Strange use of Magic (Black Clover AU)

[Third Person's PoV] 

Julius stood before the assembled Magic Knights, a warm, knowing smile gracing his face. The hall, draped in regal banners and adorned with insignias representing the various squads,. "As you are all aware," he began, his voice steady and authoritative, "Today is still the Annual War Merits Confirmation Ceremony. Given the events that have just transpired, I believe that certain promotions are well-deserved, in recognition of the outstanding achievements of our fellow Magic Knights."

A murmur of curiosity swept through the room. They were back in the very hall where the day had begun for them before the attack. Julius, standing tall on the podium, began reading out the names and reciting accomplishments that had earned these young warriors their due recognition.

After a while he got towards the Black Bulls, "First, we have Asta from Hage Village," Julius announced, his gaze sweeping over the crowd until it landed on the young knight whose smile was growing by the second upon having his name called. "For his role in conquering a dungeon and minimizing casualties, while also facing the eye of the Midnight Sun head on, Asta has accumulated enough stars to be promoted to Third-Class Magic Knight."

Asta's chest puffed out with pride, a playful grin spreading across his face as he rubbed the side of his nose with a finger. The hall filled with a mix of applause and chatter. Stephen, standing nearby, clapped him firmly on the back in congratulations. Asta's cheeks flushed slightly as he laughed, a rare moment of bashful humility.

"And next," Julius continued, a twinkle in his eye, "we have Charmy Pappitson. Thanks to her unexpected yet pivotal capture of one of the perpetrators from the recent attack, she is hereby promoted to First-Class Junior Knight."

A chorus of shocked exclamations rose from Stephen, Noelle, Asta, and Wanda, who turned to gape at Charmy. She stood with her arms crossed, chin held high and eyes gleaming with mischief.

"When did you manage to catch one of them?" Noelle demanded, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Yeah, was it that time when you wandered off to eat?" Wanda chimed in, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

Charmy smirked and tilted her head arrogantly. "Show some respect, you insolent bunch! You're speaking to your senior now!"

Rolling their eyes at her dramatic tone, the others waited as Charmy's expression softened. "To answer your question," she said, a touch more sincerely, "that hottie over there—" she pointed a dainty finger at Yuno, who stood stoically—"tossed the culprit my way during his fight. And she had the audacity to try stealing my food! So, of course, I had to teach her a lesson. Nearly lost my precious meal, but then he appeared..." Her eyes turned dreamy, voice trailing off. "Like a knight on a white stallion, saving my dish from disaster."

Julius let the mirth settle before continuing.

"Finally, we have Stephen Strange," Julius said, and a ripple of whispers coursed through the crowd. "Not only did he capture a member of the Midnight Sun on his very first mission, but he also aided in the conquest of a dungeon, proved himself as an exceptional healer during his examination, organized civilians during the recent attack and kept them secure from danger, contributed to repelling the Eye of the Midnight Sun from our kingdom, and managed to save and heal a Magic Knight Captain. For these acts of valor, Stephen Strange is hereby promoted to Fifth-Class Intermediate Magic Knight."

The hall fell into stunned silence for a moment as everyone processed the news. Stephen blinked, momentarily taken aback before turning to Charmy with a smirk. "Who's the senior now?" he teased.

Charmy's eyes widened before she bowed repeatedly, flailing her arms with exaggerated fervor. "You are, Senior Strange!"

Stephen grinned smugly. "And don't you forget it."

The ceremony wrapped up with Julius stepping forward to address the gathered Magic Knights one last time. The crowd began to disperse, as Julius then went off and made an announcement which rang through the capital to put the people's mind at rest. 

Stephen joined the Black Bulls as they made their way to their base, a portal shimmering at his command. Just as they were about to step through, a shout rang out.

"WAIT!"

They turned in unison to see Leopold charging toward them, his face flushed with determination. He skidded to a halt, panting but standing tall. "I just wanted to say... I'm forever grateful for what you did for my brother. But don't think for a second that means I'll go easy on you!" He clenched his fists, eyes fierce. "You may not see me as much now—I know I haven't had the best results, and I couldn't save my brother myself myself—but I swear I'll show you. I'll keep climbing in rank, and I'll become the Wizard King before you do!"

With dramatic flair, he pressed a thumb, lit with a small flame, to the mark on his forehead. The searing heat didn't make him flinch. "This is my promise," he declared, his voice unwavering.

The Black Bulls glanced at each other in confusion, tilting their heads slightly. Leopold mirrored their confusion, his brows furrowing. "Did I say something wrong?"

"YEAH!" Asta burst out, pointing an accusatory finger. "STEPHEN DOESN'T EVEN WANT TO BE THE WIZARD KING! AND IF ANYONE HERE SHOULD BE RECEIVING THAT DECLARATION, IT'S ME! I'M THE ONE WHO'S GOING TO BECOME THE WIZARD KING!"

Leopold's eyes darted between Asta and Stephen, momentarily dumbfounded. "Wait... you don't want to be the Wizard King? Who wouldn't want to be the Wizard King? That's the most important job in the entire kingdom!" His hand went to his head as he sighed, looking slightly defeated. "Now I feel like my declaration was pointless..."

"HELLO!" Asta waved his arms frantically. "Don't pretend you can't see me just because I'm short!"

Stephen chuckled, the seriousness of the moment diffusing. "Just because I don't want to be Wizard King doesn't mean I don't have my own dreams and ambitions. Your declaration wasn't pointless, Let's just see who reaches their goal first."

Leopold straightened up, a grin breaking through his seriousness. "I won't forget that." He turned to Asta, the fire in his eyes reigniting. "And you, don't think I've forgotten you. That challenge was for you too. I will become the Wizard King."

"Over my dead body!" Asta retorted, stomping toward the portal. The rest of the Black Bulls followed, waving their goodbyes.

Leopold stood for a moment, hands on his hips and a grin plastered on his face, until he heard Stephen's and Asta's voices just before they disappeared

"Who was that guy again?" Asta asked, scratching his head.

"No clue," Stephen replied, the amusement evident in his tone.

Leopold's smile faltered as he stared at the fading swirl of magic, eyes narrowing with a small pout. "Now that's just mean." 

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