Summoning King

Magic Knight Exam

Once Mordred has explained everything and Rider processed what she had been told, they were running out of time to make it to the venue, so Asta took to the rooftops so that he could avoid the streets, while they shifted into the non-physical forms. While Asta made his way to the arena, they discussed what they were going to do, aware that Asta could hear the telepathic conversation since he also had to be aware. Mordred knew that she was the stronger servant, that much was clear immediately, and Rider knew it too. If she fought Asta would definitely be selected, but her own skills, magic or just skill with a sword, would overshadow his own. It would be better for Rider to remain on standby, ready to jump in if he needed the help, while Mordred was the last resort. 

When they reached the arena, joining the other would be Knights as they waited, they listened to the mumblings of repeat applicants. It seemed that most of the tests would be based upon magic, but there would be a combat based test. Asta had no magic, as such he wouldn't be able to complete those tasks, however, he was good in a fight. He would have to put all his hopes of becoming a Magic Knight on the combat test and hope that one of the Magic Knight Captains would take notice of his unusual skill set. 

When the captains finally arrived the testing finally began. The first trail was to fly on a broom using magical their magical power. The stronger someone's magic was, the higher they could go, and the more stable their flight was. He tried. He tried so hard. But no magic, no flight, and he was the only one. He just spent the whole time groaning in effort, trying despite himself to try and manifest magic. It was the same through all of the tasks. He was by far the weakest candidate and it seemed that only a boy named Sekke was kind to him, shouting encouragements to him the whole time. Still, something was off about him. Mordred and Rider both had met a lot of people during their life, and even more during their previous summons to serve different masters in competition for the Grail, although not once against one another which they found strange. Perhaps they had but were unaware. Either way, Sekke Bronzazza gave them both a bad feeling. They suspected that he was simply trying to make himself look better. Anyone with magic would look incredible next to Asta after all. 

Rider found the whole thing rather frustrating to see her master treated in such a way, unable to interfere since he didn't see it. Mordred was both frustrated and angry, wanting nothing more than to manifest and kill him. The mere thought of doing so made her grin manically. 

Final the trails past, only the final one remaining. William Vangeance, the strongest of the Magic Knight Captains, got to his feet and spoke directly to all of them as he had at the beginning. "Next is the final test." He was the closest man to being the Wizard King, the next in line as it were. To achieve his dream Asta needed to become stronger than him. Both servants could feel the man's power, as well as something else within him that made them a little nervous. "In this test you will pair up and engage one another in single combat. You may use your Grimoire, I'm sure that each of you has mastered at least one or two spells to use in combat." He explained to them, leaving a moment of silence for the situation to sink in for all of them. 

It was clear that a loss would mean they would fail to earn a place among the Magic Knights, unless they could display enough skill to catch their eye beforehand, unlikely. Asta's face took on a look of pure determination, fire burning behind his eyes as he saw his one chance. "The main job of a Magic Knight is battle. Using our magic to protect the Kingdom from anyone that may wish to do it harm. So, feel free to show us everything you're capable of." 

Asta at first thought that people would want to pick him. It took him a little longer than the others to realise that they needed someone strong to present their skills. 

He thought Sekke a saviour when he stepped up, volunteering to partner with him for the battle. 

"You will fight until one surrenders or is rendered unable to continue. Healing wizards are on standby to tend to any injuries, so fight as though your life depends on it." Vangeance continued after the pairs had formed. "Now, who wants to go first?"