Huh...
What?
Title of Great Magic Knight?
Not only was Ethan Hayes stunned, but everyone around him wore expressions of disbelief.
The title of Great Magic Knight was an honor reserved for only a handful in the entire Clover Kingdom. It was awarded to those with extraordinary achievements or overwhelming strength. This honor was typically limited to the captains of the nine magic knight squads.
What made Ethan Hayes qualified to stand shoulder to shoulder with these illustrious individuals?
"Wizard King , are you joking?"
"Exactly. How is Ethan Hayes worthy? He's just a rookie."
"Precisely. Even Yuno, with his 11 stars, only achieved the rank of Fourth-Class Upper Magic Knight. So why Ethan Hayes?"
The crowd erupted in protests.
They could tolerate Asta being awarded the rank of Third-Class Lower Magic Knight.
They could begrudgingly accept Yuno achieving the rank of Fourth-Class Upper Magic Knight.
But Ethan Hayes being granted the title of Great Magic Knight? That was utterly intolerable!
How could a mere commoner rise to such heights? It felt as if he was stepping on their pride.
Despite the commotion, the captains of the Silver Eagles, Blue Rose, and Crimson Lion Kings remained silent. Ethan Hayes, however, frowned as he glanced at the Wizard King.
Ethan knew that the Wizard King held him in high regard, but this blatant promotion seemed reckless and unnecessary. Was there some hidden agenda behind it?
"Silence, everyone!"
The Wizard King's voice was calm yet carried undeniable authority. He smiled warmly, as if unaffected by the doubts surrounding his decision.
"As the Wizard King, I have learned over the years that the kingdom's growth hinges on one critical element: talent."
"And talent doesn't come to you. You must discover it, nurture it—just as we've seen with Yuno, Ethan Hayes, and Asta. Though commoners, their capabilities and contributions are exactly what our kingdom needs. I wish for more individuals like them to emerge. Therefore…"
The Wizard King paused, his smile widening.
"I have decided to establish a new institution dedicated to discovering, recruiting, and cultivating talent, particularly from commoners. Ethan Hayes, being the most exemplary among them, will serve as its leader. This institution will form the Clover Kingdom's Tenth Magic Knight Squad!"
What?!
The announcement sent another wave of shock rippling through the crowd.
A Tenth Squad?
And Ethan Hayes as its captain?
Was this some sort of hallucination? Or had the Wizard King truly lost his mind?
Ethan Hayes himself felt his face twitch in disbelief.
"Did he seriously take my random suggestion to heart?" Ethan thought, recalling a casual remark he had made to the Wizard King, painting a grand vision to win his favor.
The idea of a Tenth Squad sounded ambitious, but the execution seemed daunting, even more so than starting from scratch.
"Wizard King, your idea is admirable, and I fully support it. However, if a Tenth Squad is to be established, many capable individuals within the Nine Squads could better serve as its captain," said Nozel Silva, captain of the Silver Eagles, stepping forward.
His tone was calm and measured, yet his message was clear: he opposed Ethan Hayes' appointment.
"Indeed, Wizard King, while the proposal is commendable, it would be more prudent to choose a proven, accomplished individual from within the existing squads," added Charlotte Roselei, the commanding and regal captain of the Blue Rose Knights.
Ethan couldn't help but glance at Charlotte.
In a past magical simulation, Charlotte had been among his loyal allies, even showing a softer side. Yet here she was, opposing him outright. It was a stark reminder that the simulated world was just that—an illusion.
"I think it's worth a try," interjected Fuegoleon Vermillion, captain of the Crimson Lion Kings. His unexpected support caught everyone off guard.
"Experience is built over time, not overnight. Young people must be tested and trained to grow. If we can nurture more talents like them, it will undoubtedly benefit the kingdom."
Charlotte and Nozel exchanged surprised glances.
Had Fuegoleon lost his mind too? Did he not understand the implications of this decision? A squad composed entirely of commoners, with a commoner captain, would disrupt the delicate balance of power.
The murmurs and arguments resumed, but Fuegoleon stood firm in his support.
Ultimately, however, the majority of captains stood against the decision.
They couldn't fathom the idea of commoners being elevated to a level equivalent to their elite squads. It was a direct challenge to their status and authority.
"Let me remind all of you—this is not a discussion. It is a decision already made. The Tenth Squad will be established!"
The Wizard King's voice thundered, his usually warm and approachable demeanor replaced by an imperial authority that sent chills through the room.
The hall fell silent.
For years, his kind and gentle leadership had made many forget his true power and station as the Wizard King, the kingdom's strongest mage.
"Since the Wizard King insists, we cannot object. However, the appointment of the squad's captain requires careful consideration," said Nozel after a long pause.
"I propose that candidates from the Nine Squads compete for the position. This will ensure that the Tenth Squad is led by the best-qualified individual," he continued.
"I second this," Charlotte agreed.
"So do I," echoed others.
The Wizard King pondered their proposal before nodding.
"Very well. Three days from now, each squad will present their chosen candidate. Ethan Hayes, come with me," he said, signaling the end of the discussion.
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