Fuegoleon's laughter finally steadied, though his aura still pulsed like the lingering heartbeat of a star. His gaze, sharp as a blade and warm as a forge, never left Dave.
"That was a clash of generals," he repeated, voice rumbling like distant thunder. Then his tone dropped into something firm, almost ceremonial. "And generals belong in command."
The recruits gasped, some outright stepping forward in disbelief.
"C-Captain Fuegoleon… are you saying…?"
"He couldn't possibly mean—"
Fuegoleon silenced them with a single look, then turned back to Dave. His next words were delivered as if carved in stone.
"If you continue on this path… within a year you could earn the stars you need, the merit required. And when you do—you will stand ready to claim the rank of captain."
The silence that followed was heavier than any explosion. Even the ruins seemed to hold their breath.
"Impossible," one of the recruits whispered hoarsely. "The youngest captain in history was from the Deer Magic Knights… and even he took three years to rise that far…"
But Fuegoleon was not smiling out of jest. His pride burned hotter than his flames, conviction radiating from him.
"You could break that record," he declared. "You may become the fastest mage in Clover Kingdom history to ascend—not three years, but one. A man with strength like yours cannot be chained to the ranks of a mere squad member forever. If your will matches your power, then even the throne of captaincy will not be beyond your grasp."
The words struck the crowd like a hammer. Whispers became a storm:
"Break the record… in a single year?!"
"That's faster than anyone—even the Deer captain himself!"
"Is he saying this rookie could rise higher than all of them?"
Dave, standing calm amid the awe, only closed his eyes for a moment, letting the weight of the declaration settle. His silver aura dimmed further until it was almost gone, leaving him looking… ordinary.
When he opened his eyes again, his voice was quiet, level, unshaken.
"I didn't come here to take command. But if walking that path means I can protect more lives… then I won't turn away from it."
Fuegoleon's grin widened, fierce and unyielding. "Good. Then let this day be remembered—the day a future captain revealed himself not as possibility, but as inevitability."
And as the embers of their battle smoldered in the ruins of the Vermillion estate, the sound of approaching footsteps—heavy, commanding—echoed closer. Other captains, drawn by the storm of mana, were arriving.
The clash was over. But Dave's name was about to spread across the entire Magic Knights.
Dave nodded as he left, while Fuegoleon watched his back, his thoughts hidden. When he returned to his quarters, he removed his upper robe, revealing a large gash.
"Hah… that kid almost got me," he muttered. The wound was deep, but he had hidden it so others wouldn't notice his vulnerability.
"Captain's class, my ass… he's stronger than me," Fuegoleon sighed as he sat at his desk. A healing mage entered quietly and began treating him without asking any questions.
Fuegoleon stayed silent as the healing mage worked, his eyes fixed on the faint glow of the spell closing his wound. He clenched his fist lightly on the desk.
Stronger than me… and he's only just started.
The thought lingered, heavy and real. He wasn't the type to deny strength when he saw it. Dave wasn't just another recruit—he was already fighting at a level most captains would struggle against.
When the mage finished and quietly excused themselves, Fuegoleon leaned back in his chair. He looked at the faint scar left on his chest and shook his head.
"If he keeps going like this, even I won't be able to measure him anymore."
He let out a long breath, then reached for the crystal again. His voice was low, more to himself than anyone else.
"The kingdom has no idea what kind of storm just joined its ranks."
Outside his quarters, word of the battle was already spreading among Magic Knights and nobles alike. Dave's calm exit and the weight of Fuegoleon's praise had lit a fire of rumors—and by nightfall, his name was on every tongue.
By evening, word had already reached the Magic Knight headquarters in Clover Castle. The story spread fast—Fuegoleon had clashed with a new recruit, and not only had the estate been destroyed in the fight, but the captain himself had acknowledged the boy's strength.
In the Golden Dawn's lounge, Captain William Vangeance listened to the chatter of his squad members. He dismissed them quietly and walked into his private chambers. Activating his crystal, he spoke in a calm, steady tone.
"So, the rumors are true. A recruit strong enough to rival a captain…" He paused, his masked face unreadable. "Yuno, Asta, and now him… the Clover Kingdom is entering a new age of magic."
Meanwhile, in the Black Bulls' hideout, Yami leaned back in his chair with a cigarette in his mouth, smirking as he heard Finral breathlessly retell the events.
"Damn," Yami chuckled, smoke drifting from his lips. "Didn't think another monster would pop up so soon. Guess Fuegoleon's flames finally found someone who didn't burn away." He leaned forward, eyes sharp now. "This Dave kid… he might be worth keeping an eye on."
Elsewhere, Nozel Silva of the Silver Eagles received the news with narrowed eyes. His pride bristled. "A rookie stronger than Fuegoleon? Impossible. These rumors are exaggerated." Yet, deep down, he resolved to see Dave for himself one day.
Even Jack the Ripper laughed when he heard it. "Heh, a newbie that can push Fuegoleon? Now that's exciting. I'd love to cut him up a little and see what he's made of."
By nightfall, every captain had heard the story. Some dismissed it, others doubted, but none could ignore it.
At the Black Bulls' base, the evening was louder than usual. Finral had just returned from town, excitement bubbling as he relayed the rumors.
"Guys, you won't believe this—Dave fought Captain Fuegoleon! They say the a quarter Vermillion estate was destroyed in the clash!"
"WHAT?!" Asta nearly jumped out of his chair, eyes wide and sparkling with shock. "He fought Captain Fuegoleon?! That's insane!"
"I want to do it tooo!!"
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