The soft clatter of carriage wheels echoed along the dusty path leading out of Hage Village. The wind carried the scent of distant grasslands and the faint hum of mana that flowed stronger as they neared the Capital.
Kael sat atop the back of the wagon, watching the rolling hills and twisting forests blur past. Asta chatted loudly with the driver, while Yuno remained silent, eyes forward and arms crossed.
To anyone watching, they were just three boys chasing their dreams.
But for Kael, this world was far more than that.
> He'd read this world once—in pages of fantasy. A land of magic knights, ancient devils, legendary relics, and endless battles. But now he lived it.
He bled with it.
His crimson eyes narrowed.
> And he would shape it.
---
Two Days Earlier – Night Before Departure
Kael had sat alone on the church rooftop again. The stars above were oddly quiet, as if holding their breath.
His grimoire hovered beside him, glowing faintly. The pages were filled with symbols not even the magic scholars could decipher. Some of them weren't even from this world—they were etched in the language of his past life. A script the system allowed only him to read.
> [System Log – Memory Sync Complete]
"Checkpoint 3 fully integrated. Memory Imprint established."
> [New Passive: World Sight] – Grants awareness of narrative tension shifts and hidden characters when present.]
Kael had exhaled. Another piece of the cheat system unlocked.
And with it… the weight of fate.
---
Now – On the Road
"I wonder what the Royal Capital looks like!" Asta's voice broke the moment. "Do you think it's made of gold? Do they have floating castles?"
"I read there's a magic-powered transport system," Yuno said calmly. "Like flying brooms, only larger."
Kael gave a small grin. "It's a mixture of grandeur and danger. The Capital hides corruption behind beauty. Noble pride. Political tension."
Asta blinked. "Wait… how do you know all that?"
Kael paused, mind racing.
> Careful. Too much knowledge makes me suspicious.
"I heard travelers talk about it before," he lied smoothly. "They called it beautiful… and broken."
Asta nodded thoughtfully, but Yuno looked sideways at him—just a second too long.
Kael's stomach twisted.
> I need to watch what I say. No one must know who I really am. Or what I know.
---
Evening Camp – Under the Open Sky
They'd stopped by a shallow stream for the night. The fire crackled as Sister Lily's packed meals warmed on flat stones. Asta had passed out early, exhausted from sword forms he'd practiced on the road.
Yuno sat sharpening his blade quietly.
Kael stared into the fire.
"Yuno," he said suddenly, "do you believe we're meant to follow the path written for us?"
Yuno raised an eyebrow. "What kind of question is that?"
Kael shrugged. "Just… thinking. About how fate works here. Some people get power because of their name. Others because of chance. Do you think that's fair?"
Yuno paused. Then slowly said, "No. But that's why we have to be stronger than fate. To make our own way."
Kael chuckled under his breath.
> He really is the same. Driven, calm… and burning like fire inside.
But something in Yuno's eyes flickered—like he, too, felt the strings being pulled around them.
---
Later – While the Others Slept
Kael walked beyond the trees to be alone. The moonlight shimmered through leaves, and his grimoire floated open once more.
> [World Sight Activated]
– Narrative Thread Detected: Early Noble Conflict
– Hidden Character Proximity: Mimosa Vermillion – 12 hours
– Plot Divergence Potential: High
He inhaled sharply.
Mimosa Vermillion. One of the original story's gentle but powerful royals. Her path intersected Asta's during the exam—but now… he was part of this world, and his actions had ripple effects.
> Would she still join the Golden Dawn? Would she still meet Asta first?
He didn't know.
> But he would meet her soon.
And he couldn't deny… part of him was excited.
---
The Next Morning – Royal Capital in Sight
They crested a hill, and the Royal Capital bloomed into view.
Massive spires of marble stretched to the clouds. Waterways laced between the districts like silver veins. Flying brooms and mana-beasts flitted through the air, weaving between platforms and magic-lit towers.
Asta's jaw dropped. "WOAH! It's like something out of a dream!"
Kael remained quiet, taking in the city.
But in his heart, he felt it—
> The story had truly begun.
This wasn't just the start of a tournament. It was the start of his ascent—and the moment his future lovers, enemies, and allies would step onto the stage.
---
System Alert – New Checkpoint Detected
> [Checkpoint 4: Magic Knight Entrance Exam – Part I]
– Difficulty: Variable
– Key Characters Present: Noelle Silva, Mimosa Vermillion, Alecdora, Klaus, Luck Voltia, Magna Swing
– Warning: One unknown variable has been introduced. Monitor deviation carefully.
– Potential Sync Bonus: +5 Skill, +5 Magic, +3 Relationship Points (Multiple Targets)
Kael's eyes shimmered with determination.
> This is the part where they choose their squads. In the original story, Noelle struggled, Asta shocked the crowd, Yuno was perfect...
But now I'm here. And I won't be in anyone's shadow.