After the introductions, Yami, puffing on his cigarette, said, "Normally there's another stage, but these two are fine. Let's skip it."

  Drake then remembered another reason why the Bck Bulls were the least desirable squad for candidates: their unique initiation ritual.

  Earning that bck cloak wasn't easy.

  Initially, some joined the Bck Bulls, only to end up in the capital's hospital the next day. Those who mentioned their experience with the Bck Bulls initiation spoke with gritted teeth, preferring to leave the Magic Knights rather than endure it again.

  The Bck Bulls' initiation wasn't complicated—grueling physical tests and brutal sparring matches.

  It was likely Yami's invention, becoming a tradition for new recruits.

  However, it wasn't entirely bad. A full-fledged battle fostered understanding better than prolonged adjustment. Those who passed the initiation integrated faster.

  The problem was that expecting the Bck Bulls' problem children to exercise restraint was unrealistic; accidents were the norm.

  Magna Swing excimed, "Damn it, what tricks did you use to get Captain Yami's approval? Don't try to hide it from me, Magna-sama!"

  Tugging at his cloak, Magna said, "This cloak is a symbol of the Bck Bulls' honor. You can't just wear it."

  "I want it!" Asta's mouth opened wide, as if reaching for the cloak.

  "You want it, huh?" Magna said menacingly. "Then you have to pass my trial!"

  Yami ughed. "You're eager to spar with the newcomers! Energetic! My men are great, but underestimating these kids will get you hurt!"

  Everyone looked at Drake and Asta with surprise. Magna was an experienced Magic Knight, yet Yami favored the newcomers more. These recruits were extraordinary.

  Asta decred, "I understand! I'll pass the trial and get the cloak!"

  Drake said, "Trial? A fight with a senior member? With all due respect, a fire magic user and I are a poor match; it'll be boring."

  "What?!"

  Magna's veins bulged, shouting, "Are you looking down on me?! I'll kill you now!"

  His Grimoire opened, and he drew his fming baseball bat, a giant fireball appearing before him.

  "Die!"

  Magna swung his bat, unching the fireball at Drake.

  Drake ducked, saying, "I'm not underestimating you, senpai. I respect you, Magna-senpai!"

  The Bck Bulls had many talented members, arguably the strongest among the nine squads. They had several rare Underworld mages: Yami (dark magic), Nacht (demon magic), Vanessa (fate manipution), Grey (matter manipution), Charmy (unique bloodline), and Asta (anti-magic).

  But Magna's abilities were the most ordinary. Born a commoner, he cked immense magic power or special abilities. While he was exceptional compared to average Magic Knights, in the Bck Bulls, ordinary meant behind.

  However, he possessed incredible perseverance and willpower, eventually developing his own fighting style under the guidance of Zora Ideale. He achieved the miraculous, defeating Dante Zogratis, a demon possessor stronger than a Magic Knight Captain.

  Drake's respect was genuine, but his comment about a poor match was also true.

  Magna's giant fireball stopped before Drake's open mouth. It began to shrink, and a swallowing sound echoed.

  "He… ate… the fmes…"

  Everyone stared in shock. Magna himself was stunned.

  "Willpower-infused fmes, thank you for the meal!" Drake wiped his mouth, giving Magna a thumbs-up.

  "A dragon's lungs store fmes, its scales dissolve fmes, its cws wield fmes. This dragon-like physique is the result of Dragon Syer magic, passed down from dragons, used to combat dragons."

  Drake expined his magic to the astonished Magna.

  "Amazing!" Magna excimed. "I chose the wrong opponent!"

  Magna was a true man; Drake felt his words were sincere, devoid of jealousy.

  "Hahaha! Interesting magic! See? My choice was good!" Yami ughed, addressing the others.

  The others nodded in agreement.

  Vanessa said, "But… dragons… aren't they legendary creatures? Did a dragon teach Drake-kun his magic? Amazing!"

  Drake smiled. Telling others about dragons would only bring ridicule or accusations of madness. Only in the Bck Bulls would they believe him so easily.

  Drake said, "I haven't mentioned this yet. I was raised by a dragon until I was ten."

  "What?!"

  Everyone was surprised but didn't doubt him.

  Asta excimed, "Drake was raised by a dragon? I never knew!"

  Drake smiled. "You never asked."

  Asta realized, "That's right! I never asked about Drake's past."

  Magna turned to Asta. "I acknowledge Drake, but you're different. I sense no magic in you. Be prepared; you might die!"

  Asta decred energetically, "I know! I'll pass!"

  He drew the Demon-syer Sword, ready for Magna's attack.

  "Alright! I'll go all out." Magna retracted his baseball bat; his Grimoire turned, revealing an even rger fireball.

  "Fire Magic: Exploding Inferno Magic Ball!"

  Magna roared, throwing the fireball with a perfect baseball pitch, faster than before.

  Asta, remembering the exam, instinctively raised the Demon-syer Sword to block.

  "Bang!"

  The fireball was deflected, hitting Magna and exploding.

  "You bastard! Almost died from your own magic!"

  Magna's constitution was good; he'd reduced his magic power before impact.

  Emerging from the fmes, Magna rushed to Asta, pcing his hands on his shoulders.

  "You…"

  "Scary! Scary! Scary!" Asta trembled.

  Magna ughed. "Impressive! Hahaha!"

  He patted Asta's back. "You blocked my magic and deflected it! Good job, Tiny Asta!"

  "It's Asta!"

  Magna ignored him. "I'm sorry for mocking your ck of magic."

  Asta said, "I don't have weak magic; I have no magic!"

  Magna didn't mock him. "Magicless and you deflected my magic? Even cooler!"

  Everyone gathered; Drake felt their genuine enthusiasm.

  "Here… take these!" Magna tossed two cloaks.

  Drake put his cloak on without hesitation.

  "You're Bck Bulls now!" They cheered.

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