He went to the black market one day to find out what was happening to him.
Is it a curse of some sort?
An illness?
He'll probably find out sooner or later,
he hoped
He wandered the black market asking around if they've heard of such a condition.
Two days had passed without answers, until a strange old man with a wise aura told him of a fairytale in a children's book,
Titled, "Hanahaki"
"There was a child who grew up in a small village.
She was constantly bullied for her lack of mana and weak magic, until a peculiar boy stood up for her."
"Years have passed being friends with him, and she realized her feelings. Pining for him."
"One morning, the girl felt sick and vomitted what seemed to be blood and petals."
"She told her mother, Anne."
"Anne said that it was 'Hanahaki' with fear in her voice."
"' Unless you bear fruit to a new love or have your own requited, you will never be cured.' Anne cried as she replied."
"The mother stayed by her bedside until her daughter passed away."
"The boy had showed up to her doorstep a day later asking for her hand in marriage."
"Only to learn the truth as guilt and regret ate at him away."
" 'If only I was a day earlier.. If only I were braver.. ' "
"On the bed was her body, covered in beautiful flowers."
"T h e E n d"
The shorter boy was terrified.
"I-Is there really no cure old man?!! Other than loving someone else?!!"
"I'm afraid not young boy..."
The elder had an idea of what the boy was going through.
Saying Asta was devastated is an understatement.
He ran while tears escaped his eyes. Knowing it was hopeless.
That it was the end of him.
'Aren't I gonna be the Wizard King?!'
'Will I die from such a stupid curse?!'
'I refuse to believe that! Fate..! You've done it again.....'
..
....
........
.............
'Haven't you had enough..? Fate.. do you hate me that much..?'
'Having no parents. No magic. And now this curse..'
.
.
.
He went to a bar his squadmate Finral mentioned.
He ordered a couple of alcoholic beverages.
Having the intention to drink his worries away...
.
.
.
