Lincon's first week in the Crimson Lion Squad was intense. The days began at dawn with rigorous training led by Randall and Leopold, followed by theoretical lessons about the squad's rules and duties. Lincon quickly realized that there was no room for laziness or complacency—every member was forged in the fire of discipline.
Despite the demanding environment, Lincon adapted well. His experience as Revchi, combined with his reincarnated mindset, allowed him to absorb knowledge with ease. He refined his control over his chains, both for combat and mobility, while learning the squad's dynamics.
It was during this week that Lincon received his first mission. As always, Leopold was excited, having been appointed team leader. The task was simple: deal with a group of bandits who had been raiding caravans near the capital. Nothing particularly challenging, as Lincon had expected.
— "Of course it's an easy mission. High-level surprise missions are always reserved for the protagonists..." — Lincon muttered, recalling the countless times Asta and Yuno were thrown into perilous situations in the original story.
The mission was completed without complications. Lincon's chains immobilized the bandits before they could react, while Leopold handled their transport and delivery to the city guard. However, it was upon their return to the base that Lincon realized fate had other plans.
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An Unexpected Assignment
As soon as they arrived, a messenger was waiting at the entrance.
— "Lincon and Leopold, Captain Fuegoleon wants to see you immediately."
Exchanging curious glances, they followed the messenger to Fuegoleon's office. When they entered, the captain stood over a detailed map of the kingdom's borders, his gaze sharp and calculating.
— "You two arrived just in time," — Fuegoleon said without looking up. — "We've received urgent information. A dungeon has appeared on the border between the Clover Kingdom and the Diamond Kingdom."
Lincon's heart raced. He knew this dungeon. It was the very same one where, in the original story, Asta and Yuno faced Mars—the prodigy of the Diamond Kingdom. More importantly, it was where Yuno found the scroll containing Sylph, the wind spirit.
Fuegoleon crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful.
— "Initially, I had no intention of sending Crimson Lion members. The Golden Dawn and Black Bulls have already dispatched their teams to explore the dungeon. However..."
His gaze shifted to Lincon and Leopold.
— "Lincon, you need real field experience, and Leopold, as a future leader, must learn to command in real situations. This is the perfect opportunity for both of you. You'll go as representatives of the Crimson Lion."
Lincon froze for a moment. "This mission wasn't supposed to involve the Crimson Lions. In the original story, they never appeared here... My presence is already changing fate."
— "Your mission is to explore the dungeon, assess magical resources, and ensure no immediate threats remain. The border is unstable, and we can't allow Diamond to claim the site first." — Fuegoleon continued. — "Leopold, you will lead the team. Lincon, you'll be his right hand. Trust each other and fulfill your duty."
— "Understood, brother!" — Leopold replied eagerly, while Lincon nodded silently, already calculating the risks in his mind.
"So, this is where everything changes... Has Mars already been sent? Will Yuno and Asta be there? And more importantly—should I interfere?" — Lincon pondered, fully aware that his presence was already altering the course of known events.
What Lincon didn't know was that news of his mission had reached the ears of Gueldre Poizot. The Purple Orca captain, ever paranoid about threats to his position, was unwilling to take any risks.
— "Lincon... That boy bothers me. If he truly has any connection to Revchi, he could become a real problem." — Gueldre muttered in his dimly lit office.
Without hesitation, he summoned two of his most loyal subordinates—mages specialized in assassination and infiltration.
— "Follow them discreetly. Once they're far from the kingdom's protection, eliminate Lincon. I don't want loose ends."
The subordinates nodded and vanished into the shadows. Meanwhile, Lincon and Leopold set out for the dungeon, unaware that, besides the expected dangers and enemies, hidden forces were already in motion.