Chapter 4: The Grand Capital

The trio, Lyricus, Asta, and Yuno, embarked on their journey toward the Grand Capital, marking the beginning of their Magic Knights Examination adventure. The departure was bittersweet, with Father Orsi, Sister Lily, and the children from the orphanage bidding them farewell in front of the church.

"Take care, my children. Remember, this will always be a home for you," Father Orsi warmly expressed, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and concern.

With emotions high, the trio set forth, their path filled with various encounters that unfolded the world beyond their village. From bandits to magical beasts, each challenge broadened their understanding of the diverse and sometimes perilous realm they were stepping into.

Months passed, and the trio finally reached the awe-inspiring Grand Capital. Asta, with his trademark enthusiasm, couldn't help but express his amazement, drawing perplexed looks from onlookers as he marveled at the towering buildings.

"Woah! It's so big!" Asta exclaimed, earning nods from Lyricus and Yuno. The trio, then, navigated through the bustling streets, encountering prices that left them utterly shocked.

As they headed toward the location of the Magic Knights Examination, Asta's curiosity led him to a stall where a grandma was selling roasted snake. Despite Yuno's warnings about eating just before the Exam, Asta insisted on trying the local delicacy.

"I want to see how it tastes here compared to the village!" Asta defended his choice, prompting a reluctant agreement from Yuno, who refrained from indulging himself.

What caught Lyricus's attention, however, was the unusual amount of mana within the seemingly ordinary grandma. The vibrations inside her remained strangely still, a mystery that intrigued Lyricus. Unbeknownst to them, the grandma was none other than the current Wizard King, Julius Novachrono, using his Time Magic to freeze the vibrations within him.

Thanking the grandma, the trio continued their journey, unaware of the magical presence they had encountered.

Upon reaching the examination site, they joined the line with fellow examinees. However, Asta's worn-out grimoire garnered comments, while Yuno's rare four-leaf clover grimoire caused a stir. Lyricus, with his three-leaf grimoire, went unnoticed.

Inside the examination area, anti-mana birds swarmed the candidates. Asta's presence attracted them, but Lyricus and Yuno swiftly intervened, showcasing their magic to divert the birds' attention.

This display of power did not escape unnoticed eyes, and some individuals took note of the duo's capabilities.

While waiting for the exam to commence, Asta's clumsiness led to a confrontation with an odd-looking man. Asta's unintentional comment about the man's age triggered a brief scuffle, revealing Asta's surprising physical strength.

When a young man named Yami intervened, Lyricus noticed the immense mana within him. Yami, revealed to be the odd-looking man, possessed substantial magical power.

"Oi brat, I'm gonna watch you," Yami declared to Asta before heading off, leaving the trio to speculate about the mysterious man's identity.

As the trio pondered, a young man with a sleep-deprived companion approached Yami, signaling the beginning of the Exam.

"You and your recklessness. That man is very strong, with a huge amount of mana," Lyricus warned, referring to Yami.

"He's also very strong physically. I barely moved him," Asta added, still in awe.

The trio speculated about the mysterious man's identity, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery in the Grand Capital.

To be Continued: