The sun shone brightly over the Clover Kingdom's capital, illuminating the bustling crowd gathered to witness the Magic Knight Entrance Exam. Candidates from all corners of the kingdom filled the vast testing grounds, each carrying dreams of glory and recognition. Among them, Lincon stood calmly, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings.
As he waited, Lincon reflected on his current situation. I possess all of Revchi's magical knowledge, he thought, arms crossed. Even if he wasn't the strongest Magic Knight, years of combat experience, tactics, and survival skills are invaluable advantages.
The fusion of their souls had done more than stabilize him in this body. Lincon could feel that his abilities hadn't just remained intact—they had grown stronger. His mana was now at least one-third greater than the original Revchi's. Every spell flowed more smoothly; every movement was sharper.
Fuegoleon Vermillion, the leader of the Crimson Lion squad, stepped forward, raising his hand to capture everyone's attention.
— "Welcome to the Magic Knight Entrance Exam!" — he announced, his voice echoing across the field. — "Today, we will test your magical abilities, intellect, and combat skills. Only the most qualified will pass."
First Test: Broom Flight
The initial tests began with basic evaluations: mana control, spell precision, and raw magical power.
The first challenge was broom flight. Many candidates struggled to even lift off the ground, while others wobbled uncontrollably. However, two figures stood out immediately: Yuno and Lincon. Yuno soared gracefully, as though he'd been born in the air, while Lincon maneuvered with flawless control, effortlessly gliding above the others.
Well, if I couldn't excel at something as basic as broom flight after inheriting years of Revchi's experience, I'd be a complete waste, Lincon thought, a faint smirk crossing his lips as he hovered confidently.
The examiners took notes, murmuring about the ease with which the two candidates handled the task.
Precision and Control
The tests progressed, and Lincon continued to advance through each stage with ease, manipulating his chains as though they were extensions of his own body.
— "Chain Magic: Relentless Siege!" — Lincon muttered, launching a flurry of chains that struck every wooden target with surgical precision.
The examiners whispered among themselves, clearly impressed by the flawless execution. Lincon showed no arrogance; he understood that his strength came not from mere talent but from Revchi's accumulated years of practice.
It's not just raw power, Lincon thought, watching other candidates struggle with control. It's experience. Knowing when to strike, when to retreat, and how to adapt magic to the environment.
He also noted how much stronger his body had become. The physical training Revchi endured over the years had been amplified after their soul fusion. His reflexes were faster; his muscles more resilient. It was as though he had unlocked the full potential of that body.
Between tests, Lincon observed the other participants. Some clearly had talent, but they lacked control and real-world experience. He recognized a few familiar faces — figures he knew from watching Black Clover in his previous life.
— Interesting... — he muttered to himself. — Even though I know how the story should unfold, my presence is already changing things.
The Captains' Observation
From the elevated stands, the nine captains of the Magic Knight squads watched closely, each with their unique expressions, evaluating the candidates with experienced eyes.
— "Who is that boy?" — asked Fuegoleon Vermillion, leaning forward. — "His chain magic is extraordinarily refined. It feels more like the work of a veteran than a novice."
— "I agree," — replied Nozel Silva, arms crossed. — "The control he has over mana is unusual for someone just entering the exam."
— "Heh, maybe he's just showing off more than he's worth," — Jack the Ripper sneered, his sharp grin widening. — "But I'll admit, he's got style."
Charlotte Roselei, ever reserved, watched silently, while Yami Sukehiro blew a puff of smoke from his cigarette.
— "That kid's got guts," — Yami muttered, smirking. — "And his mana… it feels different. Denser. Like it's been tempered by something."
— "Hmm..." — murmured Dorothy Unsworth, briefly opening one eye. — "He doesn't seem nervous at all. Confidence or arrogance?"
Rill, always enthusiastic, nodded energetically. — "It doesn't matter! Look at the precision of his spells! It's like he's painting a perfect picture with every move!"
Gueldre's Suspicion
Gueldre Poizot, the captain of the Purple Orca squad, narrowed his eyes as he observed Lincon's performance. The chains Lincon wielded bore an uncanny resemblance to those of his former subordinate, Revchi Salik — a mage Gueldre had once framed and expelled from the squad.
— "That magic..." — Gueldre muttered under his breath. — "It can't be a coincidence. Could he be related to Revchi? Or perhaps..."
Unease settled in Gueldre's stomach. The possibility of someone connected to Revchi resurfacing was troubling, especially considering the lengths he'd gone to eliminate any loose ends.
— "I need to keep a close eye on this one," — he thought, masking his discomfort behind a stoic facade.
The Challenge: Lincon vs. Asta
When the time came for the combat portion of the exam, Lincon surprised everyone by choosing his opponent: Asta.
Whispers broke out among the candidates. Many thought choosing Asta was like picking an easy target, given his lack of mana. But Lincon knew the truth. He recognized Asta's latent strength and wanted to face him for that exact reason.
If I truly want to test my limits, I need someone who will push me further. And this kid… he's different.
Asta, on the other hand, widened his eyes upon hearing his name called.
— "Lincon?!" — he exclaimed, surprised. — "You're the guy with the chains! The one who helped me and Yuno against those bandits!"
Lincon smiled, nodding.
— "That's right, Asta." — He raised his hand, and his Chain Grimoire glowed brightly. — "Back then, I saw you weren't just some ordinary kid. If I'm going to fight, I want it to be against someone strong. And you are strong."
Asta's eyes sparkled with excitement.
— "Finally! Someone who actually takes me seriously!" — he exclaimed, jumping into the makeshift arena. — "Let's do this!"
The two stared at each other for a moment. Lincon could feel the pure determination radiating from Asta. It wasn't arrogance or bravado but the unwavering conviction of someone who would never give up.
— "Don't disappoint me, Asta." — Lincon reinforced the chains around his body. — "Show me what you're truly capable of."
The examiner raised his hand, signaling the start of the match.
— "Begin!"
Lincon smiled, his chains swirling around him like serpents ready to strike. Asta, gripping his anti-magic sword tightly, eyes shining with determination, charged forward.
Now this will be a real test, Lincon thought, advancing to meet the challenge head-on.