Dave pulled his hand back, satisfied that no hidden control lingered in the fallen Dawn members. "They'll live," he said simply.
Yuno nodded, sheathing his wind spear, his body still tense but his eyes easing. "Then we keep moving. The core's ahead."
Together, they moved deeper through the ruined chamber. The path narrowed, walls tightening, until a massive obsidian door loomed before them. The surface was etched with diamond-like veins of sealing magic, glowing faintly as though alive.
Yuno's brow furrowed. "Mars wasn't guarding it by accident… this is the core area."
Dave stepped closer, his distortion grazing the door, but the seal resisted, shivering against his interference. "Too rigid. Not mine to break."
Before either could move further, the glow across the door split—cleanly, effortlessly—like paper cut through. A jagged black line widened across its surface as the door crumbled apart, falling away in halves.
Dust cleared, and a figure stepped through.
Asta. His anti-magic sword gleamed in his grip, its edge still humming with the residue of the cut. His eyes locked onto Yuno and Dave, fierce and steady.
You're late," Dave muttered with the faintest smirk.
Asta didn't answer at first, his gaze flicking to the unconscious Dawn members behind them, then forward again. "I felt the magic breaking apart from outside. Figured you needed me." He lifted the sword, resting it on his shoulder. "Guess I was right."
Yuno glanced at him. "You're late. We've already defeated the Diamond Kingdom mages."
"Oh. You met them too? I ran into one of those guys myself—beat him, but he ran away afterward," Asta replied quickly.
Yuno just listened quietly, though his eyes narrowed.
"Where are Noelle and Luck?" Dave asked.
Asta turned to him. "They're coming."
And just as he said, Noelle and Luck appeared from behind him.
"Oh, you're here," Luck said, grinning. Dave gave him a small nod, while Noelle immediately rushed to Mimosa's side and another unconscious figure.
"What happened to her?" Noelle asked, distressed.
Dave placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Relax. She's fine—just unconscious."
Noelle exhaled in relief and nodded.
Dave then turned to Asta. "Now that everyone's here, cut this sealed door open."
Asta nodded. With one powerful swing of his massive blade, the anti-magic sliced clean through the glowing seals. The door split apart and crashed to the ground, revealing the treasure chamber hidden deep within the ruins.
The chamber beyond was overflowing with gold, jewels, and ornate relics, piled in glittering heaps that shimmered under the faint magical glow.
The group stepped cautiously into the chamber, their eyes widening at the sight. Piles of gold coins clinked faintly as a stray breeze stirred through the room, scattering dust across jeweled crowns and ancient weapons mounted on stands of stone.
"Jackpot…" Luck muttered, his grin stretching wider. "This is way better than I imagined."
"Don't touch anything yet," Dave warned sharply, his gaze sweeping across the chamber. "Rooms like this are never unguarded."
Noelle's eyes lingered on an ornate silver staff embedded with a sapphire crystal that pulsed faintly with mana. "It's beautiful…" she whispered, almost entranced.
Klaus, another member of the Dawn, spoke up. "I no longer sense any dangerous magic. The others are safe. We should pack it all up and leave."
Dave nodded calmly. "Yep, it's safe," he confirmed, glancing over the room.
Noelle exhaled in relief, letting herself relax. And just lik ein original Yuno got the Wind Spirit Contract, while Asta drew his second sword.
Dave too tried the scroll before giving it to Yuno, but it was not an spirit contract scroll but juts Wind Spirit Contract scroll.
With their treasures secured, the group began to leave the ruins. Their final goal was to take the items back to the Wizard King, while others would return to their respective squads. Asta and the other Black Bulls headed back to the main Black Bulls' base, while Yuno withdrew with the Wind Spear, and Dave made his way back toward the Crimson Lion.
The next day, just like in the original, the group was called to the Magic Capital to be rewarded by the Wizard King himself.
Dave arrived early, already knowing about the drama that will take place here. His captain allowed him to go on his won while he will arrive later.
Meanwhile, Asta was eating a quick meal, surrounded by the others as they waited for Dave to arrive.
But as Dave approached, a few people nearby began staring. Whispers floated through the air, some commenting on Asta and the others as "commoners." Their sudden attention caused a brief stir around the group, but Dave didn't flinch. Yuno and Asta exchanged a quick glance, unfazed, continuing their meal as if the stares didn't exist.
As they entered the hall, more and more nobles began throwing jabs, their whispers and sneers growing louder. Some mocked them for being commoners, others hinted at envy or suspicion over how they had arrived here so suddenly.
"Look at them—commoners daring to step into the Wizard King's hall," one noble muttered, voice dripping with scorn.
"They're nothing but brats playing at heroes," another whispered, smirking as he nudged the noble beside him.
"Do they even know how to handle real magic?" a third sneered, glancing at Asta and Yuno with thinly veiled contempt.
"Pathetic magic, no doubt," someone else added, shaking their head. "Only fools would dare challenge the natural order like this."
"Imagine the audacity," another hissed. "To waltz in here as if they belong, while the rest of us—true nobles—wait patiently for recognition."
Some of the younger nobles giggled cruelly, pointing at Asta's rough clothes and Yuno's simple uniform. "Look at them," one snickered. "Do they really think they can sit among us?"
Even those who remained silent shot them side glances, their expressions tight with thinly disguised resentment. The hall buzzed with tension, each insult and muttered criticism pressing down on the newcomers like a wave.
Dave, Yuno, and Asta exchanged glances, their expressions calm, but each word from the nobles only fueled a quiet, simmering fire within them.
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