The Lion's Dawn

The Star Awards Festival—a night of recognition, celebration, and fierce competition among the Magic Knights of the Clover Kingdom. It was an event where prestige and honor were measured, and where the accomplishments of the year were displayed for all to see.

The capital city of the Clover Kingdom was alive with energy as people from all walks of life gathered to witness the grand ceremony. Streets were adorned with golden banners, enchanted fireworks danced in the sky, and merchants called out to the crowds, selling everything from enchanted trinkets to mouthwatering delicacies. Nobles mingled with commoners, and anticipation hung heavy in the air.

For Escanor, this was a new experience.

The Lion Sin of Pride, once a warrior of unmatched power in his past life, now found himself among the ranks of the Black Bulls, walking through a city filled with magic and wonder. While his former pride dictated that he remain indifferent to such festivities, he could not deny the warmth that came with standing among his comrades.

"THIS IS AMAZING!" Asta shouted, running from stall to stall, stuffing his mouth with grilled skewers, pastries, and roasted meat. "Escanor, try this! It's so good!"

Escanor chuckled, watching the young Magic Knight devour his food with reckless abandon. "I shall partake later, my friend. For now, I wish to observe."

Noelle approached, crossing her arms. "You don't look excited about the Star Awards. Don't you care about how many stars we get?"

Escanor glanced at her, his expression calm. "Power and recognition are not always the same. A number of stars will not change my strength."

Noelle huffed. "That's not the point! This is about proving that the Black Bulls aren't a joke anymore! For years, we've been the worst-ranked squad. But now, we finally have a chance to prove that we're more than just a group of misfits."

Escanor considered her words. Proving oneself… It was not an unfamiliar concept to him. In his past life, he had been scorned and feared for his power, but he had always sought to fight for something greater than himself.

Before he could respond, a loud voice echoed across the city.

"All Magic Knights, assemble!"

At the grand stage, Augustus Kira Clover XIII, the so-called Wizard King, stood before the assembled knights and citizens. Though he held the title, Escanor could tell immediately that the man lacked true strength. His presence was overshadowed by the real powerhouses standing among the Magic Knight captains, each radiating their own aura of dominance.

Yami, their own Black Bulls captain, stood casually with his arms crossed, looking utterly unbothered by the ceremony.

Escanor followed Yami's lead, standing tall with his squad as the rankings were announced.

The lesser-ranked squads were named first, earning only a handful of stars. But as the ceremony progressed, a surprising revelation took place.

"For the most improved squad this year, showing a remarkable increase in stars…"

A hush fell over the crowd.

"The Black Bulls!"

A stunned silence washed over the entire festival.

Escanor could see the expressions of shock and disbelief among the nobles and high-ranking knights. The worst squad in the kingdom had suddenly risen to prominence.

Magna nearly fell over. "Wait, what?! No way!"

Vanessa laughed. "Guess all our reckless missions counted for something."

Luck grinned excitedly. "This just means we have to fight even stronger opponents next time!"

Escanor simply smiled. While he had not been part of the Black Bulls for long, he could see how much this moment meant to his comrades.

However, despite their rise in the rankings, the Golden Dawn was still declared the top squad, earning the most stars.

Escanor turned his gaze toward the stage, where Yuno, Asta's childhood rival, stood alongside his squad, being praised for his outstanding achievements. The look in Asta's eyes was unmistakable—determination.

Just as the ceremony was reaching its peak, a violent tremor shook the festival grounds.

Gasps and screams filled the air as dark figures emerged from the shadows, their magical auras filled with hostility.

A rogue faction of masked mages stepped forward, their leader sneering at the assembled nobles and Magic Knights.

"The nobility of this kingdom," he spat, "always basking in their wealth and power, while the weak suffer."

Yami cracked his neck, clearly irritated. "Tch. Of course, some punks had to show up and ruin the party."

Asta unsheathed his sword, his eyes burning with resolve. "We'll take 'em down!"

Escanor stepped forward, observing the rogue mages with calm confidence. They were strong—but not strong enough.

One of the masked mages narrowed his eyes at him. "You… there's something different about you."

Escanor lifted his chin, a smirk forming. "Then allow me to educate you."

With a single step, he raised his grimoire, and its pages glowed with golden light.

"Sunlight Convergence: Radiant Judgement."

A massive sphere of blazing light formed above his palm before launching at the enemy forces. The sheer intensity of the attack forced everyone to shield their eyes.

When the light faded, half of the enemy mages were already incapacitated.

The remaining enemies staggered back, fear in their eyes.

"T-This guy's magic… it's monstrous!"

Escanor strode forward, his presence alone suffocating them with an invisible force. "Are you afraid? You should be."

Before they could retreat, Asta and Noelle charged in, striking down the remaining foes with precise teamwork.

The battle ended within moments.

As the festival resumed, Escanor stood with Asta, watching as Julius Novachrono approached.

The real Wizard King.

Julius studied Escanor with intrigue. "You're quite the interesting one. Your magic is unlike anything I've seen before."

Escanor smiled. "I aim only to grow stronger."

Julius nodded. "Then I look forward to seeing what you'll achieve."

As the night went on, Escanor gazed at the moonlit sky.

This world was different.

And yet it still has Its similarities.