Reborn as Asta

The fight had barely ended, the arena still trembling from the aftermath of the intense battle, when four captains approached me. Their gazes bore into me, each one assessing my worth like I was some rare gem they couldn't let slip away.

First to step forward was Captain Nozel Silva of the Silver Eagles. His silver hair glimmered in the fading light, his regal posture demanding attention.

"You've demonstrated remarkable skill and adaptability," he began, his voice calm but tinged with pride. "Such talent is wasted on undisciplined groups. Join the Silver Eagles, and I will ensure you reach your full potential."

His gaze was cold and calculating, like he was already planning how I'd fit into his team.

"Uh, thanks?" I replied, unsure how to react to his formal demeanor.

Nozel merely nodded, his expression unreadable.

Before I could say anything else, Captain Fuegoleon Vermillion of the Crimson Lions stepped forward. His presence was fiery and commanding, his eyes burning with determination.

"Nozel may speak of potential, but what you've shown here today is more than that," Fuegoleon said, his voice strong yet sincere. "You possess courage, resilience, and heart—qualities the Crimson Lions value above all. Join us, and I'll mold you into a warrior capable of leading others."

His words carried weight, and I could feel the conviction behind them. Fuegoleon wasn't just offering me a place in his squad; he was offering me a future.

Before I could process Fuegoleon's words, a chilling voice cut through the air. Captain Jack the Ripper of the Green Mantis strode forward.

"You've got guts, kid," Jack said, his voice sharp and cutting, much like his reputation. "And I like guts. Join the Green Mantis, and I'll teach you how to carve your way to the top. Literally."

"Alright, enough," a deep, familiar voice rumbled.

I turned to see Captain Yami, his hands stuffed in his pockets, his smirk as lazy as ever.

"Jack, stop trying to scaring the kid," Yami said, scratching the back of his neck. "Fuegoleon, you're trying way too hard. And Nozel? Please, don't act like you're doing him a favor."

He stepped forward, his presence somehow both intimidating and reassuring.

"Listen, kid," Yami said, pointing a thumb at himself. "You don't need all that honor and discipline crap. What you need is a place where you can go wild, a place where you can be yourself. That's us—the Black Bulls. We're not fancy, but we get the job done."

I glanced at each of the captains, their offers swirling in my mind. Fuegoleon's honor, Jack's raw chaos, Nozel's prestige…

But Yami's words struck a chord. I already knew where I had to go—not because of his sales pitch, but because of what I knew lay ahead.

I grinned, stepping forward confidently. "I choose the Black Bulls."

Fuegoleon nodded in understanding, his respect evident. "You've made your choice. I wish you luck, Asta."

Jack cackled, his grin widening. "Suit yourself, kid. Just don't go crying when you regret it."

Nozel rolled his eyes, his expression stiff. "A waste of potential," he muttered, turning away with a huff.

"Alright then," Yami said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Welcome to the Black Bulls, kid.

One of the Black Bulls approached, a short guy with a cocky grin. "I'm Finral," he said, summoning a shimmering portal with a wave of his hand. "This'll take us to the base. You ready, rookie?"

Before I could step through, a small bird fluttered down, landing squarely on my head.

The bird—Secre—chirped indignantly but didn't move. I knew she'd be coming at some point, so I decided to just roll with it.

Finral gestured to the portal. "Let's go."

Stepping through the portal was like entering a different world. The Black Bulls' base was chaotic, loud, and in a weird way it felt like home.

"Oi! Who's this?" a voice called out.

A pink-haired woman in a loose outfit sauntered over, a glass of wine in hand. "You're the newbie?" she asked, looking me up and down.

"Uh, yeah," I said. "Name's Asta."

"Vanessa," she said, taking a sip. "Welcome to the madhouse."

Before I could respond, a large man with a crazy grin barreled toward me. "NEW GUY!" he shouted. "DO YOU LIKE EXPLOSIONS?"

"Uh…"

"Relax, Magna," Vanessa said, pulling him back. "Let the kid breathe."

Yami walked in, his presence silencing the room. "Alright, everyone, this is Asta. He's our newest member. Show him the ropes. Or don't. Whatever. Just don't blow up the base again."

I looked around at the eclectic group of people surrounding me, a grin spreading across my face.

This was going to be fun.

A/N: sorry I didn't post anything yesterday but ever since winter break started I've been taking more days of my job so to make up for it I'll post two chapters today back to back so yea.