Reborn as Asta

The order from the Wizard King was clear: the Golden Dawn and Black Bulls were to send their best to collaborate as a single unit for a critical dungeon exploration. This wasn't just any mission—the dungeon was rumored to hold ancient magical artifacts, treasures with the power to shift the balance of the Clover Kingdom itself. Failure was not an option; success was the only expectation.

Back at the Black Bulls' headquarters, Captain Yami leaned lazily against the wall, a cigarette hanging from his lips as he addressed his gathered team.

"Listen up," Yami began, exhaling a plume of smoke that curled into the air. "The Wizard King wants a team in that dungeon, and since half of you idiots are off doing who-knows-what, I'm handpicking who goes."

His sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on Asta.

"Asta, you're leading this operation for the Black Bulls."

"Leader?!" Asta exclaimed, his voice cracking in surprise. "I just joined the Black Bulls!"

"Exactly," Yami replied, smirking. "You've got guts, and let's face it, you're the only one I trust not to completely botch this. Consider it your trial by fire."

Before Asta could respond, Yami's attention shifted. "You're going too, Sparky." He pointed at Luck. "Not because I think you'll follow orders, but because you're one of the few people still here. Just don't get everyone killed chasing a fight, or I'll fry you myself."

Luck cackled, lightning sparking faintly around him. "No promises!"

Before Yami could dismiss them, Noelle stepped forward, her face set in determination.

"I want to go too," she declared.

Yami raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that, princess? This isn't exactly a vacation."

Noelle straightened her posture, glaring at him. "I need to prove myself, and this mission is the perfect opportunity."

A faint smirk tugged at Yami's lips. "Fine. But if things go south, no crying about your royal status, got it?"

Before leaving, Asta took the responsibility of preparing supplies seriously. He rummaged through the Black Bulls' storeroom, packing a large duffle bag with essentials: preserved food, water canteens, healing potions, rope, and a sturdy torch. He even tucked in a few extra items, like glow sticks and a first-aid, just in case.

From the doorway, Noelle watched, arms crossed, an exasperated yet amused expression on her face. "You're packing like we're heading out for a month."

Asta glanced at her with a determined glint in his eyes. "I've got a feeling something's gonna go wrong, and I'd rather be ready."

By the time the two squads met at the dungeon's entrance, the tension between them was as sharp as a blade. Klaus, ever the picture of formality, scanned the Black Bulls with barely concealed disdain, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

"This mission is critical," Klaus began, his tone clipped and patronizing. "I expect professionalism. Try not to embarrass yourselves."

Asta scoffed but forced himself to stay focused. With the responsibility of leading the Black Bulls on his shoulders, he wasn't about to let Klaus's words rattle him.

"Let's just focus on getting the job done," Asta said, stepping toward the dungeon's ominous entrance.

Mimosa stepped forward next to Klaus, casting her spell. A vibrant flower bloomed in her hands, petals unfurling to reveal a glowing, intricate map of the dungeon. The labyrinthine corridors stretched endlessly, marked with glowing symbols of ancient magic that shifted faintly as if alive.

"This place is incredible," she murmured, awe lacing her voice. "But the magical traps here are unlike anything we've encountered before. We'll need to be extremely cautious."

"Don't worry, I can—"

Asta was cut off by a burst of laughter. Luck, unable to contain his excitement, had already darted ahead, sparks of lightning trailing in his wake.

"Come on, slowpokes!" Luck called out gleefully. "Let's find something worth fighting!"

"Luck!" Noelle shouted, her voice echoing off the dungeon walls. "Get back here before you—"

A deafening crack resonated through the corridor. The group collectively froze as a sharp click reverberated beneath their feet. Luck had stepped on a hidden pressure plate, triggering something massive.

The walls began to tremble, ancient stones grinding together as the floor beneath them vibrated ominously.

"What did you just do?!" Klaus shouted, gripping his grimoire tightly as he scanned for a way to stabilize the collapsing corridor.

Luck turned back, his grin as wide as ever, entirely unbothered. "Oops."

"Oops?!" Noelle yelled, panic rising in her voice as cracks began to spiderweb across the walls.

The trembling escalated into a full-scale collapse. The floor buckled and gave way beneath them, sending both squads plummeting into the darkness below.

Asta managed to grab his duffle bag as he fell, dashing mid-air to avoid the jagged debris crashing down around them.

The fall ended abruptly as they landed in a vast, echoing cavern, the impact cushioned by soft moss and damp earth. Asta landed and started looked around. The air was thick and heavy, carrying a faint metallic tang that.

"Noelle? Luck? Yuno?" Asta called, his voice bouncing off the cavern walls.

Scattered groans answered him, but the group was disoriented and spread out, the collapse having separated them into smaller clusters.

Klaus emerged from the shadows, his uniform dirtied but his composure intact. "Everyone, regroup immediately. We can't afford to be disorganized down here."

The dim light of Mimosa's faintly glowing spell illuminated the cavern, revealing jagged stalactites hanging precariously from the ceiling and pools of water that reflected the faint shimmer of mana. As the group took in their surroundings, a low, guttural screech echoed through the cavern.

"What was that?" Mimosa whispered, fear creeping into her voice.

Before anyone could respond, a massive shape swooped through the shadows, wings beating with an eerie, rhythmic sound. The creature emerged into the faint light—a monstrous, bat-like entity standing over ten feet tall, its leathery wings stretching wide. Its eyeless face turned toward them, sniffing the air before letting out another chilling screech.

And as if on cue, more screeches filled the cavern.

"We'll have to fight our way out to find the others"

Klaus nodded reluctantly, summoning a spell. "Try not to get yourself killed."

"Same to you." Asta replied, charging forward as the monsters lunged toward him.

TO BE CONTINUED...