Reborn as Asta

The sun hung high in the sky, its warm rays cutting through the crisp morning air. Asta and Yuno walked along the winding dirt road leading to the Clover Kingdom's capital. The path stretched far into the horizon, flanked by dense forests and rolling hills.

"How much further is the capital?" Yuno asked

Asta didn't glance up from the map in his hand. "Another two days, if we keep walking at this pace."

"Two days?!" Yuno said annoyed "We shoul-

Before Yuno could retort, a frantic cry echoed through the trees. "Help! Somebody help!"

The two immediately exchanged glances. Without a word, they dashed toward the sound. As they emerged into a clearing, they saw an older man struggling with the reins of a runaway horse-drawn cart. The cart teetered dangerously, its wheels skimming the edge of a steep ravine.

"Hold on!" Asta shouted, already sprinting toward the cart.

Yuno extended his hand, his grimoire glowing. "Wind Creation Magic: Gale Cushion!" A burst of wind enveloped the cart, slowing its wild descent.

Asta leapt onto the cart with ease, using his sword to sever the tangled reins. He grabbed the horse's bridle and pulled it to a halt just as the cart tipped dangerously toward the edge. And with one pull yanked it back to safety.

The old man collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. "Thank you! Thank you both! I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't come along!"

Asta grinned, brushing dust from his clothes. "No problem, old-timer! Glad we could help."

Yuno crossed his arms. "What happened?"

"The axle broke," the man explained, gesturing to the damaged cart. "I was heading to the capital to deliver supplies for the exam. But now, I'll never make it in time!"

"Supplies for the exam?" Asta perked up. "Hey, what if i help you fix it? And then you could give us a ride to the capital after."

The old man beamed. "If you can fix it, the least I can do is take you boys there!"

Asta sprang into action. And, within a few minutes, the cart was sturdier than before, and the three set off toward the capital.

Their journey continued smoothly until they reached a narrow mountain pass, the cart's wheels crunching over loose gravel. Suddenly, a pack of bandits emerged from the shadows, blocking their path.

"Hand over your valuables!" their leader growled, brandishing a dagger.

Asta jumped off the cart

Yuno stepped down as well, his expression calm but dangerous. "This is a waste of time."

The bandits laughed, clearly underestimating the duo. "Oh, tough guys, huh? Let's see how tough you are against all of us!"

The first bandit lunged at Asta, only for his anti-magic sword to slam into him with enough force to send him flying into a tree.

Yuno's grimoire glowed as he summoned a wind cyclone, effortlessly disarming three bandits at once. They scrambled to their feet, tripping over themselves as they fled.

"Leave the rest to me!" Asta yelled, charging into the remaining bandits with a wild grin. The leader swung his dagger, but Asta parried with ease, delivering a swift kick that sent the man sprawling.

Within minutes, the bandits were defeated, either unconscious or fleeing into the forest.

The old man peeked out from behind the cart. "You boys are incredible! The capital's guards will be grateful to hear about this."

As they continued, the old man suddenly veered the cart onto a hidden trail.

"Uh, are you lost?" Asta asked

"Not at all," the man replied with a wink. "You've done so much for me, it's only fair I repay the favor. This trail's a shortcut to the capital. You'll be there by nightfall."

Yuno raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you take this route to begin with?"

"It's usually too dangerous, but with you two around, I'm not worried."

The trail wound through a dense forest, the trees growing so close together that their branches formed a canopy overhead. Strange noises echoed from the shadows, but Asta and Yuno remained alert, their hands on their grimoires.

True to the old man's word, the shortcut brought them to the capital by nightfall. The towering walls of the city loomed ahead, their banners fluttering in the evening breeze.

"You boys saved my life—and my livelihood," the old man said as they unloaded his cart at the city gates. "Good luck in the exams. I've got no doubt you'll both make it!"

As they entered the city, the streets were filled with people from all walks of life. Merchants hawked their wares, children ran through the crowds, and groups of mages discussed their plans for the exam.

In a large plaza near the castle gates, contestants for the Magic Knight Exam had begun to gather. Asta and Yuno scanned the crowd, taking in the wide array of people.

"Looks like we're not the only ones aiming for the top," Yuno said, his gaze sharp.

"Yeah, I'm-"

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a tall, muscular man with fiery red hair. He glanced at the two of them, his eyes narrowing.

"You two look strong," he said, his voice gruff. "Don't hold back tomorrow. I want a real challenge."

Before Asta could reply, a soft voice cut in.

"Don't get too confident," said a girl with silver hair and a cold expression. "Strength isn't everything."

The tension in the plaza grew as more contestants arrived, each one radiating confidence and power.

To Be Continued…