Chapter 8: The Black Bulls' New Sun

Escanor stood before the gathered Magic Knight captains, their gazes locked on him as they awaited his decision. Four had raised their hands, offering him a place within their squads—Fuegoleon of the Crimson Lions, Jack the Ripper of the Green Mantis, Dorothy of the Coral Peacocks, and Yami of the Black Bulls.

Each of them was a formidable leader, but there was only one choice that truly intrigued Escanor.

He turned his gaze to Yami, who sat lazily in his chair, a cigarette between his fingers. The captain of the Black Bulls had a rough, intimidating aura, yet there was something about him that resonated with Escanor.

Yami smirked. "So, what's it gonna be, Sunshine?"

Escanor chuckled at the nickname. With a confident smile, he responded, "I shall join the Black Bulls."

Gasps and murmurs erupted from the other candidates. The Black Bulls weren't exactly known for their prestige. They were considered the most chaotic and reckless squad in the entire kingdom. But Escanor didn't care about reputation—he sought strength, camaraderie, and the chance to carve his path in this new world.

Fuegoleon gave a respectful nod. "A shame. But I hope we cross paths again, Escanor."

Jack merely laughed. "Heh! You'd have fit in well with us, but suit yourself."

Yami stood up, stretching. "Alright, kid. Welcome to the Black Bulls."

He snapped his fingers, and a swirling portal of darkness opened beside him.

"Come on. Time to meet the squad."

Stepping through the portal, Escanor felt his body shift as space itself twisted around him. Within seconds, he arrived at a massive, towering structure in the middle of a dense forest—the infamous Black Bulls hideout.

The building was far from elegant—a mixture of wood and stone that looked like it had been rebuilt numerous times. Cracks in the walls, scorch marks, and even holes suggested countless battles and reckless destruction.

The moment Escanor stepped forward, a huge explosion went off somewhere in the hideout.

BOOM!

A man's voice screamed, "DAMMIT, MAGNA! I TOLD YOU TO STOP THROWING FIREBALLS INDOORS!"

Another voice, younger and wilder, shouted back, "DON'T BLAME ME! LUCK STARTED IT!"

Yami sighed. "Yeah, you'll get used to that."

Escanor merely smiled. He had seen his fair share of chaos in the Boar Hat back in his old world. A rowdy group was nothing new.

Yami kicked open the doors. "Oi! Listen up, you bunch of idiots! We got a new recruit!"

The room fell silent as a group of eccentric mages turned to face them.

Asta, a short but muscular boy with spiky black hair and a headband, was the first to react. He rushed forward at full speed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"NO WAY! A NEW GUY?! AWESOME!" He stopped in front of Escanor, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "I'm Asta! What's your name? What's your magic? Do you like training?! Can you do a hundred push-ups in one go?!"

Escanor blinked at the rapid onslaught of questions before smiling confidently. "I am Escanor. And as for my magic… it is the power of the sun itself."

Asta gasped. "THAT SOUNDS SO COOL!"

Before anyone else could speak, another figure lunged at Escanor—this one with lightning sparking from his hands.

Luck Voltia, the squad's battle maniac, grinned wildly. "A new recruit?! Come on, fight me!"

Escanor raised an eyebrow. "Already?"

Luck cackled. "Yeah! That's how we do things here!"

Before he could throw a punch, however, a flaming baseball came flying across the room, striking him square in the face.

BOOM!

Magna, the hotheaded fire mage, smirked from across the room. "Oi, calm down, Luck. Let the new guy settle in first!"

Luck, now with a smoking face, grinned. "Fine. But I'll fight you later, Escanor!"

Escanor simply nodded. "If that is what you wish."

Another voice spoke up—a calm, composed one.

"You certainly carry yourself with confidence," said Noelle Silva, a silver-haired noblewoman. She eyed Escanor curiously. "Though, I hope you're not another reckless fool like the rest of these degenerates."

Escanor smiled warmly. "I assure you, Lady Noelle, I am quite refined."

Noelle blushed slightly at the polite address but quickly regained her composure. "W-Well, that remains to be seen."

Yami clapped his hands. "Alright, introductions over. We drink tonight to celebrate our new recruit!"

Cheers erupted throughout the room as the Black Bulls embraced their newest member.

As the festivities continued, Asta sat beside Escanor, watching the others bicker and drink.

"So, Escanor," Asta asked, "why'd you join the Black Bulls?"

Escanor took a sip of his drink before answering. "Because I seek a place where I can grow. Where strength is not measured by status, but by one's resolve." He glanced at Asta. "And you?"

Asta grinned. "Because I'm gonna be the Wizard King!"

Escanor chuckled. "A grand ambition. I respect that."

Asta pumped his fist. "Yeah! And I can tell—you're gonna be super strong, aren't you?"

Escanor smiled as he looked at his own hands, feeling the dormant power of the sun still burning within him.

"Yes," he said, "one day, I shall shine brighter than ever before."

And with that, his journey with the Black Bulls had truly begun.