Dave continued to practice silently. It wasn't just because he wanted to, but because he had to. This new state—similar to Asta's—forced him to push harder, just like Asta had once done to become famous.
Dave was already more famous than most, thanks to his unexpected fight with Fuegoleon, which had spread his name across the entire kingdom. But fame meant nothing to him unless he kept working as hard as Asta did—and that's exactly what he was doing now.
His control stood at 56%, and each day of harsh training increased it by about 1%. At this pace, in fifty days, he would reach 100%. By then, he could even return to the Marvel world if he wanted to.
For him, fights in this world sometimes felt boring compared to what he had already experienced. The only thing that kept him pushing forward was the new challenge: Clover's magic system. The grimoire, bound to him, wasn't ordinary—it kept revealing spells in ways similar to how it worked in the anime. That alone made things worth his time, even if his true strength far outclassed almost anyone here.
A few days later, while Dave was still focused on his nightly training, Captain Yami returned to the hideout with a strange grin on his face.
"Oi, brat," Yami called out, tossing a sealed scroll at him. "You're coming with us. Some higher-ups want the Black Bulls involved in this one."
Dave caught the scroll, unrolling it to read the mission details. His eyes narrowed slightly.
Mission: Dungeon Exploration – Border of the Clover and Diamond Kingdoms.
He remembered this one from Asta and Yuno's journey. The dangerous ruins filled with traps, ancient spells, and powerful treasures.
Asta's voice exploded the moment he heard the news. "No way! That's the mission Yuno's on too, right?!" His eyes gleamed with fire. "I have to go—no matter what, I'm not letting him get ahead of me!"
Luck was already sparking with excitement. "Dungeon exploration?! That means fights! Ooooh, maybe we'll run into some strong enemies!"
Vanessa leaned back, drink in hand. "Honestly… sending these kids into a dungeon sounds like a recipe for disaster. But then again, with Dave around, maybe they'll survive."
Dave folded the scroll and tucked it into his belt. His expression didn't change much, but deep down he knew this mission wouldn't be boring. If anything, the presence of ancient magic and other kingdoms' interest could make it interesting.
Meanwhile, far across the kingdom, Yuno also received his orders under the Golden Dawn.
Yuno stood quietly in his room, the glow of his grimoire lighting the space. His expression was calm and focused as he prepared for the mission ahead.
At the Black Bulls' hideout, the team gathered, grimoires in hand. Asta bounced on the spot, barely able to contain his excitement.
"Come on! Monsters, traps, treasure—maybe even some real fights! This is going to be awesome!"
Noelle adjusted her stance beside him, her expression arrogant as always. "Humph! I am royalty—why do I have to do a mission like this?"
Luck flipped his daggers, grinning. "I'm ready! Bring on the first fight!"
"Dave is also joining you guys," Yami added as he nodded toward him. "We'll deal with you some other time. For now, go and handle this mission. It's from the Wizard King himself."
Finral stepped forward with a sly grin. "Alright, don't go wandering off on your own, you maniacs. Don't make me come drag you out of some trap again."
Asta laughed, bouncing with excitement. "Don't worry, Finral! We got this! Right, guys?"
Noelle huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph. As if I need anyone to babysit me."
Luck twirled his daggers, grinning. "Yeah! Let's just get in there and fight!"
Dave gave a small nod, his eyes scanning the ruins ahead. Calm and precise, he stayed focused, letting the others' energy fill the space.
Finral chuckled under his breath. "Just try not to die, okay? Wouldn't want to ruin my fun rescuing you again."
"Alright, let's move," Asta said, bouncing forward. "Dungeon exploration, here we come!"
The group advanced together, grimoires glowing faintly as they hopped out of finral teleportation gate and approached the dungeon entrance. The faint hum of magic pulsed from the stones, and the air grew cooler as they stepped into the ruins. Shadows twisted unnaturally in the corners, runes glimmered along the walls, and the first sense of danger settled over them.
Dave moved slightly ahead, his calm and measured steps contrasting with the others' excitement. Asta leapt beside him, fists ready, while Noelle and Luck followed closely, prepared for anything.
The dungeon had begun, and the trials inside would test not just their strength, but their teamwork and resolve.
Dave moved steadily at the front, his eyes scanning the dungeon with calm precision. Every rune, shadow, and subtle shift in the air was noted as he silently calculated the safest path. He raised his hand slightly, murmuring an incantation under his breath. A faint shimmer spread across his body, forming a protective magical layer that extended around him.
"All dangers, traps… handled," he thought quietly. The protective magic extended outward, shielding the others as he led the way.
Behind him, Luck charged forward, daggers flashing, ignoring any caution. He dashed from one shadow to another, striking at every small movement, expecting enemies at every turn.
"Whoa! Come on, come on! Bring it on!" Luck shouted, swinging wildly.
Asta bounced beside Dave, fists clenched, excitement written all over his face. "We'll fight too! Don't let me get left behind!"
Noelle, maintaining her usual royal composure, moved carefully behind them, keeping an eye on every corner, her magic ready to react to any threat.
Thanks to Dave's protective magic, all the traps hidden in the dungeon—spinning blades, collapsing floors, and arcane runes—passed harmlessly. Even as Luck recklessly charged into dangerous areas, he remained unscathed, barely realizing that Dave's spell had shielded him.
Dave's calm focus allowed the group to move efficiently, avoiding damage while still keeping up with Luck and Asta's energy. Every step deeper into the dungeon tested their coordination, but with Dave silently covering all hazards, the team advanced faster than they ever would have on their own.
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