Chapter 5: Aqua Deers

The trio underwent various tests during the examination, with Asta struggling to perform any of them. However, Lyricus and Yuno garnered attention from many captains and participants due to their spectacular performances. The final test was a 2 vs. 2 match, and Asta chose to team up with a person named Sekki.

Lyricus and Yuno decided to find partners for themselves. Lyricus opted to fight a noble with fire magic who had a decent amount of mana.

Lyricus's match ended almost as soon as it began. He used his enchanted wooden harp to produce vibrations and sent them to the fire mage. With a swift incantation, 'Vibration Magic: Sonic Resonance,' the vibrations went unnoticed, defeating the fire mage.

Yuno concluded his match rapidly by summoning a massive tornado, while Asta utilized his physical strength and sword to finish his opponent.

Now it was time for the captains to decide who would be accepted into the Magic Knights. When it was Lyricus's turn, all the captains, except for those from the Blue Rose and Golden Dawn, raised their hands. Contemplating his options, Lyricus made his choice.

"I choose Aqua Deer," he declared, his gut instincts leading him to this decision.

Next, Yuno had all the captains, including Blue Rose and Golden Dawn, raising their hands. He chose the Golden Dawn.

Asta faced a different scenario. No squad raised their hand to accept him. However, a confrontation with the Captain of the Black Bulls ensued, leading Asta to join that squad. The three bid farewell, and as they were leaving, Lyricus intervened to stop Sekki from harming Asta. He used his magic, 'Vibration Magic: Sonic Detonation,' to incapacitate Sekki with a loud noise.

The trio then said their goodbyes, and Lyricus followed Captain Rill of the Aqua Deer to their base. They rode on a magic carpet, while travelling, Captain Rill started a conversation.

"There are three people who have joined the Aqua Deers today, amuhuhu," Rill said with his eccentric laughter.

"I'm Daniel," the brown-haired teen said with a shy smile, his eyes reflecting both humility and enthusiasm. "Just a commoner with Bread Magic."

The silver-haired man, appearing calm and collected, introduced himself, "I'm Trix, 16 years old, Earth Magic." His composed demeanor hinted at a wisdom beyond his years, and his silver locks added an air of distinctive elegance to his presence.

The recruits introduced themselves, and Lyricus, noticing the enormous mana of the other two, introduced himself as well. "I'm Lyricus, from the Forsaken Realm, Vibration Magic."

"Anyway, welcome, you three, to the Aqua Deers!" Captain Rill exclaimed with infectious enthusiasm, gesturing towards a breathtaking castle on the horizon. "In terms of age, our squad is the oldest, though it hasn't always been named Aqua Deers. That history gives our squad a solid foundation. Also, fun fact, the current Wizard King is from our squad. I'll introduce you to the other members tomorrow, but for now, just rest. This is Eric," he said, pointing to a brown-haired man, "and he'll show you to your rooms."

The squad's living arrangements were explained, and they were handed Aqua Deer robes. Captain Rill bid them goodnight, and they were shown to their rooms.

In his spacious and grand assigned room, Lyricus sat amidst the furniture—a bed, a table, a cabinet—luxuries he hadn't quite grown accustomed to compared to the humble setting of the church.

"Melodia," he called softly, and a silver ball with wings materialized before him.

"It seems you're bored," Lyricus observed, gently stroking the small metallic orb. It emitted a soft glow in response, communicating something to him.

"I'm sorry, but I can't risk someone seeing you, especially with those powerful Captains around," Lyricus apologized, his tone filled with regret.

The silver ball responded with a subtle hum, understanding its master's concerns.

"Alright then, let's rest now, okay?" Lyricus coaxed, a hint of reassurance in his voice.

As he settled into his bed, not a minute later, Lyricus drifted into a deep sleep, the silver-winged ball hovering protectively over him, a silent guardian in the night.