Despite his lack of magical abilities, Asta's Anti-Magic granted by his grimoire made him a formidable opponent. His unique, muscular physique and incredible stamina allowed him to hold his own against most Eighth Domain magic users and even pose a threat to careless Seventh Domain mages. After all, the ultimate goal in any battle was victory. If Asta could achieve that without magic, then who could argue with his methods?
Learning to Sense the Invisible
Captain Yami stubbed out his cigarette and turned to Asta and Ethan Hayes.
"Alright, listen up. I'm gonna teach you two how to sense what's coming in a fight—even when you can't see it."
Asta and Ethan straightened, eager for the lesson.
"It's not about magic," Yami continued. "It's about reading the flow—the tension in the air, the movement of mana, your opponent's intent."
Asta blinked, confused. Ethan, on the other hand, leaned in, intrigued by the concept.
"This technique…" Ethan thought, "it sounds ancient. Maybe it's something only taught where Yami comes from. That place... it's always felt shrouded in mystery."
Yami smirked, noting their reactions. He ruffled Asta's hair before adding, "Don't think too hard. You'll get it with practice."
The training continued for over an hour. When Yami finally walked off, lighting another cigarette, he left Asta and Ethan to hone their instincts alone.
A Week of Grueling Practice
In a dense forest near the Black Bulls' base, Ethan darted between trees, narrowly avoiding incoming fireballs. Behind him, Magna shouted as he launched his spell:
"Fire Magic: Explosive Scattershot Vanishing Balls!"
Flames twisted through the air, but even with a blindfold and earplugs, Ethan dodged every shot. His movements were sharp, fluid—unnervingly precise.
"Damn it, I give up! You're a freaking monster!" Magna huffed, sprawled across the grass.
Ethan removed his blindfold and earplugs with a smirk. His progress over the last week had been phenomenal—thanks to natural reflexes and relentless dedication.
"Appreciate your help, Magna," he said sincerely, offering a hand to his stunned teammate.
A Special Mission
Later that evening, Yami called everyone into the Black Bulls' common room.
"I've got a mission straight from the Wizard King," he said gruffly. "Ethan, Asta—you're going to investigate the Magic Palace. Vanessa, you're tagging along."
Vanessa, swaying a bit with a wine glass in hand, blinked in surprise. Dressed in her usual revealing pink bikini top and light robes, she wasn't the image of a conventional mage—but she was deadly effective when needed.
"Me? Really?" she slurred, cheeks flushed.
"Don't screw this up," Yami warned, eyes narrowing slightly.
The Magic Palace
Just hearing the name was enough to set Asta's adrenaline racing.
"What's the Magic Palace?!" he blurted out.
The other Black Bulls took turns explaining:
"It's an ancient ruin," Magna said. "Filled with enchanted traps, magical relics, and ancient spells. Basically, the kind of place that tries to kill you for breathing."
"Only lunatics or geniuses go looking for it," Luck added with a wild grin.
Ethan stayed quiet, deep in thought. He knew the Magic Palace wouldn't just attract them—it would also draw attention from rival kingdoms, especially the Diamond Kingdom.
"This mission might be a lot more dangerous than it looks," he murmured.
But danger only made the challenge more enticing.
"Let's go," Ethan said with a confident grin. "This is going to be fun."