Here it is guys the next installment of Asta's story. this one is a bit longer than most of my other solo chapters and I had a lot I wanted to put in so sorry if it feels rushed, Sorry that it took so long to get out as I had many other things going on outside home and work. Anyways I hope you all enjoy it.

Alvasa out!!!

Asta, Applejack, and Fluttershy all returned from the food tent to their own camp to enjoy their oatmeal porridge. Not long after the trio returned to their own campsite that the other members of the Black Bulls started to show up.

“So, what’s the plan boss?” Rainbow asked with a cheeky grin.

“To wait here for the new recruits,” Asta said flatly as he ate his breakfast. “To help the town get on its feet while we stay here and to help the people in it learn how to better themselves by teaching them in any way we can.”

“I don’t want to be one of those ponies but I feel that I need to stress the fact that we’ve been away from Ponyville for a few days and some of us have things that we must attend to,” Rarity pointed out. “I have Opal and Sweetie Belle to look after dear and as much as I want to help these people I must first think of my sister.”

“Same here,” Rainbow threw up a hand next to her face. “And not only do I have Scoots to look after but I’m also the head weather pony for the town. I need to get back.”

“Ah can’t be here for much longer than necessary mahself,” Applejack said with a downtrodden gaze. “Mac was prepped to handle the farm for a few weeks without me thanks to your help with the trees but it’ll be time to start havrestin again soon. Then there’s the news about what happened to us. Ah’m sure they’ll be mighty crossed with ya Asta,” She turned to look at Asta who wrapped an arm around her and pulled Applejack into a warm hug causing her face to light up.

“They can yell and punch me if they want Aj, that won’t change how I feel about or your family, they kind of have a right to anyway,” Asta said, placing Aj under his chin.

“As much fun as this is I still have parties that need planning and the Cakes need help in the kitchen,” Pinkie butted in. “I mean, who else is there gonna be early to make Derpy’s Lemon Surprise muffin to make sure she doesn’t go all angry and destroy the town with her lazor eyes.”

Everyone simply stared at the pink party pony with ‘What the hell?!’ written on their faces.

“You all do what you need to do,” Asta said as he put his bowl down. “But plan on being here to help this town is part of our duties as Magic Knights.” he looked to his squad. “We also start training your bodies without magic that way all off you can be strong without it in case you run across a situation where you won’t have your Grimoire or access to any magic at all.”

“You’re not giving us a choice in this are you?” Twilight crossed her arms.

“No Twi,” Spike butted in. “When we said we’d be apart of Asta’s squad we made a promise to help him. This place is part of that promise and we’re Asta’s subordinates first. He has a lot more going on now that he has a town to look after. This is also my prince side talking too,” he interrupted himself. “But Asta has a lot of responsibility to help these people get on their feet, and that also falls on us as members of Asta’s squad that helped in the overthrow of the city and in yesterday’s battle.”

“As I said before, do what you need to do,” Asta repeated. “Be here to help these people falls under that as well.” He said sternly. “I don’t plan on not letting you have your own lives outside the Squad but you well understand that that the missions are our main priority,” Asta then felt a tug at his conscious as his Grimoire floated up next to him. “That bastard couldn’t have?”

“What’s wrong Asta?” Fluttershy asked in a low voice.

“Follow my everyone,” Asta said as he stood up and grabbed his Grimoire.

Everyone looked at one another as they all shrugged and proceeded to follow their captain around to the open area behind his tent. Asta let go of his Grimoire letting it float in front of him opening up to a new page as writing appeared on it. Asta’s eyes went down the page as he read the words that had appeared to himself; he proceeded to nod up and down slowly. Asta activated his Grimoire and reached into it to pull out a ball of white light. He then tossed it into the air and it popped letting light particles fall to the ground like snow. The particles began to collect until they formed structures an then in a flash on the ground in front of the Balck Bulls lying on the ground were o set of seven broomsticks.

“What the heck was with all the flashy stuff just to bring out some shabby looking broomsticks?” Rainbow threw her hands in front of her in disappointment.

“They’re your broomstick Dash,” Asta started to say. “By using these all of you can get from point A to point B in much less time then if you were to take a train or wagon.”

“If ya had these then why didn’t ya bust um out beforehand,” Aj crossed her arms as she stared daggers at Asta.

“First off, because I had no idea I had them,” Asta said in an honest tone. “Second is because they were locked in my Grimoire till just now. I had no need of them so the book kept them locked away until I need them and met the second condition to access the brooms.”

“What was the second condition?” Twi asked in confusion.

“That the squad needed to travel over vast distances as a whole,” Asta added.

‘So what are they for?” Spike pointed at the brooms.

“You ride them through the air Spike,” Asta explained. “The fly powered off the minimalist amount of the user’s mana. This way you can travel once we start individual missions and you can go in between here and Ponyville with little effort.”

“Neato but why are the only seven of the broomstick thingies?” Pinkie bounced over and picked one up.

“Because I can’t use them Pinkie, no mana remember,” Asta said bluntly. “Besides,” he crossed his arms as he looked proudly as his eyes looked to the sky, “I have other methods of travel like Behemoth or.” he grimoire flipped its pages and he pulled out his Demon Slayer and slammed it into the ground. “I can surf on my Slayer, or ride on Ymir if it’s not too far.”

“What do you mean by that?” Twi asked as she pulled out quill and paper.

“I mean I can ride on Ymir’s back for a short time right now but she’s still too young to ride as for as any extended-time period goes,” Asta said as Ymir placed her head on his shoulder, letting out a little disheartened growl. He scratched the dragoness behind the ear. “I know you want to do more Ymir but you’re still far too young to support me for any longer than necessary. You were struggling to stay in the air yesterday with just a ten-minute flight to the battlefield.”

“One thing has been bothering me since you came to Equestria,” Rarity looked at the Asta. “Why is it that you can understand the animals like Fluttershy can?”

“Don’t really know myself Rarity,” Asta said as he continued to pet Ymir. “I think it has to do with a combination of the original Asta kl sensing, my own meditation, and martial arts training.” he looked at the group tout of the corner of his eye. “Hell under several of my masters they pushed my mind and body to the upper limits through training and understanding the world around me. Asta’s power was something similar but goes off reading the life energy of the world around him and on all that live in it along with the slightest of changes. I think my own skills merged with his to produce the talking with animals but it’s not just the animals I can sense either as I can pick up changes in slightest changes in people too.” Asta patted Ymir and tuned to the group.

“Kinda like when I can’t tell if somepony is lyin to me,” Aj pointed to herself.

“Yea, but a little more than even that Aj,” Asta looked at the ground before he picked something up. “When I was in Sasuke’s world I found that I could affect other’s bodies with my own ki. I can stimulate someone’s k with my own doing things I ‘d never thought possible,” Asta held up what he picked up off the ground to reveal a seed. Suddenly the seed began to glow in a warm green light. Asta dug a small hole and placed the seed in it before putting the dirt back in it.

“What are you doing?” Pinkie came over and looked down in curiosity as a small sprout popped up from the ground and quickly grew into a sapling. “That’s AMAZING!”

“But how?” Twilight came over and examined the tree in disbelief.

“Depending on how much ki or vitaliy the person or in this case living thing has depends on how far I can take it,” Asta explained. “Seeds are easy as they are the essence of the next generation of plants and their life comes from the sun and water around them,” Asta looked at the tree. “I just activate them but the growing or healing I can do mainly goes on what I’m trying to stimulate.”

“Can you teach this healing technique?” Spike asked outright.

“You’re already learning the basics of it Spike but this is something that I only recently found I could do,” Asta walked over and placed a hand on the young Drake Prince’s head. “But it took me many years to get up to where I am now and then there was the whole Displaced thing that awoke this power. But yes, I think if you keep at it you’ll be able to do it but don’t push as like I said this most likely will take years to learn and many more for me to even perfect.”

Suddenly a young Shadowbolt came down from above and landed in front of the group. He stood up and handed Asta a scroll then took off to the skies once more.

“A letter?” Spike asked. “Who’s it from?”

Asta unfurled the scroll and read the letter to himself silently as his eyes went down the paper. “It’s from the princesses, they’re letting me know that all of the ponies I requested for new recruits as members of the Black Bulls are more than willing to join the squad. They’ll be arriving via teleport no later than after lunch this afternoon.”

“What are we going to do until then?” Fluttershy asked sheepishly.

“You’re all free to check out your broomsticks or help out in the town,” Asta shrugged as he put his palms halfway in the air. “They’ll fly as long as you think ‘fly’ and have mana to spare, and you can fly them however you like to. As for me, I’m going to look around the, help out here and there as well as do some training with my new powers.” Spike threw a hand up and so did Rainbow. “You don’t have to raise your hands but you’re more than welcome to join me for train and sparring,” Asta remarked as he walked off with his hand in the air but stopped and turned to the group as Spike and Rainbow fist pumped. “I also want you all to be in groups of two at any given time. It’s still caribou land, and Shy,” Fluttershy looked at Asta in confusion. “Get dress and be ready in about thirty minutes. I’m taking you out for a bit.” Asta walked off and disappeared into the townsfolk.

Asta walked along through the crowds, some of the town people giving him the thank you occasional bow or a wave and a warm smile. The children would often stop and say thank you before running along to play their games. A little girl stopped and held up a small white flower to him with a bright smile on her face and Asta gladly accepted the gift from her.
He walked along until he came to the place he’d wanted to stop at. The Princesses tent. He walked up and stopped just outside the tent's entrance, Luna’s Shadowbolt guards on either side. The guards crossed their spears in front of the tent’s flaps.

Asta simply cheekily smiled at them, “Hey Princesses, can I come in or did ya leave yet?”

“Asta,” came Celestia’s voice in a bit of shock. There were sounds of clamoring and whisper argument as Asta stood there shaking his head slightly. In second the solar Princess’s head came out of the flap, a little blush on her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Sorry to disturb you two but I needed to catch you two before you teleported all around Equestria,” Asta said with a genuinely apologetic tone while scratching the back of his head. “But I was wondering if you two might be able to send me a reef of white roses.”

“I don’t see why not,” Celestia said as a soft smile came across her face. “Is there anything else?”

“Actually, I need you to stop by Cloudsdale first thing and send Fluttershy’s mom, Morning Breeze, here first thing before you go to Canterlot, with the roses please,” Asta held his hand up slightly.

“Why do you want her and the roses first?” Celestia asked in genuine confusion.

“I think she needs to say goodbye as she never got to say it the night she left that horrible city so many years ago,” Asat said in a somber tone. “I know what it’s like to not be able to say goodbye to those you love and I’m sure Ms.Breeze would like some closure.”

“That’s very sweet of you Asta,” Celestia gave a motherly smile.

“I also wanted to say…” Asta looked at the Solar Princes in the eyes. “I’m sorry for treating you so harshly. I was a jerk and I hope we can build a better friendship.” he gave a deep bow.

“Certainly, but I’m afraid it'll have to wait as my sister and I need to finish freshening up for today,” Celestia gave a deep blush. ‘So if you wouldn’t mind…”

“Of course,” Asta blurted out with a heated face as he sprang upright. “Sorry for the interruption and have a lovely day.” He blurted out and turned then mechanically walked off while he could hear the sisters giggling in their tent.

Once Asta was far enough away and calmed down he looked around. “I wonder where Nero is?” he scratched his head. “Best go find her,” he walked off to find his owl friend.

An hour passed and Asta now on top of the crystal wall surrounding Freetown. On top of one of the many peeks of the wall sits a black horned owl was peacefully snoozing the day away dreaming of only what owls dream. Asta had been helping around town but his main focus had been to find the large bird of prey.

“Hey there Nero,” Asta said softly as he balanced atop to peak next to the bird. The owl slowly allowed her eyes to flutter open as she turned her head to look at the mage.

“Peaceful up here, I can see why you wanted to come here and sleep,” Asta said as he scratched the owl behind her head. “I leave ya be for now, but be ready later as we’re going to have new members for the squad by lunch.”

Ymir simply nodded before closing her eyes and returning to sleep. Asta smirked and jumped down from his perch back to the ground below as he went on his way to find Fluttershy.

Asta again walked through the town stopping to help the occasional person with either building their home or the simple tasks of tasting a dish that was being cooked. One of the Shadowbolts soon came to find him. They came down and informed him that Morning Breeze had arrived not long ago and was waiting at his tent with Fluttershy. Asta told him thanks and sent the guard on his way.

He let out a sigh, “I wanted to give her some closure but I’m not looking forward to the slap I’m going to get from Morning when I get there,” he solemnly scratched his head as he walked along.

It didn’t take the knight long before he reached his tent and the mother-daughter pegasus duo waiting for him. The first thing he did was give a slight wave. Morning Breeze gave her daughter the rose reef and walked over to him and got straight in his face. The morning then gave Asta one hell of a slap that turned his head to the side from the force. The sound reverberated through the nearby tents, many turned their heads and wondered what the sound was. Asta turned his head, a massive red hand print on his cheek, to face the mother of his first girlfriend who had tears in her eyes. The next thing shocked him though, he now found himself in a deep embrace from Morning Breeze. He looked at Shy and she was also in tears and had her hands over her mouth.

“I’m angry that she was taken but I'm even happier that you got my baby back from that horrible place,” Morning cried over Asta’s shoulder. “Thank you for destroying that capital and freeing these people from their lives as slaves,” she let go and looked at Asta with a concerning look. “But I must ask you a few questions Asta.”

“I’ll answer anything questions you have for me Ms. Shy,” Asta said with a solid tone of voice. “I won’t hide anything from you.”

“WHY DID YOU LET MY BABY GET TAKEN?!” Morning shorted in her furry. “WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THEY ATTACKED?”

“I have no excuses,” Asta looked at his girl. “I was summoned away to another world when they were taken by the hunters.” He held up his left hand and sadly looked at his arm and the black dragon scar wrapped around it. Asta clenched his fist anger. “I was off playing around with another Displaced when my squad and the women I love needed me,” I bit of blood ran down his hand and Fluttershy saw it and rushed over and immediately grabbed Asta’s hand. He looked at her soft turquoise eyes.

Asta took his right hand and placed it on Fluttershy’s cheek and rubbed it gently with his cheek causing her to smile softly at her knight.

“Asta, it’s not your fault,” Shy cut in. “No pony knew they were watching us and they were too far away for you to sense.”

Morning Breeze let out an angry sigh, “As crossed as I am about it I can’t blame you Asta,” She looked at her daughter’s lover. “You told me who and what you were when we met and that you’d be called away at times. But what will you do when you’re called on again?”

Asta looked at Shy and she looked back with a deep concern, “I’m going to be training everyone to defend themselves better and if I can help it, she’ll come with me if she wants.”

“The animal caretaker nodded in approval, “I’m going to get stronger not only for my sake but for yours and our friends and squad members too.” she placed her left hand over her heart.

“If you’ve chosen that path then I won’t stop you dear,” Morning breeze walked over and hugged her daughter. “My little butterfly,” she stroked Fluttershy’s head causing her to blush aggressively, but then looked to Asta from the corner of her eye. “Two more questions.” Asta nodded giving the go-ahead. “You said women, who is your second mare?”

“That would be Aj,” Fluttershy said as she pulled away from her mother's embrace slightly. “She fell in love with Asta around the same time I did but never acted on her feelings because she didn’t know how he’d react. She told him about two weeks ago on the train ride to Dodge Junction.”

“And?” She looked at the knight.

“I told her I was flattered and I did like her but that being in a relationship with more than one person at a time was something I wasn’t really into at the time as my people usually have one romantic partner at a time,” Asta looked off to the side and scratched his head as he took off his older brother’s hat and looked at it. “Then after I came back from another summoning yesterday I got in a small skirmish with a copy of my older brother and he told me to be good to them and not hide my feelings.” He placed the hat back on his head. “So I did just that and returned Applejack’s feeling with a kiss and that’s how we entered into a herd of sorts.”

“Mhmm…” Morning crossed her arms after letting Shy go. “And why did you bring me here with a reef of white roses?”

“Because I thought you’d like to say goodbye to the man you loved,” Asta said in a low tone as Morning Breeze’s eyes went wide as she looked at her daughter.

“He knows and so does Aj, Spike, Twilight, and Ymir,” Shy looked at her mother with a serious look. “Mom, I didn’t know dad as I was born the night you left and he and grandpa gave their lives for us to live in Equestria. I want to say thank and I want you to say goodbye. If they hadn’t sacrificed themselves for us then we wouldn’t have been able to save these people and to found this town.” Shy gestured to the tents surrounding them. “I believe we should at least let them know we made it to Equestria.”

Morning Breeze had tears running down her face as she nodded and agreed with her daughter and she then turned to Asta. “I made the right choice in letting her be with you but don’t you ever let anything like those hunters and… everything else ever happens again or I will kill you, that’s a promise.”

“I’d let you use my own sword to do it Mrs.Breeze,” Asta placed a hand over his heart and gave a soft bow. “Now shall we go,” gestured to his side.

“I think we should,” Morning said in a low tone.

Asta and the two pegasi walked through the town until they reached the center of the town. Everyone would stop and give Asta a bow before returning to their tasks. Once they reached the center everyone started to gather around. Asta stepped forward and his Grimoire floated up next to him and as he walked he pulled out the violin named Bloody Rose.

Asta turned to Fluttershy, “Place the reef in the center please,” Shy nodded and did as he asked before returning to her mother’s side.

“Sweetheart, what’s he up to with that violin?” Morning whispered to her daughter.

“I don’t know,” she murmured back. “But let's watch.”

Asta started to plate on his violin and as he pulled the bow across the strings they began to glow white and got bright as he infused the instruments with his ki.

That's when everyone started to point at the ground and Fluttershy pointed to where she’d place the reef. Morning’s eyes grew wide with amazement as the reef grew into a rose bush but it didn’t stop there as the bush multiplied into several more flowering white rose bushes. By the time Asta played his final note the entire center of town was field with white roses.

Asta stooped and let a soft sigh before raising his bow again and proceeded to play an all-new song. Again his instrument’s bow and strings glowed but with more a shimmer and sparkle than a bright white light.

Suddenly the ground began to rumble as the song played. Before anyone knew what was going on, a crystal started to come up from the ground in the center of the rose bushes. The crystal kept growing towards the sky and that’s when someone pointed out it was a set of statues.

Morning Breeze took in a deep breath as she threw her hands over her mouth as she recognized the two statues were made in the likeness of Fluttershy’s late father and grandfather. Asta had finished playing his song he returned the Bloody Rose to his Grimoire and joined his girlfriend and her mother.

“Why’d you do this?” Morning looked at Asta with tears in her eyes.

“I know it's a bit much but I thought they needed a memorial, and most of the elder members remember them for what they did for the people here and out in the world,” Asta said with a humble tone. “I think I ‘ve settled on a new name for this place if you'll allow it Ms.Breeze?” She looked at the knight. “Waillen.”

“I’d be… delighted for you to name this town after him,” Morning cried while Asta took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to the sad woman. Fluttershy smiled back at Ats with a warm look and mouth thank you to him and he nodded in return.

“I hate to cut this short Shy but I need to head back to the tent as the recruits will be arriving soon,” Asta pulled his Black Bulls Captain’s coat from his Grimoire.

“I don’t think I’ll be joining you for that,” Morning sniffled as she wiped her eyes. “I’m just going to stay here for a while,” Fluttershy looked from her mother to her father’s statue and then to Asta, who merely gave another nod. “Go on sweetie, you should be with him and the others.” Morning patted her daughter's hand. Fluttershy kissed her mother’s forehead leaving her in the care of some of the council that had been present before she ran off to Asta and the two returned to their tent.

Everyone had been trying out their broomstick that Asta had provided for them. Twilight was actually the first to get into the air with no problems and found it quite easy to use her broom. Next in the air was Spike but only because he had been helping a couple with their roof and he took to the air like a duck takes to water. Rarity was then next off the ground followed by Aj and finally Rainbow Dash. Pinkie was already doing handstands on her broom. The only one who hadn’t been on their broom was Fluttershy and only because she’d been with Asta.

As soon as Asta saw the group flying he gave a smirk before calling them down for lunch. He decided he’d treat them all to some of his own cooking from his homeworld, safe to say everyone went back for seconds and thirds until the pot was empty. When they’d finished their lunch as if on cue there was a Shadowbolt coming up the pathway to fetch them all so they could meet the new recruits.

The Black Bulls all arrived outside the Princesses’ tent to meet with the diarchs.

“We hope you all have been spending your time well,” Celestia looked at the Knights. “Asta, we were able to get everyone you requested.”

“Good and thank you,” Asta said as he started to walk up to the tent in between the princesses.

“But you should let us go in before you,” was all Luna could say before her sister put a hand on her shoulder

“Why, it’s not like I’m gonna be attacked,” Asta said as he walked into the tent only to be grab and pulled into the tent.

“Asta,” the apple farmer and animal caretaker shouted in unison as the group all rushed into the tent. When they got inside they found a very strange sight of a tall stranger who’d buried Asta face in her ample cleavage and was rambling while the knight’s arms and legs flailed in the air as she rambled.

“What the heck are ya doing to our stallion?” Aj burst out in a jealous fit.

“Would you please let him go,” Fluttershy gave a soft but stern demand.

Rainbow only laughed at the sight while Spike was next to Twilight and everyone else who’s faces had lit up bright red except for Pinkie who was the only one asking a question.

“Who are you?” the party planner giggled.

The mare stopped for a second, “Oh do forgive me for not introducing myself,” the stranger gave a slight bow as she released Asta who fell to the floor with only the whites of his eyes showing while he gurgled his own spit with a sufficient nose bleed.

Her hair and tail were a brilliant raspberry that had a gradual gradient into ends of a moderate cobalt blue. She had a fair pale skin tone with eyes of brilliant amber. On her head was a crown similar to Celestia’s and Luna with a large pale focus crystal on her head. She was wearing a blue cyan dress that was adorned in gold hearts.

“Everyone,” Luna interrupted. “This is Princess Amore, the former ruler of the Crystal Empire, a distant relative of our niece Princess Cadence.”

“It’s a pleasure to officially meet you all,” Princess Amore gave and another bow before turning to Aj and Fluttershy. “And please forgive me about my behavior towards Sir Asta just now,” she blushed. “I was just so excited that I’d finally get to meet the stallion who faced Sombra and helped save my Empire and then freed me from that awful curse.”

“It's fine, we understand,” Fluttershy said, turning her head to the side trying to hide her annoyment, while Spike and Rainbow were in the background knelt over their still unconscious captain. Spike had a sit and was slightly poking his teacher as he still foamed at the mouth.

“Spike,” came a familiar voice of a certain blonde headed stallion.

“Blue,” Spike rushed over and hugged his cousin. “Good to see ya, how’s the noble game been going?”

“Awful as usual,” Blueblood grumbled. “All they want is them, them, them, I can’t ever get a break but when Aunty Tia and Aunty Luna stopped in to see if I’d be willing to join up with Asta’s squad, how could I refuse? With this I can actually make a difference instead of sitting on my rear listening to the crap those pompous ass hats spew at me all day.”

“I’m afraid I’m confused,” Rarity tilted her head. “Why is the Crystal Princess here?”

“Because she was one of the requests issued by Asta,” Luna explained. “He thought she’d make a good addition to the Black Bulls Squad, though I did try and object to the idea. Celestia said we can inform her and that she can make her decision after she hears us out.”

“We withheld no details of Asta or who he is and why he requested her,” Celestia continued. “She insisted that she come.”

“I’m not the ruler of the Empire anymore, that is Cadance’s duty, though I can fill in for her if need be but I do wish yo go out and see the world and help those in it,” Princess Amore added.

“We are here under Princess Luna’s orders,” said Haze in a flat tone. “I respect Sir Asta and would also enjoy seeing what he can do outside of just watching him as a security measure.

“Asta has my respect for good morals but I’m here solely based on Princess Luna’s request,” Freefall said as he looked off to the side.

“Yes well I guess we should get the show on the road as Asta would say,” Rarity butted in. “In luck in reviving our dear Knight captain Spikey Wikey.”

“Sorry Rares but it looks the princess really nailed him good with her chest,” Spike shrugged, causing Amore to turn beet red in the face.

“Spike Solaris,” Celestia got on to her son. “Show some respect.”

“Sorry Princess but Spike is right on this one,” Rainbow cut in with a chuckle while continuing to poke Asta with a stick. “It looks like the boss is gonna be out of it for a bit, too much blood rush to his head.”

“I know, I can plan a new members party so that when Astie wakes up we can all celebrate the new additions!” Pinkie shouted in glee as she jumped in the air before she ran out the door.

“Well, that was unexpected,” Luna looked out the tent as the pink mare sped all around the town.

“It’s Pinkie Princess Luna,” Fluttershy gave a slight giggle.

“It’s best if ya don’t linger on what she does or how she does it,” Aj rolled her eyes.

“Trust me,” Twilight let out a grunt as she crossed her arms, “I tried and got nowhere while almost hurting my friend.”

“Rhaaaa…” came a sound from the passed out Asta who was now setting up while holding his head. “What the hell happened to me?” he said, shaking his head. “The last thing I remember was walking into the tent then got hit in the face with something really soft, then heating up and I almost suffocated.”

“The former ruler of the Crystal Empire almost smothered you with her boobs dude,” Rainbow said as she slapped Asta on the back while giving a hard laugh.

Asta looked around the room and noticed the new princess and then steam started to come out of his ears. At the same time, all of the girls except Amore, Aj, and Fluttershy gave off slight giggles. After the laugh and Asta recovered from his fainting, Asta got to his feet and had the princesses, Celestia and Luna, get the things he needed for the others in order to forge their Grimoires.

Once all was done he began to explain. “We’ll take our leave then,” Celestia said as she and Luna head towards the entrance of the tent. Asta looked at Aj and she nodded erecting a walk of the earth in front of the sisters.

“What is the meaning of the Applejack,” Freefall went for his sword.

“I wouldn’t do that flyboy,” Rainbow readied herself as her Grimoire flew up next to her.

“You should listen before you act Free Fall,” Haze said as he crossed his arms.

The Royal duo looked at Asta as they knew Aj acted on his behalf. “You have our attention,”

“No offense to you ladies but I’d rather you stay and join us,” Asta smirked as he set up two more stations for the princess. “I know it is a strain on how we conduct ourselves in each others’ presences but I do hope to make amends over time. This is a start here.”He pointed to the journals. “I want to give you both your own Grimoires. This doesn’t make you a part of my squad nor does it place us above each other,” He looked the sisters dead in the eye as killing intent radiated from Asta’s body.

“We wouldn’t even stand a chance against your Antimagic and other powers Asta,” Luna said as she released her own blood lust.

“But that doesn’t mean we won’t use those powers you’re giving us to fight you should you ever turn on us,” Celestia said as she held up a clenched fist while her golden magic was ignited. “Our ponies safety comes first and we’ll do everything in our power to protect them, even if it means protecting them from you.”

“Good to know because that’s one of the reasons I decided to give you a Grimoire,” Asta said as he let loose. ‘Now, if you’ll all look before you you'll see the ink in the saucer and a pin next to it. What you’ll need to do is slightly prick your fingers and add a drop of blood to the ink then write your names in the front cover of the book with the quill.”

“Asta, you use blood magic to create the grimoires?” Celestia looked at the mage with a bet of disgust in her eye.

“It’s a little more complicated than normal blood magic Celestia,” Asta started to explain as everyone did as they were told. “Originally in the world Asta comes from when you reach a certain age you’d go to what was call the Grimoire Tower and that’s where grimoires were stored and issued to everyone, unless you had one that was passed on to you by someone in your family or a master of sorts, but since that doesn’t exist here I was given this spell in order to compensate for the lack of the tower and Grimoires.” Asta’s Grimoire floated in front of him and opened. “Your blood and name attack as a catalyst in order to publish the blank books in front of each of you into your own grimoires. Once the spell is finished you’ll find that all of the materials in front of you will be used in the Grimoires’ construction, even all the ink with the blood.”

“As long as that is what it is used for,” Celestia scoffed as she finally pricked her finger and allowed a single drop of her blood to fall into the ink before writing her name in the book before her. “Now what?”

“Now leave it to me,” Asta smirked as he held up his Grimoire. “Publishing Magic!”

Black lightning shot from Asta’s grimoire to the new candidates and the books in which they’d signed their names. The lightning split the air causing the atmosphere in the tent to crackle and hum with Void energy. The new candidates soon felt the sting of the lightning as they were hit with it along with the books causing everyone to fall on the ground. Soon the covers of the books burned away to reveal all-new Grimoires.

Celestia’s Grimoire was golden adorned with a sun and a four-leaf clover on the front of it, She got to her feet and placed a hand on the book floating in front of her as it pulsed with golden light.

“Not sunrise there,” Asta remarked as he walked over and was writing something in a little notebook. “Looks like you got Light magic, congrats.” He walked over to luna next.

Luna soon got to her feet and beside her floating in the air surrounded in a brilliant dark navy blue aura a black Grimoire that was adorned with several crescent moons along the edges. In the front center cover was a set of more moons the outlined a black five-leaf clover. The back cover however was decorate similar to her Dream Realm with a light blue with sparkles on it.

“Not surprised about the clover but your magic is something I wasn’t expecting though,” Asta wrote in his little notebook.

“What? Is something wrong?” Luna looked over Asta’s shoulder with worry as she tried to understand what her fellow mage was writing down.

“Your magic,” Asta said pointing to the grimoire. “It appears you wield two forms of magic. Your dominant magic is Called Demon Light Magic while your secondary magic seems to be a form of Spatial Magic. It might have something to do with being Celestia’s opposite, Nightmare Moon, and the fact that you have dominion over the Dream Realm.”

Asta moved onto Princess Amore who was holding her head. “I do hope we don’t have to do that again anytime soon Sir Asta.”

“No worries about that Princess,” Asta said as he walked over to her and examined her grimoire.

Princess Amore’s Grimoire was pink with a golden trim around the outside edge along the cover. In each corner was a single cyan hearth while in the center of the cover was a shimmering snowflake with four leaves around it, the aura that was surrounding the book was a bright icy blue that shimmered with bright red and orange flicks that resembled embers.

“Hmm..” Asta wrote in his book. “It seems you have dual nature-based Magic Princess. Ice and fire. Up next is Blue...Bwahahahahaha!” Asta immediately hit the ground holding his side.

“What so fun?” Blueblood said as he sat up. That’s when the whole tent burst into laughter. “WHAT SO FUNNY?”

“Sorry cuz but look in a mirror… hahaha!” Spike managed to spit out.

Blue clamored over to his Aunt’s dresser and looked to see that his hair had frizzed out. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!”

“Woo,” Asta breathed. “Sorry about that Blue but let’s see your Grimoire,” He looked at the book as it floated in a yellowish-green aura.

The book was green with large decorative compasses on the front and back of the Grimoire. In the center of the compass on the front cover was a three-leaf clover.

“Not too surprising given your cutie mark is a compass,” Asta wrote. “Compass magic it is.”

“What about my head?” Blue yelled as steam came from his nostrils.

“Not my forte Blue,” Asta said as he wrote without even batting an eye. “Perhaps if you ask her nicely then Rarity will help you out later. Next, we have the Shadowbolt duo.” he looked at Haze and Freefall.

“Here’s mine,” Haze said flatly as he held up a grey Grimoire as it hovered above his palm. It was covered in intricate designs with a three-leaf clover on it. The book was surrounded by a dull grey light.

“Hmmm…” Asta rubbed his chin. “Looks like smoke magic.” he wrote down. “Now what about you Freefall?”

“Here,” Freefall held up a Grimoire with a greenish-grey looking cover with very intricate gothic-looking designs over it with a three-leaf clover on it.

“Never thought you’d get steel magic,” Asat said with a bit of shock.

“What about my sister? Captain,” Free Fall; scowled at Asta, “Doesn’t she get a Grimoire too?”

“She didn’t want one Captain,” Luna stood in front of Asta. “She said she doesn’t want to be a part of the Black Bulls, or anything other than just watching Asta.”

“I have nothing against her having one Free Fall but she has to be in the squad to get one,” Asta added as he continued to write. Free Fall started to comment on how Asta gave Grimoires to the Princesses but Asta cut him off by slamming his notebook shut. “The Princess have them because I want them to have them. I know neither of them will abuse this power and I gave them the Grimoires as a show of goodwill and faith to help us move passed our past transactions towards one another.”

“Thank you Asta,” Celestia said, giving a slight bow. “But I am still against the way you create these Grimoires.”

“So am I Celestia but there is no other way to do it at this time and another upside is that I’m the only one who can create them,” Asta crossed his arms after he put his notebook away. “

“Asta why were ya writing in that little notebook?” Aj asked as her curiosity got the better of her.

“It’s just a record of all the different types of Grimoires that I’ve published so far Aj,” Asat turned his head. “I started it after you all got yours. It’s just a way for me to keep track of who has what types of magic is all. Nothing special.” he looked to the tent’s doorway.”Now I do believe that Pinkie should be just about done with her own preparations.”

“I could use some fun myself,” Rainbow put her hands behind her head.

“I know we all could and I know the people of the town could as well,” Haze added.

The group all walk out of the tent to see streamers, paper chains, balloons hanging all around them.

“But how?” Freefall looked around in utter amazement.

“Don’t question the pink,” Asta threw up a finger while the rest of the mane six and Spike simply nodded at his remark. Asta turned around. “You guys better enjoy this party because starting tomorrow the Black Bulls start their training and by the end of the week I plan on ranking all over you based on your power and skill.”

“I bet I could outdo anyone here in training,” Free Fall scoffed. “Except Haze or Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.”

“He’s in for a wake-up call tomorrow,” Spike whispered to Rainbow Dash.

“Two bits says he’s the first to challenge Asta to a fit before the training even starts and then blow up at him for doing something he thinks is completely unnecessary,” Dash chuckled.

“You're on.” Spike and Dash fist-bumped.

“LET’S PARTY!” Pinkie yelled as she jumped out of nowhere.

“When in Roman,” Asta shrugged with a smirk as he grabbed Aj and Fluttershy and headed to the dance floor.

They partied into the night and the group relished in the merriment as did the town’s people. Asta had had his fill of dancing and decided to take some downtime and rest with some punch off to the side for a bit. He was currently flipping through his Grimoire list. One of the other reasons he was writing the Grimoires down was because he’d hoped he could find a way to establish a Grimoire Tower here in this world one day and proved others with magic. And perhaps with this book he’d be able to do that, one day.

“Hey Asta, you play songs in your dreams all the time and I was told by some of the Element that you’ve even performed for Ponyville a few times,” came the voice of Luna who came to check on him. “I was hoping that perhaps you’d grace us with one.”

“Mmm..” Asta that as he returned his notebook to his Grimoire. He looked over Luna’s shoulder to the band of musicians that had played traditional music like what he and Shy had danced to a few days ago. “Give me second,” he got up and walked over and started to converse with the musicians. Asta then headed to the main area and made an announcement as the others set up.

“Good evening everyone, I do hope you've been enjoying yourselves thus far,” Asat gave a smirk as the crowd clapped their hands. “That’s excellent and as many of you are aware the town has been officially named Waillen, and with some encouragement from Princess Luna,” he motioned to the back where he’d been causing her to blush. “And I wanted to commemorate the founding with a traditional song from my own world and luckily I have the band needed for it.” The music started and Asta started to sing what was the most unusual type of music that the Black Bulls, Princesses, and Shadowbolts had ever heard.

All of the town's folk broke out into what seemed to be a sort of traditional dance and moved to the music without any trouble. Even the children moved flawlessly with the music.

Soon the music died down and Asta left the stage to rejoin his friends. When he arrived they all stared at him with mouths on the floor.

“What?” Asta squinted.

“Asta, what on Equis was that singing you did?” Twilight looked at him with big eyes.

“That was throat singing, an old form of traditional music that the master that taught me my breathing techniques had me learn in order to help better the control of my body's breathing, air intake, and blood control,” Asta scratched his head with one finger.

“Can ya teach us?” Aj asked.

“It can be taught but it takes a long time just to learn the basics of just one of the three styles,” Asta cracked his neck. “Then you have to learn how to hold the styles for extended periods while also suddenly changing them or training back and forth.”

“No wonder you’re able to use the breath thinking so well,” Pinkie giggled.

“Yeah well, it's best learned when you're really high up in the mountains as the air is thinner so it puts more strain on you but enough of that,” Asta let out a yawn. “ I suggest you all get some rest as I plan on getting everyone up early. Some of the senior members have their own dealings back in Ponyville that need attending and others will be helping out in the town, so they won’t be attending for certain things.”

“What time should we be up captain?” Free Fall put in his snarky attitude.

“You’ll know when I want you to know,” Asat added as he walked towards his tent with Aj and Shy following not far behind him.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Free turned to the others who were walking to their own tents.

“It means get sleep while you can dude,” Rainbow yawned.

“Cause Asta is going to get you up whenever he wants to get started,” Spike added as he entered his tent.

Before the sun was even up Asta was already awake and moving going through his morning routine as he practiced his basic martial arts forms and breathing techniques. The last song had reminded him of how out of shape he was whenever he actually used the breathing technique. Of course, he was also pushing himself while doing the exercises as he’d climbed to the top of the crystal wall and was running his drills while keeping his balance on the tips of the crystals.

Asta was just about halfway done when Haze showed up, “Always up this early?”

“Morning Haze,” Asta said as he did a palm thrust. “And not usually extremely early but usually before the princesses change out their heavenly bodies for one another to help Shy feed the animals.”

“Was that meant to be some form of crude joke,” Haze rolled his eyes.

“Not… at… all..” Asta performed a comb of flips and kicks. He turned to Haze. “That’s just the way people in my world sometimes refer to the sun and moon or other forms of cosmic scale entities like solar systems and galaxies.” Asta then smirked. “But the princesses do have some nice bodies though.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Haze grumbled. “But why haven’t you awoken any of the others? I thought you were going to get us up early today.”

“Nah,” Asta waved his hand in front of his face. “I just said that too mostly mess with Free Fall. I wouldn’t dream of getting you guys up, though I’m sure you two would be used to it.”

“Indeed,” Haze nodded. “We are trained to operate with very minimal sleep. Only an hour is needed for us to operate for the next five once we wake.”

“Cool,” Asta jumped down and landed with ease, “And you don’t have to worry about me going after the princesses. I have two beautiful girls sleeping in my tent and they're enough for me to be happy.”

“So you’re not interested in them romantically,” Haze flew down.

“Not even in the slightest,” Asta looked over his shoulder. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t find them physically attractive either. Our views somewhat clashed when I arrived here, as you know, putting us at odds with each other. While I’m not angry anymore I’m still wary of them as they are of me. Had things gone better I may have fallen for Luna eventually but I can’t see myself falling for Celestia,” Haze started to open his mouth but Asat cut him off. “I never really could see her as a possible love interest, not even when I was back home. But enough with that, let's go get the others.”

“Very well,” Haze said as he flew off.

‘Hehe… get ready for a rude awakening.’ Asta laughed to himself.

And so the training would begin. Asta gathered the others in the town square as the sun started to rise over the crystal walls.

“Good morning everyone, I hope you slept well,” Asta smiled at the group.

“Come on Asta,” Blue yawned. “Did you have to get us up at the crack of dawn.”

“I’d say he let you sleep in a bet your highness,” Free Fall added. “The sun was already over the horizon by the time he came and got everyone.” he looked at the captain. “Eill shall we get this over with.”

“Let’s get this started,” Asta cracked his knuckles. “No grimoires or magic will be used for this part of the training. It will all be purely physical.”

“Testing us ah?” Free crossed his arms.

“In a way,” Asta smirked. “Now come at me” he motioned to himself with two fingers.

“You can’t be serious?” Blue said as he looked as Asta dumbstruck.

Without any hesitation, both Haze and Free Fall lunged at Asta with opposite fists. Before anyone could see, except Spike Rainbow, and Applejack, Asta lunged forward and placed his palms on either side of the Shadowbolts.

“Daburu Tsuisutā (Double Twister),” Asta sais with a twist of his wrist and he sent the two Pegasus spirling off to the sides into the dirt.

Haze was the first to stagger to his feet slightly as while wiping dirt from his mouth with a smirk,

“You’ve gotten much stronger since the last time we’ve fought Sir Asta,” he gave a slight chuckle.

Free Fall was up next and he had a scratch on his face, ‘I couldn’t even see him.’ “And what happened to no magic?”

“You are mistaken Free Fall,” Haze looked to the younger pegasus. “Asta wielded no magic what so ever. What he did was pure physical power on its own.”

“I call bullshit Haze,” Free Fall yelled in announce as Spike slipped Rainbow two bits.

“Your friend is right young one,” Princess Amore stepped in. “From what Celestia and Luna have told me Asta can’t access magical power and when he does the dragon around his left arm glows red.” She turned to look at Asta. “I’d heard the stories of your battle with Sombra but they don’t do you justice.”

“I was weaker when I fought with Sombra and in all honesty, that fight was very trying,” Asta looked at the Princess as he pulled out his Grimoire then pulled out one of the Boxes Rick gave him. He reached into the box and pulled out a piece of Timberwolf Lumber. “Shy come here for a sec.”

“Sure,” Fluttershy swiftly walked to Asta. “What do you need?”

“Asta is that?” Twilight rushed over to the duo.

“Ah so ya noticed,” Asta smiled. “Yea, it’s one of the pieces of the Timberwolves that’s called Shine Hickory. Shy can you manipulate this so it grows into a tree that grows thorns equal to a three to ten-foot poles that will come off easily and grow back instantly?”

“That’s oddly specific but it shouldn’t be a problem as long as Twi can help out,” Fluttershy tilted her head. “Just place it in the ground and bury it with mud halfway.”

Asta borrowed a shovel and did as Fluttershy instructed. As soon as the piece of wood was in the ground Fluttershy and Twilight simultaneously ignited their Grimoires and used a combined spell to grow the tree to Asta’s specifications.

He walked over after the tree was finished growing and pulled down on one of the numerous large thorns on the tree and from where he broke the thorn another grew back right away. He was roughly the size of a kendo stick.

“Perfect,” Asta stabbed the stick in the ground and patted the girls’ heads.

“What’s with the tree?” Rainbow looked at the odd foliage. “What's so special about it?”

“Practice weapons and weapons in general,” Asta grabbed his thorns.

“Shine Hickory,” Twi butted in. “It’s the hardest wood in Equestria, and on the continent. It’s why the Timberwolves seek it out for their bodies, their puppies, and dens.”

“It’s said to be as hard as steel and channels magic fairly well,” Asta held up his thorn.

“But why need a whole tree?” Rarity asked as she walked over to the tree.

“For everyone to learn,” Asta motioned to the townsfolk that had started to gather around with his head.

“Sir Asta,” Elder Tinder Root approached. “Would you be willing to teach some of the townsfolk some of your self-defense?”

“I’d be more than happy to teach them Elder,” Asta gave a soft smile. “But I’m afraid I have no idea on what to teach?”

“Basics in hand to hand, as well as weapons,” Tinder placed a finger next to his face.

“Shouldn’t be too hard but I’ll have the others start later on as I have to deal with my new recruits first,” Asta thumbed over his shoulder. “But my other knights Rainbow and Spike are both more than capable of teaching those willing a thing or two.”

Tinder clapped his hands together, “Excellent,” he walked over to the others and started to work out plans.

“You don’t seriously intend to make them fight?” Princess Amore looked to the town with a deep concern.

“As much as I wish I didn’t have to, they need to learn how to,” Asta crossed his arms. “I can’t fight off all the armies that show up here wanting to take back the land by myself. The Squad can’t stay here either, we don’t have enough members to leave a band of Knights here, not yet at least.”

“Why not choose a few from amongst the town’s folk to make members,” Blue suggested. “They’re loyal to you already and are more than willing to learn from you.”

“I already thought about the Blue but thanks for the suggestion and I am going to make a branch Squad for here,” Asta pointed to the tree and Blueblood went over and picked out a thorn for himself. “But no one here has a body that could handle the strain of their own mana at this point. They need training,”

“Physical training?” Haze Questioned.

“Will yes as far as combat is concerned, many are physically strong because they grew up without magic to strengthen them but-” Asta explained

“Magic is a completely foreign concept to their physical bodies and it’s totally possible their bodies could reject it, killing any number of those here as if it were a plague,” Amore looked at the young.

“But by training with those who have magic the town will be introduced to it gradually,” Asta pointed out.

“Ah, and since you don’t have magic, all you can do is physical training,” Haze realized.

“Not that I don’t have my own magic but its base nature is from another world,” Asta looked at his left arm. “I don’t know how it would affect them and at the same time I can only use it for elemental type stuff.”

“What about your Crystal magic?” Blue added as he picked a thorn.

“While it is Equestrian I’m only limited to crystal creation and manipulation,” Asta shrugged. “Great for setting things but I’m not skilled enough with it to use it for fighting. Even making a single crystal the length of this thorn takes me some time if I only use the Crystal magic but if I boost it with Ancient magic I can do stuff like creating the walls that protect the town. But back to physical training.”

“While on the subject of physical training,” Haze added. “What will you be having us do?”

“I want to see what you guys can do without your Grimoires so I’m going to face off with you all and test you,” Asat propped his thorn on his shoulder. “In one one one fights and we'll go tell you either can’t or I say stop.”

“Sounds fair enough,” Princess Amore smirked.

“Let’s get to it then,” Asta walked off with his new recruits in tow.

Blueblood huffed as he held tight to his thorn practice sword. “We’ve been at this for days,” he grumbled. “Can we at least switch up opponents?”

“I don’t see why not,” Asta sat with his hands on his knee caps.

He slowly opened his eyes as he was pulled from his meditation. While the new recruits had been sparring he had taken the time to hone his own skills by practicing his breathing and ki sensing. The other Black Bulls had been busying themselves with taking shifts in training the town’s people in hand-to-hand and weapons defenses and offenses. The other members had taken up showing them magic from their Grimoires.

Asta got to his feet. “Okay Blue, who do you want as a partner?”

Blue down a quick cup of water before responding, “How about you.” He pointed his sword at Asta. “You once said you’d like to have a match.”

“Sure,” Asta floated his Grimoire up and pulled out his thorn sword. “Take your stance,” Asta instructed as he placed the sword at his waist with the tip pointing down with one hand at his waistband and the other on the handle.

Blueblood placed one hand behind his back and flung the tip of his sword out to the side and then quickly brought it up in front of his face.’I don’t recognize that stance but I need to be aware of whatever Asta can do. He’s more powerful and much faster than I am but if I can land one blow I can say that was a victory.’

“Ready,” Asta looked forward and Blue nodded. “Begin!” He shouted and Blue took off and thrust his sword forward and Asta rushed pulling his own sword up knocking Blue’s strike off then Asta returned his blade back to his waist like he drew it. Blue was knocked back and he landed on his butt.

“What was that? It was so fast I could barely see,” Blue said in shock.

“It's a move from a sword style called Iaido,” Asta explained as he pulled Blue back to his feet. “Its forms mainly revolve around a quick draw technique, in the short of it.”

“Can you keep using those types of moves?” Blue asked eagerly and Asta nodded. The duo continued to spar this way for a few hours until Blueblood could no longer keep up with his instructor. He never landed a single hit on Asta or even came remotely close to his speed.

“Take a breather Blue, I’ve got someone else that needs tending too,” Asta said as he could feel Free Fall’s leer piercing his back. “Your up flyboy,” Asta called out to the pegasus.

“Whatever,”Free Fall scoffed as he traded places with the winded prince. “And no swords,” He pointed at Asta.

“Fine with me,” Asta shrugged as he stabbed the practice sword into the ground. He looked at Free Fall and took up a fighting stance.

“Now we can see what you can do without your toys,” Free Fal cracked his knuckles. ‘I’m going to enjoy beating the crap out of you, then the princesses will realize you don’t need a squad.’

“Foolish boy,” Princess Amore crossed her arms as she shook her head.

“I agree,” Haze nodded.

Blue simply looked at the two and then to the two getting ready to face off, “I’m sorry but I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

“Asta doesn’t need a sword let alone any form of weapon to deal damage my prince,” Haze explained. “Remember the other day when he tossed me and Free to the sides.” Blue nodded. “That was all him, nothing to augment his attack but his own skills.”

“I always thought Asta was just a swordsman,” Blue looked at their captain.

“Far from it actually,” Princess Amore added. “That man is more of a martial arts master than a swordsman, though he is a master swordsman too. He’s just more skilled with his martial arts.”

“Hmmm….” Haze pondered.

“What are you thinking Haze?” Blueblood looked to the elder pegasus.

“”I think Free Fall is walking down a road that he shouldn’t,” Haze crossed his arms. “It took me years of training to achieve my rank and years more of intense studying to unlock my magic. Even with me and Nightingale with him we could barely handle our new captain in a three to one fight, and this is when he was injured as well.”

“Oh dear,” Arome placed a hand over her mouth. “So, then the poor dear has bitten off quite a bit more than he can chew.

‘Yes,” Haze nodded. “But this is something he’ll have to learn on his own.”

“Asta won’t kill him will he?” Amore looked on in concern.

“No Princess, but he will give the lad a rather rough thrashing,” Haze looked on.

“On three,” Asta called out. “Then will start.”

Free Fall nodded, ‘That’s what you think.’

“ONE..” Asta called out and then Free Fall vanished and landed a solid hit steel-clad hit into his captain’s face knocking him down.

“Hmf,” Free Fall held up a steel armored gauntlet. His Grimoire floated next to him. “Steel Magic Heavy Hands. Makes my blows much heavier and as an added effect anything that I hit becomes twice as heavy.”

Asta got to his feet and wiped a small bit of blood from his mouth before give a snicker, “Hehe, have to say I like that spell kid,” he then looked at Free Fall and released a small amount of his blood lust while giving a look of disgust. “But the cheating and attitude are things that I’m not willing to put up with.”

“In a real battle our enemies won’t wait for you to finish setting up,” Free hissed as he clenched his fist.

“I KNOW THAT !” Asta retorted as he tensed his body up. “But this is sparring a friendly match, not the battlefield and you will show respect to the sanctity of the ring.” he held up a clench and rushed at Free Fall.

Free took to the sky far above dodging Asta’s punch, “Steel Magic,” his grimoire turned its pages. “Spiral Lance,” I huge steel lance with cutting grooves running down it appeared in front of the Pegasus Mage. “Two bad you can’t fly without your toys or dragon.” the lance began to spin. “I'm gonna show you that the princesses shouldn’t have given you a squad!” Free Fall dove at Asta.

Asta took in a deep breath sending blood racing throughout his entire body. He kicked off the ground and rocketed toward Free Fall.

Asta was just about to collide with Free Fall’s lance when he reeled back with his right palm, “Hajiki uke hiraken (Tiger paw block).”

“The fool,” Haze said in shock. “even if he has tougher skin and bone that won’t be enough to to save him from Free Fall’s attack.”

“Look,” Blue pointed to the sky causing Haze and Amore to look up.

To everyone’s shock Asta had caught the lance with his bare hand.

Free Fall was stunned at the feet the Asta had pulled off but not put off enough to stop his attack, “Fine if you want to lose your arm then go ahead,” Free increased the rotation of his lance.

Asta scowled at the pegasus as he rammed his fingers down on the rotating lance “Tora Tsume Gurippu (Tiger Claw Grip).” The lance’s rotation started to slow to a crawl until it stopped spinning altogether, to Free Fall’s dismay. Asta took his free palm, “Taigāsutoraiku! (tiger strike)” and slammed it into his opponent's weapon, shattering it into pieces.

“How the hell did you do that?” Free Fall flew backwards as Asta jumped onto a nearby cloud.

Asta held up his hands and they appeared to have a layer of transparent gray scales over them. He flexed his left hand into the shape of a claw while flattening the fingers on his right as if he were about to use a karate chop.

“Uechi-Ryū Style Ultimate Attack and Defensive Technique: Hardening,” Asat said in a cold tone. “Normal people can only get strong enough to cut through concrete and stone, even iron if they master it to the point I have.”

“But I used steel not iron, so you shouldn’t have been able to withstand my lance’s impact,” Free sneered at Asta.

“My body is reinforced with crystal making it much harder than normal flesh and blood,” Asta scowled. “Meaning that it would be difficult for you to drill through me already. That coupled with my boosted strength from my breathing and my Hardening makes my body more than strong enough to cut through steel, let alone shatter your flimsy and hastily made weapon.”

Asta jumped forward and Free Fall ready to punch him but before he realized it Asta had vanished. He came up from behind and grabbed the right side of Free Fall head with his left hand and rocketed to the ground. The impact sent a shockwave outward and in the slight crater, there was Asta standing over the pegasus with his head still in the palm of Asta’s hand. Free Fall’s eyes shrank to the size of pinpricks as he looked at Asta.

Asta bent over so his bangs shade the top half of his face but not enough to conceal his eyes, “Look here you little asshole. I don’t give a shit if you think I deserve this squad or not,” He applied pressure slightly. “And let this little session be a reason not to challenge me. I can easily kick your smug ass any given day of the week. So from now on are you going to be good and listen?”

Free Fall shook his head yes. “Good,” he let go of the frightened commander. “Now we start looking for townspeople with that we can leave here as a secondary squad. Haze, Blue, and Amore. I want you three to find one prime candidate each over the next few day while you use your magic to help the town. I’ll also be giving the others the same orders dismissed.”

Asta left and returned to his tent for lunch with Fluttershy and Aj. After he finished his meal he saw something pop up in front of his face. It was a golden window like you get from pop-up ads on a computer on it was-

“The hell,” Asat said as he pawed the message for a moment.

“Asta what’re ya doin?” Aj looked at her boyfriend befuddled.

“You mean you can’t see the message?” Asta pointed in front of his face.

“Their’s nothing the,” Flustttershy tilted her head.

“Guess this is a summoning then,” Asta huffed. “Best click no then. I don’t want to go right now and leave you girls here again for the umpteenth time.”

“But what if they need you?” Shy cut in.

“We’ll be okay for a bit,” Applejack backed Fluttershy up. “Or can we come?”

“It appeared to me and it doesn’t look like I can invite others so sorry Aj, but I think this is a solo thing,” The mage crossed his arms before looking to his girl who returned soft smiles. “You’re sure it’s okay?”

“We have more than enough control over our spells now and there are plenty of the Royal guards here now, go on and do what you need to,” Shy gave Asat a hug.

“Okay,” Asta said with a slight bit of gestation as he clicked the “YES”

All of a sudden a two-dimensional door appeared and then became a three-dimensional one.

“Well that’s a new one,” Aj scratched her head.

“I’ll see you later girls and tell the other my order,” Asta said as he reached for the handle and suddenly stopped before turning around.

“What wrong?” Fluttershy asked as she and Applejack walked over to Asta who proceeded to kiss both of them.

“Needed my good by kisses, later,” Asta chuckled as he opened the door and walked through leaving his two mares baffled and red in the face.