Chapter 30: The Strings Tighten
The days leading up to the Magic Knight Gathering were filled with subtle tension across the Clover Kingdom. Rumors of Asta's overwhelming strength, the mysterious Akatsuki squad, and new threats from foreign kingdoms had left nobles, royals, and commoners alike on edge. But few understood how deeply the real storm brewed beneath the surface.
Inside the dimensional Akatsuki base, Avi stood before his grand magical map, countless glowing threads connecting known locations, possible threats, and enemy movements. His emerald eyes gleamed with quiet intensity.
Avi (thought): "The moment is approaching where all factions will begin to collide. The Elves stir beneath the surface, Zagred's influence remains scattered but active, the Spade Kingdom watches from the shadows, and Lucius orchestrates his schemes."
He waved his hand, and dozens of glowing markers shifted on the map as his scouts and clones returned updates.
Diamond Kingdom: Increased activity near border fortresses.
Heart Kingdom: Strange surges of cursed mana in distant forests.
Spade Kingdom: Devil worshipers expanding underground ruins.
Clover Kingdom: Nobles vying for influence ahead of the Gathering.
---
Later that evening, Avi gathered Asta, Yuno, and Noelle in the central hall. The trio had grown remarkably under his indirect guidance, but now the real test loomed.
Avi: "The Magic Knight Gathering isn't just an exhibition of power. It will serve as bait. The enemy will move during the distraction."
Yuno: "Who exactly?"
Avi: "Multiple parties. Some may attempt an attack directly during the Gathering. Others will use it to strike elsewhere while our forces are concentrated. We need to prepare contingencies."
Noelle: "We can handle anything. But you sound like you know more."
Avi (smirking): "I know enough. Which is why we'll be watching all fronts simultaneously."
---
Meanwhile...
In a hidden underground chamber in the Clover Kingdom, a masked figure knelt before an ancient elven relic. Faint green sigils pulsed as a corrupted elven spirit whispered.
Elven Spirit: "The time of our resurrection nears... prepare the vessel..."
The masked figure trembled, speaking into a magical orb that transmitted the message to their superior.
Mystery Voice: "Excellent. Our plan aligns with the Gathering perfectly. The humans won't know what hit them."
---
Days Later - Royal Capital
The grand arena was alive with excitement as nobles, royals, commoners, and Magic Knights filled the stands. The King himself watched from his elevated platform, though everyone knew it was Wizard King Julius whose opinion truly mattered.
Asta, Yuno, and Noelle stood together in their Akatsuki cloaks, drawing whispers from every corner. Despite wearing the Akatsuki black cloak with red clouds, they stood out like a beacon.
Noble 1: "That's the boy who defeated all captains during the entrance exam!"
Noble 2: "And that emblem... Akatsuki... strange name. Are they truly sanctioned?"
Avi (standing nearby): "They talk much, but understand little. Perfect."
He remained low-key, hiding his true power, giving off only a moderately strong mana signature. Julius, however, glanced at Avi occasionally, curiosity sparkling behind his eyes.
---
The initial matches were fierce. Captains displayed their skills in front of eager spectators. Then, selected squad members competed in intense magic battles. Asta easily overwhelmed his opponent with raw anti-magic, while Yuno elegantly dismantled his rival with surgical wind strikes. Noelle displayed her growing mastery of her Valkyrie armor.
Yet, beneath the cheers, Avi's clones reported back.
Clone Report (in Avi's mind): "Suspicious movement detected near the Golden Dawn barracks. Multiple cloaked individuals with cursed artifacts."
Avi (thought): "So they make their move now. As expected."
Avi excused himself quietly from the arena, stepping into a shadowed corridor, where one of his dark-robed secret identities manifested. Cloaked in illusion and system-boosted stealth, Avi teleported instantly to intercept.
---
Golden Dawn Headquarters - Moments Later
The rogue group had breached into a secure vault, attempting to steal ancient grimoires and forbidden scrolls. Before they could react, dark vines erupted from the walls, binding them in place.
Rogue Leader: "W-What?! Who's there?!"
Avi appeared silently behind them.
Avi (whisper): "You move your pieces too boldly, little pawns."
With a flick of his hand, the entire group was rendered unconscious by a suppression spell. He quickly altered the scene to make it appear like internal security caught them, erasing any traces of his intervention.
Avi (thought): "Keep the surface calm. Let Lucius and Zagred wonder why their pawns keep failing."
---
Back at the Arena
As the Gathering proceeded toward its climax, Julius suddenly stood.
Julius: "Attention everyone! Before we conclude, a surprise challenge. The top performers will face a joint team of captains!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Asta (grinning): "Another challenge? Let's go!"
Yuno: "Stay sharp."
Noelle: "I'll show them what we've trained for."
Avi, returning unnoticed to the spectator seats, smiled faintly.
Avi (thought): "Perfect. A display of strength will deter future threats and keep Akatsuki's position strong without revealing our true depths."
The captains facing them included Fuegoleon, Nozel, Charlotte, Jack the Ripper, and Yami.
Fuegoleon: "Akatsuki members, don't hold back."
Asta (grinning wider): "We won't."
---
The battle commenced with explosive force. Asta charged in, anti-magic sword cleaving through magic attacks, while Yuno's wind shielded their flanks. Noelle's Valkyrie armor danced across the arena with grace, sending controlled tidal blasts against Nozel and Charlotte.
The captains fought seriously but not lethally, observing how far the trio had grown. Yami smirked watching Asta adapt mid-battle, closing gaps with sheer instinct.
Yami: "Tch... this brat's a monster."
Fuegoleon (thought): "Asta and Yuno's growth is terrifying. But who taught them to move like this? It's... tactical. Calculated."
As the match reached its peak, Avi subtly used his system-enhanced perception to scan the audience for any remaining threats. A faint magical ripple caught his attention from a distant tower overlooking the arena.
Avi (thought): "Another observer? No... not human. Devil-tainted mana?"
---
Elsewhere - At the Tower
A cloaked devil-worshipper held a small artifact infused with forbidden magic, silently observing the battle.
Cultist: "Soon the Elves will rise... and our master Zagred shall return."
Just as he whispered, a dark shadow wrapped around him. Avi appeared behind the cultist, his manipulative smile sharp as a blade.
Avi (softly): "You're ahead of schedule."
Cultist (panicked): "Wh-Who are y—"
Before he could finish, Avi's hand sealed his mouth with an instant silencing curse. The artifact disintegrated under Avi's touch.
Avi: "The world doesn't need more devils."
With precision, Avi altered the man's memories, planted false evidence leading investigators toward rival cult factions, and vanished once again into the shadows.
---
Back at the Arena
The battle ended in a respectful draw, as the captains acknowledged Akatsuki's members publicly.
Fuegoleon: "Your squad... shows promise beyond expectation."
Yami (smirking): "Yeah, kid. But don't let it get to your head."
Asta, Yuno, and Noelle bowed in thanks, proud but humble.
Julius (smiling): "The future of the Clover Kingdom looks bright."
The audience erupted into applause. Yet Avi's thoughts remained focused.
Avi (thought): "Tonight may belong to the kingdom. But the true war draws closer. And I'll be ready for it."
---
Meanwhile in the Spade Kingdom
In a grand underground cathedral, Lucius stood before a massive magical array, multiple devil husks floating behind him.
Lucius: "Interesting... every plan I set into motion faces unexpected setbacks."
He raised his hand, staring into the swirling pool of future visions.
Lucius: "Someone... is pulling strings behind the scenes. Clever little puppeteer. I wonder who you are?"
His eyes narrowed as faint glimpses of Avi's shadowy form flickered briefly across timelines.
Lucius: "We shall meet soon, hidden master."
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To Be Continued...