Reborn as Asta

"Not so fast, Asta," came a calm, familiar voice.

Asta turned to see Yuno standing at the edge of the path leading to the orphanage, his posture relaxed but his expression carrying the usual stoic edge. Behind him stood members of the Golden Dawn: Klaus, standing stiffly as ever, and Mimosa, her warm smile lighting up the scene. At the center of their group stood a young man clad in an ornate yet practical coat, his bearing unmistakably regal.

"Yuno, What are you doing here?"

"We're on a protection mission," Yuno replied simply, his tone giving nothing away.

Father Orsi, overhearing the exchange, approached with Sister Lily. His eyes flickered to the well-dressed young man, curiosity and surprise blending into his expression.

Yuno stepped aside, gesturing to the man at the center. "This is Prince Salim Hapshass of the Clover Kingdom," Yuno said, his voice calm but carrying a subtle undertone of respect.

Salim stepped forward with a polite bow. "A pleasure to meet you all. Yuno spoke very highly of this place and its people, so I suggested we stop here on our way. It's rare to find such a humble and meaningful part of the kingdom."

Father Orsi's chest swelled with pride as he exchanged a glance with Sister Lily. "Your Highness, we are deeply honored to have you visit our modest orphanage. Please, make yourself at home. It's not much, but everything here is built with care and love."

Asta crossed his arms, as he turned to Yuno. "Well that's a surprise yuno, I didn't know you liked to brag."

Yuno shot him a withering glare, but his voice remained level. "It's not bragging, I just thought the Prince might appreciate seeing a quieter, part of our kingdom."

Prince Salim chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over the orphanage. "Yuno didn't exaggerate. This place has a warmth and simplicity that's hard to find elsewhere. It's refreshing."

Mimosa stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she took in the quaint surroundings. "It's absolutely charming here! You can tell how much love and care has been poured into this place."

Klaus adjusted his glasses, his usual pragmatic demeanor surfacing. "It is... quaint," he admitted with a slight cough. "But we shouldn't lose focus. Our primary mission is to ensure the prince's safety. A tour seems—"

Salim raised a hand, cutting him off gently. "Relax, Klaus. A brief pause won't harm your mission."

Father Orsi beamed with delight, gesturing toward the chapel. "Well said, Your Highness. Please, come inside and allow us to extend our hospitality. Sister Lily, perhaps you could show them around while I prepare refreshments?"

"With pleasure," Sister Lily said warmly, gesturing toward the modest chapel. "This way, everyone."

As the group began to move, Mimosa lingered for a moment, her gaze drifting to Asta. "Um… Asta?" she asked softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Would you mind showing me around? I'd love to hear more about what it was like growing up here."

"Sure, But it's nothing fancy it's just an orphanage."

Mimosa smiled warmly. "Even so, it's important. It's part of what made you… well, you."

As Asta led her toward the playroom, Salim's eyes followed him, a curious glint in his expression. "You're Asta, aren't you?"

Asta turned back. "Yeah, Why?"

Salim's expression remained composed, but there was a note of admiration in his tone. "I've heard about you. Not many people would stand toe-to-toe with a captain during the Magic Knight Exam. I'd like to see what you're capable of someday."

Before Asta could respond, Klaus stepped in with a stern expression. "Your Highness, perhaps we should keep moving. This isn't the time for casual conversation."

Salim dismissed Klaus's concern with a faint smile. "Patience, Klaus. There's more to leadership than rushing through moments like these."

Soon enough, The group gathered around the long wooden table in the chapel's modest dining room, a warm light from the overhead chandelier casting a golden glow on the simple but hearty meal spread before them. Freshly baked bread, vegetable stew, roasted chicken, and even a small plate of candied fruit made the table feel festive. The children peeked in from the doorway, whispering and giggling at the sight of knights dining in their home.

Prince Salim sat at the head of the table, raising, his goblet of water, glancing around with a self-assured smile. "It's quaint here," he remarked, his tone polite but faintly condescending. "Though I can see why you might want to send so much money back, Yuno."

Yuno, seated near the center of the table, paused with his fork midair. "How much are we talking, Father?"

Father Orsi chuckled nervously, shifting in his seat. "Asta's contributions have been… VERY substantial."

Yuno's brow furrowed, and he set his fork down. "What do you mean, substantial? Exactly how much?"

"His entire paycheck," Father Orsi admitted quickly, his voice tinged with pride.

Yuno's eyes widened, and he turned toward Asta, who was busy piling more stew onto his plate. "All of it? Asta, you're barely keeping anything for yourself!"

Asta shrugged, as he took another bite of bread. " Well I can easily make my own money, plus if kids and the orphanage are taken care of, I'm happy."

Inspired by his rival's selflessness, Yuno clenched his fist. "Next time, I'll send all of my pay. It's only fair."

Salim leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table, a sly smile playing on his lips. "That's certainly noble of you both. I must admit, I was curious about the infamous Asta after hearing about your fight with Captain Yami during the Magic Knight Exam. It's rare to see someone so… unconventional hold their ground against a captain."

Mimosa, sitting across from Asta, blushed faintly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "It really was impressive," she said softly, barely meeting his eyes.

"Thanks, but Captain Yami's no joke, thhe's tough!"

Salim tapped his empty goblet against the table. "Sister Lily, would you mind refilling this? The water jar is just outside, correct?"

Sister Lily rose gracefully, offering a polite smile. "Of course, Your Highness. I'll be right back." She picked up the water jar and stepped out, the quiet sound of her footsteps fading into the evening air.

Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the night.

The chatter at the table stopped instantly. A loud crash echoed from outside, followed by silence.

Asta was the first to move, his chair scraping loudly against the floor as he bolted toward the door. "That was Sister Lily!"

Yuno was right behind him, his expression dark and determined. The two burst outside to find the broken water jar lying in the dirt. The night was eerily quiet, save for the rustle of leaves in the wind.

"She's been taken!" Yuno growled, his fists clenched tightly.

Klaus and Salim appeared at the doorway, both surveying the scene. Klaus placed a firm hand on Yuno's shoulder. "Yuno, remember our mission. We're here to protect Prince Salim. We can't just leave."

Yuno whirled around, his eyes blazing. "You expect me to stand here and do nothing while Sister Lily is in danger?"

"I'll go."

Asta's voice cut through the heated exchange, firm and cold. He stepped forward, his resolute gaze meeting Yuno's. "You stay here and protect Salim. I'll bring her back."

Yuno hesitated, torn between duty and desperation. "Asta—"

But before he could finish Asta had already sprinted into the forest, the cool night air brushing against his skin. He tapped into his enhanced senses, following the faint traces of Sister Lily's presence: the subtle floral scent of her perfume mingled with the earthy aroma of the woods and the faint sounds of movement ahead.

Suddenly, the rustling of leaves revealed two bandits stepping into his path, their weapons drawn and their smirks full of confidence.

"Out of my way," Asta growled, summoning his Demon-Slayer Sword with a flash of determination.

The first bandit lunged, swinging a club, but Asta parried effortlessly, the sheer force of his counterstrike sending the man sprawling to the ground, unconscious. The second bandit, realizing his disadvantage, turned to flee, but Asta's Black Chains shot out with lightning speed, ensnaring the man's legs and dragging him back.

"Where is she?" Asta demanded, his voice cold and unrelenting.

The bandit stammered, his courage evaporating under Asta's glare. "T-the clearing! She's in the clearing!"

Without another word, Asta released him and darted deeper into the woods. The trees thinned as he reached the clearing, where Sister Lily was tied to a tree, her expression calm despite the situation. Two more bandits stood guard, one a hulking man with a scar slicing across his face.

"Well, well," the scarred man sneered, his deep voice dripping with mockery. "You must be the runt everyone's talking about. Hand over your grimoire, and we might let her go."

"Not a chance"

The scarred man charged, but Asta sidestepped at the last moment, his Anti- magic sword slicing through the air, sending the bandits head flying and crashing into a nearby tree.

The second bandit raised his hand, conjuring a fiery spell that roared toward Asta, but with a single swat of his hand, Asta extinguished the flames in an instant, closing the distance and incapacitating the bandit with a swift strike to the neck.

Before Asta could move to untie Sister Lily, Klaus and Mimosa emerged from the shadows, flanking him.

"You seem to have handled things well enough," Klaus admitted grudgingly, though there was a hint of respect in his voice.

Mimosa hurried to Sister Lily's side, her healing magic carefully dissolving the ropes as she spoke softly. "Are you alright?"

Klaus turned his attention to the last conscious bandit, his sharp gaze cutting through the man's bravado. "We know this was orchestrated by Salim Hapshass," Klaus said coldly. "He wanted revenge on Yuno for surpassing him during the Magic Knight Exam."

The bandit smirked, even as sweat beaded on his forehead. "What of it? He's a noble. You can't touch him."

Klaus's grimoire flared to life, summoning a Violent Rotating Lance that hovered inches from the bandit's face, spinning with menacing precision. "Care to repeat that?"

Before the bandit could respond, his body slumped forward, unconscious. Standing behind him was none other than Julius Novachrono, the Wizard King himself. His expression was one of quiet amusement, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"You really shouldn't underestimate Magic Knights," Julius said, brushing dust off his robes as if this was all a casual affair.

Everyone froze, their eyes wide with shock.

"Y-you were here the whole time?" Mimosa stammered, barely able to form the words.

Julius chuckled. "Observing, mostly. And intervening where necessary. But I must say, Asta, you're quite impressive. A true Knight's spirit."

"I just did what I had to,Sir."

Julius's gaze swept over the group, his smile widening. "And that's exactly what makes you promising. Well done."

Sister Lily was safely returned to the orphanage, greeted with relief and joy by Father Orsi and the children. Asta watched as she hugged each of the kids, her warm smile erasing the tension of the evening.

"Thank you, Asta," she said softly, her gaze filled with gratitude. "You were amazing."

"It's no big deal, Sister Lily."

Nearby, Yuno crossed his arms, nodding in silent approval. Mimosa glanced at Asta, her cheeks tinged pink, while Klaus muttered something about recklessness under his breath.

As the Golden Dawn members prepared to leave, Salim Hapshass stood to the side, conspicuously silent. His normally haughty demeanor was nowhere to be seen; his face was pale, his gaze fixed on the ground.

"We should go," Klaus announced, gesturing for the group to follow.

Later that night, back at the Black Bulls' base, Asta finally flopped onto his bed, exhaustion weighing heavily on him. He let out a long sigh from today's events.

As sleep began to claim him, Asta felt a soft rustling near his bed. Cracking one eye open, he saw Secre perched on the windowsill, her petite frame silhouetted against the moonlight.

Without a word, she transformed from her bird form into her human self, slipping under the blanket beside him. Spooning herself against Asta, and as she did Asta couldn't help but rap his arms around her.

The two lay there in peaceful silence, the warmth of her easing the weight of the day he's had. As the stars twinkled outside, Asta drifted into a deep sleep.