In the Farm
Two farmers worked under the morning sun, tending to the fields with magic-enhanced labor.
One of them skillfully wielded a hoe through telekinesis, directing it with a flick of his finger.
Farmer 1: "Hopefully, we'll have a great harvest this year."
Beside him, another used water magic, spraying gentle streams over rows of crops.
Farmer 2: "Yeah. Hup!"
Suddenly, a loud, familiar voice rang out from the direction of the church.
Asta (distantly): "SISTER LILYYYYYYYYYY!"
The two farmers paused and looked up.
Farmer 1: "What the...?"
Farmer 2 (sighing): "Must be that runt from the church again."
At the Church
Asta was on one knee, shouting his feelings with unwavering passion.
Asta: "I'll become the Wizard King someday and make you happy! So please, marry me!"
But just like always, Sister Lily smiled and gently rejected him.
Sister Lily: "I'm sorry, Asta, but I'm everyone's sister."
Asta lunged toward her dramatically, only to be smacked midair by her Water Creation Magic: Holy Fist of Love, sending him crashing into the wall. Watching nearby, Nash chuckled while Yuno stood with arms crossed, unimpressed.
Asta, trying to prove himself, attempted to show off his training results—but before he could act, Yuno casually demonstrated his superior magic prowess, shutting Asta down effortlessly.
Asta, still trying to connect, raised his fist for a fist bump. But Yuno walked away. Not out of hatred—but because of the silent rivalry between them.
Feeling fired up rather than discouraged, Asta declared his determination and ran off to train harder than ever, even with no mana to his name.
Nash (muttering): "Can't believe he's the same age as me..."
As Sister Lily turned to head back inside the church to speak with Yuno, Nash called out to her.
Nash: "By the way, Sister… where's Brother Hans?"
Sister Lily: "He went into the forest to hunt for food."
Nash (chuckling): "Man… remember the first time he did that? He was only ten. No permission, no magic—just a bow, an axe, and pure madness. We were so scared when he came back all bloodied, carrying that wild boar. We thought he just murder someone."
Sister Lily (smiling softly): "I was scared too. But not because of the blood—I thought he'd been injured. I scolded him that day, and he said..."
Flashback
Sister Lily stands at the doorway, arms crossed, looking worried and upset as young Hans drags in a large boar, blood splattered across his shirt.
Sister Lily: "Hans! Why were you hunting without permission?!"
Hans (grinning proudly): "Sister, I'm just tired of us eating nothing but potatoes. I wanted everyone to try something better. It was so delicious! But Eating the same thing every day is boring... I just wanted to make you all happy and taste something new."
Sister Lily (sighing): "I appreciate it... but don't ever do something so dangerous again."
Hans (cheeky): "No promises."
Back to Present
Sister Lily: "Sigh... unlike Asta, Hans is definitely the rebellious type."
Nash (grinning): "Yeah, but he's the one who cooked the meat that night too. It was amazing. Still, I've gotta admit—I respect Asta. He was the first to step in front of us when we were scared to ask Hans what he was doing for him to get all that bloodied. He was trembling, sure… but he didn't cry like the rest of us."
Sister Lily: "You're right. Anyway, I'll go talk to Yuno first."
Nash: "Okay, Sister."
In Forest
Asta was in the middle of his intense training, sweat pouring down his face as he balanced on one hand.
Asta: "994... 995... 996... 997... 998... 999... 1,000!"
With a final push, he dropped back onto the ground, panting heavily. He reached for a bottle filled with a strange, greenish liquid and gulped it down in one go.
Asta: "Ahh... Moguro leaf juice! Supposedly boosts magical power."
He wiped his mouth and focused, trying once again to summon even the smallest bit of magic—but nothing happened. Not even a spark.
Asta: "Tch... Still nothing. But I'm not giving up. I will become the Wizard King. That's one thing I'll never give up on! But first... I've got to keep building myself up!"
Suddenly, he heard a rustling sound from the nearby bushes.
Asta (looking around cautiously): "What was that?"
He slowly approached the bush, and as he parted the leaves—suddenly a bloodied hand reached out and grabbed his wrist.
Asta: "WAAAAH!"
Hans: "Yo."
Asta stumbled back, startled. Then, recognizing the voice, he sighed in relief.
Asta: "Hans! You scared the life out of me, man!"
Hans (grinning): "Sorry about that. I just finished hunting and heard someone yelling. Of course, it was you."
Asta: "Ugh... at least give a warning before grabbing someone like that—and maybe don't do it with a blood-covered hand next time!"
Hans: "No promises."
Asta sighed again and shook his head.
Hans: "So, how's training going? Did you try that technique I taught you?"
Asta: "Total Concentration Breathing, right? I've already mastered it! You should've seen Sister Lily's face when I shattered that giant urn just by exhaling. Thanks again for teaching me!"
Hans: "You earned it. It's not about the technique—it's your hard work that made it happen."
Asta: "Still, you train way harder than me. Like seriously, how did you even come up with that breathing method?"
Hans (chuckling): "I invented it... sort of."(In his mind: 'Thanks, Kimetsu no Yaiba.')
Asta: "You're seriously the coolest. Are you sure you don't wanna become a Magic Knight too?"
Hans: "No mana. No grimoire. Even if I had both, I don't think I'd want to. I've made peace with that part of my life."
Asta: "Still... why not come with me tomorrow to the Grimoire Tower? Who knows? Maybe you'll get one."
Hans: "I'll come. But just to watch you get yours. I don't expect anything—and honestly, I don't need it."
Asta: "You've got guts, man. Not losing hope even when the world gives you nothing."
Hans: "Funny, I was gonna say the same about you. Actually... I did lose hope once. But seeing you now—pushing past everything—it's pretty damn inspiring."
Asta: "Yeah, I lost hope once too... but even if I fall a hundred times, I'll get back up a hundred and one. That's just who I am."
Hans: "I'm rooting for you. Can't say for sure what'll happen… but if you do get a grimoire, I think it'll be something special."
Asta: "Thanks, Hans."
Hans: "Anyway, let's head back. We're having a meat and potato feast tonight."
Asta: "You go ahead. I'll catch up after I finish training."
Hans: "Don't miss out. Eating well is part of training too, you know."
Asta (grinning): "Yeah, yeah. Besides, your cooking's the best—I've been craving it all day."
Hans: "Naturally. I'm better than you at everything, No offense."
Asta (grinning): "Nah, no offense taken. I actually admire you. Even if you act all mysterious sometimes..."
Hans (pausing, then smiling faintly): "Let's just say... some things are better left unsaid or kept secret."
Asta: "Fair enough."
Hans turned to leave, carrying a large butchered boar slung over his shoulder. Blood still stained his hands and clothes.
Asta: "By the way—you might wanna wash your face and hands first. You look like a serial killer heading to church."
Hans: "I'll wash up at home."
Asta: "I'm serious, people are probably terrified of you when you show up like that."
Hans: "I don't care what people say about me."
Asta: "Well... I won't force you. You've always been like this."
Hans gave a casual wave over his shoulder, the large boar still slung effortlessly on his back. The scent of fresh meat lingered in the air as he disappeared down the path toward the church.
Asta watched him go with a small smile before turning back to his training. He clenched his fists, eyes blazing with unshakable determination.
Asta: "No mana? No problem. I'll just train harder than anyone else! Because never giving up is my magic!"
He clenched his fists, fire in his eyes.
Asta: "And like Hans always says... 'Break your limits and go beyond... Plus Ultra!' Whatever the hell Plus Ultra means—it sounds awesome!"
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Asta continued his relentless workout—each movement echoing his unbreakable will.
Then came the dawn of a new day.