Chapter 12: The Radiant Lion of the Black Bulls

The Black Bulls' hideout was anything but quiet. The aftermath of the welcoming feast had left the place in shambles—empty mugs scattered across tables, plates piled high with leftover food, and a few unfortunate members passed out in the corners. Escanor sat at the far end of the room, arms crossed, watching as Asta challenged Magna to an arm-wrestling match.

His lips curled into a small smile.

It was strange. He had lived among Holy Knights and warriors of great power in his past life, yet there was something different about this squad. They were loud, reckless, and utterly unpredictable. And yet, despite the madness, there was an undeniable bond between them.

This is what it means to be a knight in this world?

"Oi, newbie," a gruff voice interrupted his thoughts.

Escanor turned to see Captain Yami approaching, his ever-present cigarette hanging from his lips. The captain stopped before him, arms crossed, his eyes sharp.

"You're strong, no doubt about that," Yami said. "But strength alone ain't enough in this squad. We're not like the other Magic Knight squads—you don't just sit around looking pretty and taking orders from nobles."

Escanor met his gaze, unwavering. "I would expect nothing less."

Yami smirked. "Good. Then you're coming with me."

The chatter in the room ceased.

Even Luck, who had been eagerly looking for another fight, paused to listen.

"Where are we going?" Escanor asked.

Yami cracked his knuckles. "Your first real mission."

Morning came faster than Escanor had expected. The golden glow of dawn spread over the horizon, and with it, a new challenge.

Yami had given them a mission of high urgency—an infestation of powerful rogue magic beasts had been reported near a remote village. These creatures weren't your average wild beasts; they were said to be infused with mana, making them stronger and far more dangerous.

"You, Asta, and Noelle are coming with me," Yami had said. "Time to see if you're worth keeping around."

Asta had practically burst with excitement, while Noelle maintained her usual air of nobility, though Escanor could tell she was eager as well.

The trip to the village was swift, thanks to Finral's spatial magic. Within moments, they had arrived at the outskirts, greeted by a scene of destruction. Homes had been torn apart, the ground littered with debris, and the air carried the scent of burned wood.

Villagers gathered in a makeshift shelter, fear evident in their eyes.

Yami wasted no time. "Alright, listen up. These beasts are rampaging somewhere in the forest nearby. Our job is to take 'em down before they decide to finish the job here."

Escanor surveyed the scene, feeling a familiar sense of duty. This world was not so different from his own—there were still those who needed protecting.

The group ventured into the dense woods, where the air was thick with tension.

Asta, ever eager for action, walked ahead with his massive anti-magic sword resting on his shoulder. Noelle stayed close behind, water magic at the ready. Escanor walked with his usual composed stride, eyes scanning the surroundings.

Then—a deep growl echoed through the trees.

They barely had time to react before a massive beast lunged from the shadows.

It was unlike any creature Escanor had ever seen—its fur was dark, almost obsidian, and glowing veins of blue mana pulsed along its body. Its eyes burned with an unnatural light, and as it landed before them, the ground trembled beneath its weight.

"That," Asta declared, grinning, "looks like a challenge!"

Without hesitation, he charged forward.

The beast roared, swiping with a claw that could tear through stone. Asta ducked, rolled, and swung his sword, the massive blade crashing into the beast's side. The impact sent a shockwave through the trees, and the creature staggered back, snarling.

Noelle wasted no time, raising her hands. "Sea Dragon's Cradle!"

A swirling mass of water surged forward, trapping the beast in a torrent of liquid force. It thrashed against the prison, but Noelle held firm.

Escanor, however, remained still.

Something felt off.

Then—a second growl.

His eyes widened. "It's not alone."

Before he could react, another beast erupted from the trees, charging straight at Noelle.

"Asta!" Escanor bellowed.

Asta turned, eyes widening as he saw the second creature closing in. Noelle, caught in maintaining her spell, couldn't react in time.

Escanor moved.

In an instant, he was between them. The beast lunged, claws aiming for his chest—but Escanor's hand shot out, catching its paw mid-swing.

The air grew heavy.

A golden glow began to radiate from Escanor's skin.

"I see…" he murmured. "Even without the sun at its peak, the light still answers me."

The beast snarled, struggling against his grip. Escanor's fingers tightened.

Then, with a single motion, he lifted the massive creature into the air and slammed it into the ground with earth-shattering force.

The impact sent shockwaves through the forest, knocking loose branches from the trees.

Asta let out a whistle. "Whoa!"

Noelle, regaining her composure, finished her spell—and with a final surge, her water magic crushed the first beast into unconsciousness.

Silence followed.

Then Yami's voice broke through. "Hah. Not bad, new guy."

Escanor exhaled slowly, his glow fading as he stepped back.

He was still learning the limits of his power in this world. The sun dictated his strength, but his magic was evolving in ways it never had before.

The return to the village was met with cheers. The villagers, seeing the defeated creatures, expressed their gratitude, and the Black Bulls were once again hailed as heroes—even if their methods were far from conventional.

That night, back at the hideout, Escanor sat outside, gazing at the stars.

Asta plopped down next to him. "You were amazing back there!"

Escanor chuckled. "As were you. Your determination is… admirable."

Asta grinned. "Well, I gotta be strong! I'm gonna be the Wizard King, after all!"

Escanor looked at him, surprised by his sheer confidence. The way Asta declared it—there was no doubt in his voice.

For the first time, Escanor thought back to his ambitions. In his past life, he had been the strongest under the sun, but his path had always been tied to others—to Meliodas, to the Seven Deadly Sins.

But in this new world?

He smiled softly, the moonlight reflecting in his eyes.

Perhaps it was time he forged a new path of his own.