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Asta, Yuno, Noelle, Mimosa, and Klaus stood before the Magic Emperor, Julius, their faces a mixture of awe and nervous anticipation.
Klaus, being a senior Magic Knight, had seen Julius many times before, but never this close.
Julius, radiating warmth and appreciation, addressed them with a smile.
"Thank you for your efforts in securing those important artifacts from the dungeon. You've done a great job for the kingdom."
The six Magic Knights saluted, a wave of pride washing over them.
The rivals, Asta and Yuno, couldn't contain their burning ambition any longer.
"H-how do I become the next Magic Emperor?" They blurted out in unison.
Julius, taken aback by their simultaneous question, chuckled, "Why do you want to become Magic Emperor?" He watched the two teenagers, their eyes burning with fierce determination.
A wave of nostalgia washed over Julius as he thought of his own daughter, Areum.
'Papa! Someday, I'll make a magic carpet that doesn't need my own mana and escape without you and Marx ni-san noticing,' he recalled with a fond smile.
"I want to become Magic Emperor so I can protect people and make them happy. Laugh with them, make the world free from discrimination – a peaceful world," Asta and Yuno answered in perfect harmony, their shared purpose resonating in the air.
Asta, being mana-less, had faced countless struggles and judgment. He couldn't blame people; it was just how the world worked. But if he became Magic Emperor, he would fulfill the promises he made to himself.
'This is also for my beloved Sister Lilly ^_^,'
Yuno, blessed with a four-leaf grimoire, knew he was special, but he couldn't afford to act entitled. His rival, Asta, was trying his best despite being mana-less, so he had to do the same.
Julius, touched by their genuine desire to help others, smiled.
'The future of the kingdom was in good hands.'
"It is true that having deep desire to help people is one of the keys on becoming the Magic Emperor. However, the most important thing is merit. The merit you gain will earn you people's trust. The higher the merit, the higher the chance of becoming Wizard King."
Asta and Yuno, fueled by the Magic Emperor's words, were more motivated than ever.
"Now that that's settled..." Julius's eyes twinkled like stars as he looked at them.
"What artifacts did you fi—"
Before he could finish, someone interrupted them. Breaking the serious atmosphere in the room.
"Papa! Don't try to solo the artifacts, or I'll be very mad at you – OW!" Areum's words were cut short as she landed with a thud.
She frowned, trying to endure the impact. This happened because Areum hadn't flown on her MMC for eight months.
