Black Clover: Starting from the Sign-in

Meanwhile, as Yuno, the bearer of the four-leaf grimoire and someone remembered by the Magic Emperor, managed to evade the adoring commoners, he returned to the entrance of the Magic Tower.

Staring at the massive, now-closed doors, Yuno furrowed his brows slightly.

"So this is the so-called upper third-tier magical power? It doesn't seem that impressive. Give me some time, and I can achieve it too," he muttered while sensing the residual magical fluctuations inside the tower.

As the owner of a four-leaf grimoire, Yuno should have been the center of attention.

Yet he hadn't expected his spotlight to be stolen by Kuroha's sudden appearance.

What irked him most was the glimpse he had caught of Kuroha's grimoire—clearly only a one-leaf book.

Driven by this curiosity, he couldn't resist rushing back to the Magic Tower to seek confirmation from its master.

With that thought in mind, Yuno, spurred by his competitive nature, reached out to push open the heavy doors.

Swoosh!

Out of nowhere, the sharp sound of something slicing through the air reverberated. Two dark chains, radiating magical energy, shot through the sky, binding Yuno before he could react.

Caught off guard by the sudden attack, his expression changed drastically. Without wasting time, he channeled his magic in an attempt to break free from the chains.

However, the moment he tried to act, his magic felt as though it had vanished into thin air, leaving him immobilized.

A profound sense of helplessness arose within him.

"Heh, one of today's main characters. I figured you brats, with your insatiable competitiveness, would come snooping back here. But kids like you are still far too green," came a sly, sinister voice from behind him.

Yuno's expression darkened as the chains around his waist yanked his four-leaf grimoire from him. The book was flung into the hands of a disfigured man with a menacing grin.

"Creation Magic: Chain Binding Prison!"

"This technique immobilizes its target and seals their magic. Right now, you're no different from a lamb waiting to be slaughtered," the disfigured man sneered, fiddling with the stolen grimoire. He casually adjusted his long, drooping hair, revealing his scarred and grotesque face.

"Ah, I almost forgot to introduce myself," he said, mockingly. "Not long ago, I was part of the Magic Knights—a name you might have heard before. I'm Yebuchi, a chain magic user."

"It's a shame, though. Aside from you, that ice brat's grimoire is just one-leaf tier. Otherwise, regardless of their so-called third-tier power, they'd still be a joke before my magic-sealing chains."

His taunting laughter echoed across the area.

Suddenly, Yebuchi's face fell. Without hesitation, he leaped backward, retreating swiftly.

The spot where he had stood moments ago was now encased in ice.

Two figures slid in rapidly, appearing in front of Yuno and Yebuchi before either could react.

"It's you!"

Yuno and Yebuchi exclaimed in unison, both equally shocked to encounter this figure at such a critical moment.

"What's wrong? You don't look thrilled to see me," Kuroha remarked with a playful smirk. "Is it because my one-leaf grimoire isn't welcome, or are you scared?"

Yebuchi's face darkened instantly. "You little brat, you might've caused a stir in the Magic Tower, but in front of me, you're nothing! I'll give you one chance—leave immediately!"

"Leave?"

Meeting Yebuchi's gaze, Kuroha smiled warmly. "Originally, I just planned to have you lie on the ground and let me step on your face for half a minute. I wasn't interested in your petty squabbles."

"But now," he continued, his tone shifting, "I've changed my mind. That head of yours looks rather nice."

Although his words weren't loud, they carried an eerie, sinister weight, reverberating endlessly in the surrounding air.

Yebuchi's expression twisted with rage as he bellowed, "Fine! What arrogance! Today, I'll show you the true meaning of power!"

"Creation Magic: Chain Binding Array!"

Swoosh!

The sound of chains slicing through the air echoed again.

The chains binding Yuno suddenly emitted a surge of magical energy before multiplying into four or five more strands, all racing toward Kuroha at an alarming speed.

The sudden assault was so swift that neither Yuno nor Asta could react in time.

In the blink of an eye, the chains had wrapped tightly around Kuroha.

Seeing this, Yebuchi's face lit up with excitement. He hadn't expected the cocky brat who had flaunted himself in the Magic Tower to fall into his hands so easily.

"Haha! Weren't you so full of yourself just now, brat? Now that you're in my hands, even if you have upper third-tier magic, what of it? Against my chain magic, you're nothing more than prey waiting to be slaughtered!" Yebuchi exclaimed with glee.

But as his eyes fell on Kuroha, he was met with nothing but a calm and warm smile.

Startled, Yebuchi raised his head, and the words that followed sent a chill down his spine.

"Surprises can be quite... surprising, can't they?"