The Formation of the Tenth Squad and the Nine Magic Knights' Tournament
The news spread like wildfire across the Clover Kingdom, even reaching street-sweeping aunties.
The nobles' reactions were unified, with almost unanimous opposition. On the other hand, commoners were ecstatic and hopeful.
"This represents a chance to rise up without bowing to nobles or relying on luck to enter the Nine Knights' Squads," one commoner said.
"Exactly! If the Tenth Squad succeeds, they can glare at us all they want, and we'll glare right back!"
"True, but what if a noble ends up leading the Tenth Squad?"
This possibility led to hushed discussions. The Tenth Squad represented a ray of hope for commoners, but if a noble became the captain, the situation would revert to the same old unfairness.
"Still, I heard someone besides the Nine Squads is also participating in the tournament."
"You mean Ethan Hayes, right?"
"Yeah, he's one of us! It'd be great if he could become the captain!"
"That's a nice thought, but the Nine Knights are sending their elites. How could Ethan, a commoner, compete against them?"
Reality was harsh. To many, Ethan's participation seemed like a token gesture to placate the commoners, while the captain's position was likely pre-determined.
Meanwhile, at the Silver Eagles Headquarters, a meeting was in session.
Captain Nozel Silva addressed his team. "For this competition, I've decided to send Nebra Silva. Any objections?"
The room fell silent, and agreement quickly followed. As a senior knight of the fifth rank and Nozel's sister, Nebra was the perfect choice.
"Good," Nozel nodded in satisfaction. "By the way, what's Ethan Hayes been doing these days?"
"Not much," someone reported. "He's been staying in his quarters, eating and sleeping. That's it."
Nozel frowned. "Eating and sleeping? Does he not take this competition seriously?"
"Never mind him," Nozel waved it off. "Our real concerns are the other squads. Nebra, I've coordinated with the Azure Orcas; you'll work with their vice-captain, Xerx. Eliminate the other squads first, but don't forget our goal."
"Yes, Captain!" Nebra responded.
Similar discussions were happening across the other squads: Golden Dawn, Green Mantis, and others. They largely dismissed Ethan as a threat and focused on strategies to outmaneuver rival squads.
In contrast, the Black Bulls Headquarters had a more laid-back approach.
"Alright, Asta, you'll go tomorrow," Captain Yami Sukehiro announced lazily, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"Me?!" Asta blinked in confusion.
The Black Bulls had plenty of strong members: Vanessa, Luck, Gauche… why him?
"Yep, no choice. You or no one," Yami shrugged. "And if you don't go, no pay next month."
With that, Yami walked off, leaving Asta dumbfounded.
As dawn broke, squads from across the kingdom began their journey to the competition grounds. Ethan, yawning, also made his way there.
The stage was set, and the battle was about to begin.