Chapter 11: Bonds Forged in Fire

The village was quiet now, save for the crackling of dying embers and the hushed whispers of relieved survivors. The once-rampaging bandits had either fled or lay unconscious, strewn across the ground like discarded dolls. Escanor stood amidst the wreckage, his golden aura fading as the last remnants of his magic settled. The battle had been swift—perhaps too swift.

Escanor turned his gaze to the night sky. The moon hung overhead, pale and cold, and he could feel the stark difference in his power. The sun had set, and with it, his strength had begun to wane.

"So, this is my limit…" he murmured.

He clenched his fists. Even in this new world, the curse of his former power remained—unstoppable under the sun, vulnerable in the dark.

"Oi, big guy!"

Escanor turned to see Magna, carrying a wounded villager over his shoulder. The fire mage grinned. "We're done here. Let's head back before Captain Yami chews us out for taking too long."

Asta, ever energetic despite the fight, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Plus, I'm starving! I bet we're gonna have a feast after this!"

Luck, still sparking with excitement, grinned. "I hope there's another mission waiting for us when we get back. This was fun!"

Escanor looked at them—his new comrades. Despite their quirks, something was reassuring about them. They did not judge him for his power. They did not fear him. Instead, they welcomed him as one of their own.

And for the first time in a long while, Escanor felt something unfamiliar—a sense of belonging.

The journey back to the Black Bulls' hideout was far less urgent than their departure. Magna's fire-powered broomstick cut through the cool night air, carrying them swiftly home. Asta was talking animatedly about how cool Escanor's magic was, while Luck kept pestering him for a sparring match.

Escanor, however, remained silent. His thoughts lingered on his power, its strengths and weaknesses.

He had been reborn in this world with the power of the sun still burning within him, but was it the same as before?

His grimoire had granted him spells unlike those of his past life—Solar Guard, Radiant Palm, Blazing Flare. They were not mere physical enhancements but something greater, something refined.

Perhaps this was an opportunity. A chance to surpass his former self.

"Oi, we're here!"

Magna's voice pulled him from his thoughts. The hideout of the Black Bulls loomed before them—a massive, crooked structure that looked half-destroyed even on its best days. The mismatched towers, the rickety balconies, and the occasional explosion from within made it clear—this was not an ordinary squad.

Escanor had seen many castles in his past life. Grand halls, pristine walls, and regal designs. This was nothing like that.

And yet, as he stepped off the broom, he couldn't help but smile. This chaotic, unpredictable place… was his home now.

The moment they entered, a booming voice greeted them.

"Oi, you brats took your damn time."

Escanor turned to see Captain Yami Sukehiro standing in the middle of the hideout's main hall, arms crossed, an irritated look on his face. The aura he exuded was overwhelming.

Asta stood at attention. "Mission complete, Captain! The bandits won't be bothering that village again!"

Magna gave a lazy salute. "Yeah, thanks to this guy." He jerked a thumb at Escanor. "He pretty much wiped the floor with them before we even got a real fight in."

Yami turned his gaze to Escanor, scrutinizing him. For a brief moment, the weight of the captain's presence pressed against him, but Escanor did not falter. He had stood before kings and demons alike. This was nothing.

Yami smirked. "Not bad, new guy. Looks like we picked up another interesting one."

"You're one of us now," Yami said. "Welcome to the worst squad in the Clover Kingdom."

For the first time in this new life, he truly felt like he belonged.

What followed was pure chaos.

The moment Yami dismissed them, the Black Bulls erupted into celebration. Someone—probably Finral—summoned a massive feast seemingly out of nowhere. Noelle sat at the edge, pretending not to be involved while secretly stealing bites of food. Vanessa had already started drinking, while Gordon… just mumbled to himself.

Escanor, unused to such lively gatherings, found himself seated beside Asta, who was eagerly stuffing his face.

"You gotta try this!" Asta said through a mouthful of food, handing him a plate.

Escanor hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. His eyes widened.

It was delicious.

He had eaten like a king in his past life, but there was something special about this meal. Perhaps it was the warmth of the people around him, the genuine laughter filling the air.

For so long, he had been a warrior, a symbol of pride and power. But tonight, sitting among his new comrades, he was simply Escanor.

And for now, that was enough.