.
— Let's just say I'm new around here. Lincon, from the borderlands. — He extended his hand, and the boy hesitated before shaking it.
— I'm Yuno — he said, pointing to himself. — And this noisy one here…
— Asta! — the other finished, with a broad smile. — Thanks for the help, Lincon!
Lincon nodded, maintaining a neutral expression. Internally, his thoughts were clear: Of course, I know who you are… But revealing that now would only complicate things.
— It was nothing — he said, closing his grimoire. — Take care. The way back to the village is still long.
— Will do! — Asta exclaimed, already running ahead excitedly. Yuno, more reserved, simply nodded before following.
Lincon watched them disappear down the dirt road, a faint smile on his lips. Asta and Yuno… So, fate is still following its course, even with my presence. Interesting.
With that in mind, he turned in the opposite direction, heading toward the capital, determined to forge his own path to the top.
The bandits still groaned, tied on the ground, and Lincon made sure to leave them there, knowing that Magic Knights would soon patrol the area. Walking under the moonlight, he reflected on his progress over the past months. He was no longer the bitter man who had reincarnated into this body. Now, he had a purpose, unexpected allies, and power still far from fully explored.
— If I'm going to live in this world — he murmured to himself — I'll do it my way. And that means reaching the top. Wizard King? Why not?