Chapter 3: The Unveiling Bonds

Morning arrived with a vibrant sky, signaling the commencement of the highly anticipated Grimoire Acceptance Ceremony. The air buzzed with excitement as youths, regardless of their status, prepared to receive Grimoires from the Grimoire Tower—a magical book granting access to spells beyond their natural abilities.

The world was divided into four kingdoms: Spade Kingdom, Diamond Kingdom, Heart Kingdom, and Clover Kingdom. Within the Clover Kingdom were three regions: The Noble Realm, The Common Realm, and The Forsaken Realm. Hage Village found its place on the outskirts of The Forsaken Realm, a realm marked by poverty and weakness.

As the youth, including Lyricus, Yuno, and Asta, made their way to the Grimoire Tower, a mixture of nerves and excitement filled the air. Asta, in particular, voiced his uncertainty about receiving a Grimoire.

"I wonder if I'll get a Grimoire," Asta pondered aloud.

"Of course, just trust yourself," Yuno reassured, his confidence unwavering.

"I'm sure you'll get one," Lyricus added, a calming presence among the trio.

Asta's hesitation was rooted in Lyricus discovering his uniqueness, a revelation that played out in a flashback.

Flashback: 11 years ago:

In the recesses of Lyricus's memory, alongside his constant companion, a grey ball, there existed a perpetual awareness of vibrations resonating within all things—whether animate or inanimate. However, the distinction lay in the nuanced nature of this sensation; living entities emitted a different vibration than their lifeless counterparts.

Intrigued by this peculiarity, Lyricus couldn't resist sharing his discovery with Father Orsi. "Father Orsi!" he called out, relaying the intricacies of the vibrations he discerned, especially the absence of a certain type within Asta.

Father Orsi, a fountain of wisdom, elucidated, "What you are sensing is mana—a force inherent in every being, the very essence that gives rise to magic."

Perplexed, Lyricus questioned, "But why can't I feel mana within Asta?"

A shadow of concern clouded Father Orsi's face as he contemplated the implications. Lyricus further clarified, "I consistently perceive that distinct vibration in the surroundings, yet it eludes me within Asta."

A sudden realization struck Father Orsi. "Wait a minute, Asta!" he exclaimed, his worry palpable.

As the truth unfolded, it became evident that Asta harbored not even the smallest trace of mana—a revelation that weighed heavily on the young boy. Overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy, Asta withdrew into solitude, seeking solace within the confines of his room.

Lyricus, bearing a burden of guilt, bowed his head apologetically. Floating near his shoulder, the grey ball seemed to reflect the somber atmosphere. Attempting to console Lyricus, Asta reassured him, "It's okay, Ly. It's not your fault."

The room fell into a contemplative silence until Yuno, breaking the stillness, exclaimed, "So what if you don't have magic! You still have yourself! Use your body! Why are you giving up? Aren't you going to be the Wizard King?"

The unexpected outburst from Yuno startled Lyricus and Asta. In an uncharacteristic display of emotion, Lyricus joined in, encouraging Asta with newfound fervor. "Right! Work hard, Asta! I know you will achieve whatever you desire!"

From that pivotal moment, the trio embarked on a shared journey, rising with the dawn to engage in rigorous training. Yuno harnessed the power of Wind Magic, Lyricus delved into the finesse of Vibration Magic, and Asta honed his physical prowess.

This routine persisted through the passage of time, ushering them into their teenage years. Despite Asta's initial struggles, he not only caught up to his companions but also surpassed them in certain aspects of combat capability. Their unity forged through unwavering determination became the bedrock of a bond that transcended magical disparities, setting the stage for the extraordinary path that lay ahead.

Back to the Present:

The trio reached the tower, greeted by an elderly man on a flying carpet stationed at its center. Engaging the crowd, the old man expressed a desire for someone from the outskirts to become a magic knight. With a flick of his hand, the grimoires began to gracefully float toward their rightful recipients.

Amidst the spectacle, a brilliant green grimoire caught the attention of onlookers, prompting excited whispers.

"Is that a four-leaf clover grimoire?"

"It is!"

The coveted Four-Leaf Clover Grimoire made its way to Yuno, bestowing its blessings upon him.

Lyricus received a Three-Leaf Grimoire, its seemingly unassuming exterior concealing an underlying power that resonated in the surrounding space.

Turning their attention to Asta, both Lyricus and Yuno observed him cradling a black-red, worn-out grimoire.

"Didn't we assure you that you'd receive one?" Yuno remarked with a smile.

"Yeah," Asta replied, his eyes betraying a hint of teary emotion.

With a sense of relief etched across his face, Lyricus suggested, "Let's return home and share the good news."

The trio departed the Grimoire Tower, leaving behind an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. The townspeople, witnessing the youths from the outskirts receiving such powerful grimoires, couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected turn of events.

Asta clutched his black-red grimoire tightly, still processing the fact that he, without a shred of mana, had received a grimoire. The worn-out appearance of his grimoire intrigued the onlookers. Some speculated it was a rare and ancient type, while others whispered about its mysterious aura.

As the trio made their way back to Hage Village, Lyricus couldn't help but inquire about Asta's unique circumstances.

"Asta, do you have any idea why your grimoire looks so different?" Lyricus asked, genuine curiosity etched on his face.

Asta scratched his head, still trying to fathom the situation. "I have no clue. Maybe it's because I don't have any magic? But hey, who cares! I got one, and that's what matters!"

Yuno chuckled at Asta's carefree attitude, appreciating the positive energy. The villagers, who had initially doubted Asta, now looked at him with newfound respect.

Back in Hage Village, the news of the Grimoire Acceptance Ceremony spread like wildfire. The villagers gathered in the central square, eager to hear the details. Father Orsi stood at the forefront, awaiting the return of the trio.

As the friends approached the village, the villagers erupted in cheers. The old man with the flying carpet had made a swift return, spreading the news of the exceptional grimoires bestowed upon the youths from the Forsaken Realm.

Father Orsi, with a smile on his face, welcomed the trio back. "Tell us, my children, what grimoires did you receive?"

Yuno proudly displayed his Four-Leaf Clover Grimoire, its radiance captivating the crowd. The villagers marveled at the rarity of such a grimoire.

Lyricus showcased his Three-Leaf Grimoire, and although it appeared ordinary, the subtle vibrations it emitted intrigued the villagers.

Lastly, all eyes turned to Asta as he proudly revealed his black-red grimoire. Gasps of surprise and whispers of curiosity filled the air.

"Asta, my boy, that's truly a unique grimoire. I've never seen anything like it," Father Orsi remarked, studying the worn-out pages.

The trio shared their experiences at the Grimoire Tower, and the villagers listened intently. Days turned into weeks, and the trio continued their rigorous training, each unlocking the secrets of their grimoires.