Light's plan

After the Grimoire Acceptance Ceremony, William slipped away, his exit so swift that Wizard Doruo had no opportunity to extend an invitation.

Wizard Doruo's disappointed gaze followed the vanishing figure of the masked man. This should have been a momentous occasion for Hage Village, a rare find, but the elusive newcomer had managed to elude them.

...

With the newfound power of the Dark Grimoire coursing through him, William enacted his first spell: Permeation Magic - Dark Cloak.

His form transformed into a shadowy silhouette, veiled in an even darker shroud. To any observer, he would appear as little more than an ordinary shadow, albeit one considerably more ominous.

...

Silent as the night, William traversed the landscape, closing in on the humble chapel of Father Orsi. His destination: Light's room.

Yet, he did not enter. Instead, he positioned himself beside the room's window. Within slept three young boys - Asta and Yuno, beside Light.

As night drew near, Light, Asta, and Yuno had retired to their beds, still children in need of rest. Light's heightened senses detected William's presence, a flicker of darkness in the room, signaling a newfound skill granted by the Grimoire.

After all, it bore a three-leaf clover, a symbol of great potential.

...

Light, with the grace of a cat, slipped out of the window, his movements like a shadow in the moonlight. Before him, William, now empowered by newfound magic, awaited.

"Good. You've made progress," Light remarked, his smile reflecting contentment.

"All thanks to your guidance, Master. Without your superior power and the Grimoire, I would never have reached this level," William replied, his tone reverent. He knelt before Light, demonstrating his respect.

"It's essential to remember your place," Light chuckled, his gaze piercing William's form as the latter kneeled and bowed even lower, acknowledging his position.

"As you are undoubtedly aware, considering my transmission through the Death Flame within you, I have summoned you with a specific task," Light articulated in a measured tone.

"I am fully aware, Master. I shall fulfill any duty you assign to me," William humbly pledged.

"Your duty," Light revealed, "is to become a Magic Knight."

"A Magic Knight?" William inquired, puzzled. He struggled to grasp why he needed to leave Light's side when he possessed a potent Grimoire, believing it would allow him to remain by his master's side.

"Hehe... Don't fret. This duty is pivotal for my plan," Light chuckled, peering into William's thoughts via the Death Flame.

William had no choice but to await Light's explanation, his silence an affirmation of his obedience.

"Your task is straightforward: join a Magic Knight Squad. The choice of squad is yours, whether it's the prestigious and powerful Golden Dawn or the less esteemed and weaker Black Bulls..." Light spoke, and before William could respond, Light added, "Though it would be preferable if you joined a powerful and influential squad."

Suppressing his initial inclination to select a weaker squad for the sake of convenience, William resolved to strive for admission into a formidable squad, whether it be the Golden Dawn, the Silver Eagle, or the Crimson Lion. Still, he couldn't fathom why this was necessary.

"You may be wondering about the purpose of this directive..." Light chuckled, having delved into William's thoughts through the Death Flame.

"The purpose is quite simple," Light continued, locking eyes with William. "To become strong." He delivered this statement directly and without suspense.

"Strong?" William, still kneeling, remained perplexed. While strength was undeniably important, he struggled to comprehend its significance within Master's grand plan.

"To explain," Light shook his head, "is equally simple. Once you've achieved strength, amass loyal subordinates under the guise of strengthening your squad's force. Together, we shall create my own force," Light revealed, his intentions laid bare.

The realization struck William, filling him with deep admiration for Master Light. "Your will is my command, Master!"

...

...

...

Several days passed, and to Father Orsi's relief, William embarked on his journey to become a Magic Knight.

In the early morning light, as was his routine, Asta was bursting with energy, while, curiously, Yuno hadn't shed a tear in these recent days.

Light went about his business, setting a fire and placing timber inside a square box with a kettle on top to heat water.

"Morning, Light," greeted a girl slightly younger than Asta, Yuno, and Light. Her name was Recca.

Recca anticipated that Light would ignore her, as he often did. But to her surprise, Light nodded and initiated a conversation. "Hey, I have a question."

Recca was taken aback but nodded eagerly, thrilled at the prospect of conversing with Light, who usually remained composed and aloof.

Light drew nearer, his presence so close that Recca could feel his breath. "Do you find Yuno's recent behavior odd?" Light whispered in her ear, causing Recca to blush uncontrollably.

"Hey," Light waved his hand in front of Recca's dazed eyes.

Recca snapped out of her daze, now thoroughly embarrassed. Even though she and Light shared the same living space, she found him somewhat mysterious. His sudden proximity left her flustered, especially considering Light's undeniable handsomeness.

Unbeknownst to Recca, Light was merely in the mood for a bit of playful teasing. His good spirits were a result of his grand plan, steadily taking shape right before his eyes, as he moved closer to his ambition of becoming a formidable figure in the world.

Asta spotted them and enthusiastically greeted, "Morning!!! LIGHT!"

Asta's boisterous shout was particularly directed at Light.

"Morning, Mr. Sanguine," Light replied with a nod.

Asta couldn't help but be taken aback by Light's unusual optimism. A smile graced Asta's face, and even Yuno, who was typically the crybaby, exhibited newfound determination. The usually reserved Light seemed to be more talkative, leaving those around him intrigued about the change.

Light, however, remained unaware of Asta's thoughts, as only those bound by the Death Flame had their innermost thoughts revealed to him, such as William.

...

Time flowed by, and before anyone realized it, Asta, Yuno, and Light had reached the age of 15, on the verge of claiming the long-anticipated and eagerly awaited Grimoires that would shape their destinies.

The Grimoire Light had been eagerly awaiting drew nearer with each passing moment.

On that day...

The day I shall forge my legend...

To become the most formidable and virtuous mage in history...

A vigilante, or whatever name they may assign to me.

I am Light, the one who will craft my legend upon this world. The one destined to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked and inspire reverence among the righteous.