Competence

I spent my whole life in my world being ridiculed for having no magic, and now I end up in one where it's normal and few care. That should make me happy, yet it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth - Asta

— — — — — — — — — — —

Pov Asta

It aches, everything hurts. My ribs, my head, my legs, my arms, everything. Nero, Charmy, and Mimosa did a nice job in patching me up between sealing my worst injuries, then healing them greatly, and filling my stomach with some yummy treats. But it still hurts. I'm used to being unable to use magic, but now it looks like a side effect of Devil Union with an Anti Magic devil is some (unintentional) added magic immunity, even when I'm not assimilating with the said devil. Thus greatly diminishing the effects of any magical medical aid. 

I look at my right arm. What was once humane is now permanently corrupted, dyed black with blood-red cragged markings and crimson fingers. I'm not self-conscious about it or anything, after all, it's the proof of my bond with Liebe. It just kind of annoys me that all of the magic interference is coming from this thing, and I can't seem to turn it off. At this rate, I'm going to have to miss my daily reps. God knows Noelle, for some reason, would chew me out if I tried. What's with that anyway?

As if reading my thoughts, my adopted brother materialized from our grimoire in his (adorable) chibi familiar form onto my shoulder. 

"Sorry about that, Asta!" Liebe shouts as he begins to float in front of me. And I would have been a little thankful if I couldn't see that creeping smile on his face. Well, he did just get to avenge hi-our mother by slaughtering the king of devils himself… even if it was only half of him, and fulfilled a decade-long promise. So I'd say he has the right to be happy. 

I couldn't fight the smile twitching upwards on my mouth either, so I didn't hold it against him. Besides some aching bones are nothing compared to much of what I've been through in life. I can tolerate a few days of bed rest, and a little time to be back in peak condition. After all, we just beat the big bad boss, so the continent will be at peace, and I'll have a lot more time on my hands than to know what to do with it, right?

"No need for that, Liebe. I should be thanking you instead." I say softly, smiling as he drifts back onto my shoulders and I gaze across the barren rubble that is the Spade Kingdom in the aftermath of the war, perched upon the fallen clock tower. 

"Huh?" My adopted brother questioned in puzzlement, obviously not the response he was expecting.

My gaze grew focused and serious. "Maybe it was just in your memories, but because of you I got to see my mom. I was never mad at her for abandoning me or anything but…". I turned to face my partner, and my heavy expression was replaced with a genuine smile. "Just finding out she loved me… made me really happy!!"

I patiently watched as silence engulfed us and Liebe's face contorted into a mess of shock and bewilderment. 

"You idiot…" He began, his voice wavering a bit, as he fought back some nonexistent tears. "That's my line. Because of you, I got to avenge Lichita's death. Thanks, Asta." 

After a moment of gathering himself, he smiled so brightly in a matter devoid of any maliciousness that you'd never believe he was a devil unless you knew better. "Now it's my turn to make your dream come true!! Geh heh!"

My smile grew wider as I answered his vow. "Yeah!!" As if feeling some connection with my rival I began to shout out my goal "I'm going to become the wiz-."

I cut off my own voice as my pupils dilated and I began to process what was forming in front of me. The very thing that haunted my dreams, ever since the day Captain Yami was captured. The very thing that turned my squad's short-lived shouts of joy at defeating Dante into utter misery, self-hatred, and despair.

My throat hitched as I saw that very same black gate, that void, from where my captain was skewered and kidnapped materialize in front of me without a sound. I would never mistake this presence, this ki, but how? How?! Yuno defeated Zenon, he killed Zenon, it's just not possible! And why does it feel stronger?! Purer?!

As that gate began to collapse on me and Liebe, I screamed inwardly at the fact that the timeout from Devil Union wasn't up. It was even worse due to the overexertion against Lucifero, depriving us of using any of our powers whatsoever for the short term. As that gate began to swallow us, unforgiving and merciless to our cries of despair and frustration, all I could do was give it a right hook in anger. And despite the darkness consuming us, I could make out the surroundings rippling and space destabilizing, as my consciousness began to slip, barely registering Liebe taking refuge in our grimoire, it struck me. Maybe I shouldn't have done that.

As the suffocating pressure from this immeasurable and infinite void began to sharply increase and it started to crack and fragment like a mirror, I knew any further resistance was pointless. Perhaps because of that my fury gave way to cold indifference. Well, I'll deal with it when I wake up… if I ever wake up. I sighed in exasperation, letting my fatigue overpower my will to stay awake and drift to sleep.

— — — — — — — — — — —

Pov Yuno Grinberryall

"Finally I feel better," I mutter self inwardly. I had to wait my turn to get treated by Mimosa, as there were a lot of people in worse condition than me. Not just the civilians, but also the remnants of the Spade Kingdom's resistance and Magic Defense Force were heavily injured just from the stray pressure of Lucifero's gravity. 

Well, not that I'm complaining either way. Technically they're my people and I'm their prince but even if that wasn't the case simply being a Magic Knight of the Clover Kingdom is enough reason to prioritize their wellbeing.

My brother has endured a lot more in life, so I was able to tolerate some scraps and bruises. Though Bell's continuous screeches for me to fix myself, citing as her "Darling Prince should always be everyone's priority", did make the wait needlessly more challenging. 

 The captains weren't in the best shape either, if it wasn't for Rill's spell, they'd be long dead. And of course, no one would dare mention it but that Lioness did not look the prettiest after being sucker punched by the King of Devils. Of course, I shouldn't have been surprised that the first thing she did after getting treated was challenge me to a duel, and only me, because it seems even she has enough tact to understand that my stupid brother is gonna be out of commission for a little while.

Thank god for star magic and conjunction, escape was my only choice because she wouldn't take no for an answer. I teleported far away from her to where the reconstruction work was already getting underway. As I perused the rubble of my place of birth and the civilians who looked at me with curiosity and dare I say… hope. I felt heavy and a little annoyed. 

I spent my whole life being Yuno of Hage, a peasant from the clover kingdom. And now in a week's time, you expect me to become Yuno Grinberryall, Prince of the Spade Kingdom? To be your salvation and your protector? I have friends, family, responsibilities, and people who rely on me back in Clover. But most of all I have a dream and a promise to keep with my rival, and never tell him but the person I admired most growing up and still do admire albeit in a different way.

"I need to get out of here," I mutter to myself once more. Perhaps because of our mental bond further amplified by achieving Saint Stage (as Noelle called it), Bell was able to pick up on my foul mood and opted for silence. 

Just then I paused as from within my shadows, someone arose. I wasn't that surprised or on guard as my mana sense was able to clearly identify who this presence belonged to. After all, I did just fight a Life or life-or-death battle alongside him, so if I couldn't even do that much…well then I would have to start questioning my worthiness for the four-leaf grimoire.

Vice Captain Nacht Faust of the Black Bulls, made his presence known in front of me. He took a long look at me, appearing to be assessing my appearance and once it was clear that I met his requirements for cleanliness he gave me a small approving nod, before speaking up. "Yuno, There's someone I need you to meet." And before I could respond we both sank into his shadow as we (if I was correct) burrowed underground before popping into a room adorned with brick walls and a wood-patterned ceiling.

But my focus wasn't on that as my eyes widened to take in the figure in front of me. The same figure that appeared in my awakened memories, by the spell caused by Ralph Niaflem. The same figure who looked at me with such unconditional love and care, rendering me speechless. The figure who I presumed my entire life abandoned me or was long dead alongside the gruff regal man that should've been my father. Was standing before me…alive, her enchanting blue eyes boring into me with that same loving gaze, as she sported a light blush.

From behind me, Nacht began to speak, putting an end to the awkward silence that engulfed us. "This is the current queen of the Spade Kingdom, Her Royal Highness Ciel Grinberryall. Your mother".

Mother, huh? Something I never had growing up, something I thought I'd never have. I inhaled a dry lump in my throat as my partner squealed in my ear. "She looks just like you!"

Tears ran down her face as my mot-Ciel looked at me in joy and began to speak "Yuno…! I'm so glad you're safe. Just look at you...you're all grown up!" From behind her the remnants of the Magic Defense Force and Ralph hurriedly approached behind her got on one knee and looked at me eager to speak.

I watched in silence as they took turns speaking without awaiting my response.

The resistance leader Albert went first. "Master Yuno! Would you return to the Spade Kingdom?!" Ralph followed his lead, equally sweating as he spoke. "Our nation is going to need your power!!"

Bell buzzed in my ear once more. "Yuno!! You'll be king! King! Eeee!!"

The tears stopped flowing from Ciel's face as she could pick up the change in mood and continued. "Yuno…there are many things I need to tell you. You may not be able to accept them right away, but…"

I inhaled a deep breath and gave them the answer that I've been pondering ever since I found out I was Spade Kingdom royalty. "I can't speak for the future. That said, there's a vow I have to keep first. The man I made that vow to is my family in the clover kingdom...my good friend...and my rival." I looked at their mixed expressions and steeled my resolve as I met Ciel's gaze. "I'm going to become the wiz-."

I cut off my own voice as my pupils dilated and I began to process what was forming in front of me. The very thing that haunted my dreams, ever since the day Captain Vengeance was captured. The very thing from where bones sprouted that reaped the lives of my squad members mercilessly like the grim reaper. That made me feel powerless in a way I never felt since the day that man stole my necklace and I had to watch my brother get pummeled ruthlessly for my sake just to retrieve it. 

My throat hitched as I saw that very same black gate, that void, from where my captain was skewered and kidnapped materialize in front of me without a sound. I would never mistake this presence, this mana, but how? How?! I defeated Zenon, I killed Zenon, it's just not possible! And why does it feel stronger?! Purer?!

As the void began to swallow me I prepared to teleport away from using conjunction. But just as my star nodes were beginning to form, from within the gate an arm that I would never mistake for another, as it belonged to my rival and brother, charged right at me. I ducked hurriedly to avoid being sucker punched in the face.

But my relief was short-lived as I looked up to see an unwanted scene. The pitch-black arm retracted back into the gate before making contact with anything else, but perhaps just being near it made my star begin to destabilize before falling apart. "Damn it, Asta!" I screamed inwardly as I could only watch helplessly as the spatial gate consumed me.

"Yuno!" I could hear Ciel-my mother screech in horror as she lunged at me to push me out of the way and sensed Natch's shadow hands trying to grab me from behind. But they were both too slow, as the darkness fully engulfed me. The only thing I could do was force Bell into my grimoire, hoping it would keep her safe.

As I floated endlessly in that dark space I could make out my foster brother bearing the same fate illuminated by my flickering stars. And as perverse as it may be, that filled me with glee as I shut my eyes in contentment.

I am many things and petty is one of them. If I have to go through with whatever this is, it's only fair he does too. Because, what else are brothers for, if not taking pleasure in shared pain? I'm going to return that punch when I wake up…if I ever wake up, I sighed in exasperation, letting the pressure lull me to sleep. 

— — — — — — — — — — —

Pov Noelle Silva

"Alright Noelle, you can do this." I began to monologue mentally, slapping my cheeks to gather my resolve and encourage myself. Just go talk to him and tell him how you feel. You put it off because you were on the battlefield, but now the battle's over, so you have no reason not to. You tried to deny these feelings forever, but now that they're clear to you, there's only one thing to do, confess.

Come on girl, you can do this! I began psyching myself up, as I assessed my appearance from one of Gauche's mirrors, sitting in the command center of the Raging Black Bull. 

"Dammit, why am I doing this?" Gauche groaned. "Can't we go home now? I'm tired and want to see my darling Marie."

"Because our dear princess here needs to reassure herself that she's hot." I turned to see Vanessa giving Gauche a playful slap on the head.

"Vanessa…." I groaned in embarrassment, looking at her.

She looked at me and smiled "I'm surprised, Noelle. After telling me you came to terms with your feelings I'd thought you'd avoid Asta. Don't be insulted but I never thought you'd muster the courage to go and confess to him."

If it was another time I would be offended, but I struggled to meet her gaze as she spoke, as the motivation I was running on all came from her, albeit in an unpleasant manner. To me, Vanessa is everything I'd hope Nebra could be, a playful loving big sister who always holds my best interests at heart. So how could I tell her I used her as a model of what not to do?

I was there when Captain Yami and Vice-captain Nacht were heavily wounded by Lucifero. And the look of despair and shock I saw on her face as she watched Captain Roselei hover over a dying Yami and confess all those feelings she kept long bottled up, left me with a pit in my stomach. Yes, Captain is a blockhead like Asta and didn't pick up on that declaration of love. But it left me thinking, what if we had? Would he and Captain Roselei get together or slowly become a couple? Before Vanessa could ever muster her courage to confess herself? 

And then I saw a parallel, where Mimosa is Captain Roselei, I'm Vanessa, and Asta is Yami. I've long known Mimosa has always held those feelings to Asta, even when denying my own, it's hard not to when she's so forward about it. Unconcerned with (miscellaneous) things like the bridge in status between Peasants and Royalty. Though Vermillion's were always the least discriminatory royal family. 

But regardless, if there was a world where Asta wasn't so daft, maybe they would have long become a couple, while I could just watch on the sidelines. Living a life of regret because I could dare fight a supreme devil but not say three little words. I clenched my fist at the unpleasant thought.

Even if it's Mimosa, the only family that actually treated me like family, the one who I wished was my sister instead of cousin, I can't let her have this.

I then steeled my resolve and met Vanessa's gaze. "I can part with many things…give up many things in life…but Asta…Asta is not one of them!" I disregarded my burning cheeks and pounding heart to meet Vanessa's shocked gaze which contorted into complexity as she processed the unsaid message. So don't give up on the captain either! I felt proud of myself as I didn't back down on the speechless stares the other members were giving me and Nero's indifferent smile that radiated smugness.

I then turned around and began to walk out of the base as Henry opened a passage in the wall. Alright, Noelle, the worst he can do is say no. And would he say no? I'm royalty after all I can at least compare to a nun, right? Besides, maybe he doesn't have a weird fetish for women of the cloth but just a thing for water mages. I pat my chest in confidence, as far as that was concerned, I have nothing to be scared of since I'm the strongest one around.

I then paused and my pupils dilated as I took in what was forming in front of me. A pitch black spatial gate. And even if the contract was shattered, a temporary side effect of achieving Saint Stage with Undine left me very sensitive to devilish mana, so I knew full well this didn't belong to Finral or his brother. Beelzebub?! Maybe Zenon! How is this possible, Yuno destroyed his devil heart?! Even if Beelzebub isn't dead, he should be weakened, right?! And If not, why me?! Your problems are with Yuno. Go to him! 

As the territory engulfed me, freezing my movements and resistance, I could pick up the screams of panic coming from my squad members behind me. However with Finral back in Clover Kingdom to make the report and Rouge too far away to change my fate, nothing could save me.

Rather than scared, I would say I was unamused. It's like the universe has something against us being together?! The very moment I pluck my courage to confess, it decides to whisk me away to who knows where. If Nozel was here, he'd be absolutely scandalized at the words coming out of my mouth. "Oh for fuck's sake-".

As I drift in the encompassing dark space my eyes blink, and I begin to think the suffocation is causing me to grow delusional. As I look upwards I can see the silhouette of something taking the form of a giant, serpentine aquatic dragon, with multiple fins along his head and body, two long horns on his head, six eyes, and it also has massive jaws with sharp teeth falling on top of me.

My last thoughts were what is that, and why does it feel so unspeakably familiar? 

— — — — — — — — — — —

Pov Lucius Zogratis

"What was that about?" I turned around smiling to meet the questioning and confused gaze of my partner in crime, Adramelech. I continued smiling as I took in his appearance for the first time in a while, after having my full power restored.

He has a slender, average-height figure, long pointed ears, and two pairs of horns—one pair is large and curved like a rams' and the others are curved and point upward. The devil's body is clothed in a dark-colored material with small sacs or scales hanging off its arms, legs, wings, and back. He has a long, thin, prehensile tail that curls at the tip

"Just an assurance", I reply, still smiling. His look of confusion didn't change as he continued to stare at me, his unspoken thoughts easy to read. This wasn't the plan Lucius. What happened to not exposing ourselves? If you wanted them gone, I could've eliminated them all when they were weakened.

"I changed my mind. And I should do it from the shadows. They'll think it was my little brother or Beelzebub, diverting any attention coming our way." I patiently began to explain, though when Adramelech didn't seem satisfied with that answer I decided to humor him and further elaborate. 

"Asta is the flaw of this world, and Yuno its singularity, if we give them time to grow, they'll reach a level we can't handle. As for Noelle Silva, she is the person most affected by Asta's presence and growth, it's better to nip her future in the bud before it can sprout." I smiled and turned back around as Adramelech gave me a nod of understanding. 

I became lost in thought. In another future I would just leave for over a year steadily accumulating power in the underworld in preparation for judgment day, only to be defeated by an Asta and Yuno who surpassed themselves from all parallel timelines. This time the first thing I did after taking my power back from Julius was resurrecting Zenon and purifying his spatial magic so I could warp these three troublemakers who get in the way of true peace to somewhere so far even I can't see. They'll never be able to get in my way again.

And it's not just them. That troublesome dragon was awakening, and even though he shouldn't be a threat without Noelle Silva to bound to, I rather not take any risks. The one thing that Future Sight has granted me is humility and self-awareness. I will not give in to arrogance like my counterparts. Besides, this world has no need for two gods.

As for that dangerous woman Mereoleona, Yami Sukehiro, or Yosuga from the land of the rising sun. They are all people I can handle. Of course, I could warp them too, but for what? My goal is to take control of all this world's magic, it's meaningless if all the strongest mages aren't here anymore.

Speaking of the land of the sun, I should probably do something about its Shogun, Ryuya Ryudo. The only thing that can outfox future sight is clairvoyance after all. But as I'm now I don't have complete confidence in defeating Yosuga ... .hmmm very well the first thing I'll do after assimilating the rest of Lucifero's power is take a trip there, personally. 

And If I can't have the Tengentsu, no one should. I'll thoroughly destroy that meddlesome eye. I turned back and smiled at Adramelech, "Well old friend, shall we pay your king a visit?" The perverse smile he returned was all I needed for affirmation.

It occurred to me recently that in all the futures I saw I never actually saw one in which I won a complete victory. I just patiently watched things unfold relying on my knowledge of my failures from alternate timelines to guide me to my desired result without ever thinking that I could lose in said timeline. 

The more I reflect on it, the more I can't help but laugh self-deprecating at such a huge oversight. For someone who claims to see it all I was truly blind. If such a future doesn't exist well, I'll take a page out of Yami's book and surpass my limits. "Come Adramelech, let's make it. A future never meant to be."

— — — — — — — — — — —

Pov Kahono

"What happened?! What happened?! This isn't how it was supposed to go!" I watched as my grandfather Gifso, along with my father, brother, and all my people wailed in horror and despair looking up to where he disappeared. Their pleas for a response went unanswered. 

"When the world's end is nigh. The dragon of the fierce seas will awaken from its slumber." That is the lore and prophecy passed down in this temple of ours. So why did the Great God Leviathan disappear moments after arising?! It just blinked away…and was that spatial magic?! What the hell is happening?!