Kael stood at the edge of the training field behind the Black Bulls' hideout, his breath rising in the crisp morning air. With Sylphiel perched calmly on his shoulder and Lyra floating silently nearby like a golden sunbeam, his aura shimmered gently with balanced energy.
Today marked a turning point.
A letter had arrived—sealed with the royal crest of the Clover Kingdom.
---
Captain Yami's Office
The letter was spread across Yami's desk. The man himself leaned back in his chair, chewing on a strand of grass with his usual irritated smirk.
"Looks like the Magic Parliament's finally caught wind of the new kids makin' waves," he grunted, looking between Asta, Noelle, and Kael. "You three are summoned to the Royal Capital. Something about 'observational assessment and specialized training selection.' Sounds like a bunch of noble crap."
"Royal Capital?!" Asta yelled, eyes gleaming. "Does this mean we're getting stronger missions?!"
"Or royal recognition," Noelle added, her voice proud but nervous. "That's a good sign, right?"
Kael kept his expression neutral. But inside, something stirred.
> The capital is where the plot starts to split... where the royals tighten their grip. I need to be careful.
Yami shoved the letter aside. "Don't embarrass the squad. That's all I'm sayin'. And try not to break anything important."
---
The Journey Begins
They set off by enchanted carriage, the same kind often used by nobility. Though they shared laughs and excitement along the way, Kael found himself quietly watching the landscape.
He remembered this route. In his past life, he had seen it in panels and colored pages. Now the trees swayed with real wind, and the sky pulsed with genuine mana.
The system pinged softly in his mind.
> [Main Plot Thread Detected: Royal Capital Arc – Phase 1]
Checkpoint Synced
Optional Objective: Protect allies from hidden threats. Watch for diverging events.
He narrowed his crimson eyes.
---
Arrival at the Capital
The Royal Capital shimmered like a jewel. White marble towers, spiraling magic spires, and the distant roar of Griffon-drawn transports filled the air. It was a world apart from the rugged chaos of the Black Bulls' hideout.
As they passed through the central gates, noble eyes tracked them. Some with curiosity. Others with disgust.
Asta didn't care. "Let 'em stare. We'll show 'em what real magic knights look like!"
Noelle straightened her back, determined not to let the sneers bother her.
Kael, on the other hand, was scanning more than expressions. Behind the nobles' judgment lay ambition, schemes… and worse.
He could feel it.
---
The Assessment Grounds
They arrived at a large open plaza within the palace training ring, where dozens of other young knights and nobles gathered. At the center stood two commanding figures: Fuegoleon Vermillion and Nozel Silva.
Their presence was overwhelming.
"Thank you for answering the summons," Fuegoleon began. "This is not a test of power, but of resolve. The threats to the kingdom grow bolder each season. We seek those willing to go beyond titles and status."
Nozel's cold gaze swept over the crowd before resting on Noelle.
"Tch. Don't disappoint."
Noelle flinched but said nothing.
Asta clenched his fists.
Kael… simply watched.
---
Unexpected Reunion
"Hey! You made it too?!"
Turning around, Kael saw a familiar face—Mimosa Vermillion, waving cheerfully, her orange curls bouncing.
"Mimosa?" Noelle said, surprised. "You're part of this as well?"
"Yup! Brother Fuegoleon recommended me personally!"
Mimosa smiled warmly at Kael, who returned the gesture.
"I'm glad to see you again," she said.
Kael nodded. "Same here. You look stronger already."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she twirled a strand of hair. "W-Well, I've been training a lot…"
From a distance, Vanessa—watching the group from a merchant booth she'd sneaked into—narrowed her eyes playfully.
Oh ho… Kael's getting popular.
---
The Trials Begin
The captains declared the first trial—a joint combat simulation using mixed squads of nobles and commoners. The goal: eliminate the magical constructs hidden in the forested arena before time runs out.
Kael was placed on a team with Asta, Mimosa, and a stoic noble named Larkson.
As they entered the arena, Kael's system whispered again.
> [Hidden Objective: Protect your teammates from a scripted sabotage. Outcome may alter future character paths.]
He frowned slightly.
This trial wasn't as pure as it looked.
---
In the Heart of the Forest
As the simulation began, they moved quickly through the trees. Mimosa provided vision spells with her plant magic. Asta rushed forward like a storm. Larkson used precision water blades to cut down obstacles.
Kael kept his senses open.
He heard it before it happened—the whistling of a forbidden binding spell shot toward Mimosa.
Reacting instantly, Kael pulled her down and fired a light barrier into the trees, revealing a cloaked noble with glyphs glowing on his hands.
"You! That was—!" Mimosa gasped.
Kael stepped forward. "You want to play dirty in a trial? Then you've already lost."
He didn't even need Sylphiel or Lyra.
Just his own fists—and a blade of pure force magic formed from imagination.
---
Aftermath
The noble was disqualified. His sponsor—an underlord of House Frost—was reprimanded, though quietly.
Nozel said nothing, but his glance toward Kael lingered longer than usual.
Fuegoleon approached Kael afterward.
"You saw the trap before it triggered. Your instincts are… unusual."
Kael gave a slight bow. "I just follow what feels right, sir."
Fuegoleon smiled. "Then keep walking that path. The kingdom needs that kind of resolve."
---
Nightfall in the Capital
Later that evening, the squad returned to their guest quarters.
As Kael looked out over the marble skyline, the wind brushing his hair, both spirits hovered beside him.
"You're changing the course," Sylphiel said softly.
Lyra added, "And they're starting to notice."
Kael nodded.
> The capital was the beginning of many tragedies in the old timeline… but this time, I'll rewrite it all.