Asta had barely rubbed the sleep from his eyes when Captain Yami tossed a rolled-up mission scroll at his chest.
"You've got a job, kid. A dungeon popped up near the border with the Diamond Kingdom. You're going with Noelle and Luck. Meet up with another squad there—don't embarrass us."
"A dungeon?! YES!" Asta shouted, fist pumping.
Noelle appeared at the doorway, brushing her silver hair behind her ear. "You're going to get yourself killed if you keep charging in like an idiot."
"Nah, I got you and Luck on my side. We'll crush it!"
Asta glanced at his shoulder where Nero, in her swallow form, perched quietly. Her red eyes blinked slowly, unreadable. Ever since that night with Vanessa, he could've sworn Nero had been watching him more than usual.
The trio arrived at the massive, glistening dungeon entrance where they met up with the Golden Dawn team: Yuno, Klaus, and Mimosa.
"Tch. Figures they'd send you, peasant," Klaus muttered, arms crossed, adjusting his glasses.
Yuno ignored him, nodding calmly to Asta. "Don't slow us down."
Asta grinned. "I could say the same to you!"
Mimosa Vermillion stepped forward and offered a warm smile. "Um, it's nice to meet you all. I look forward to working together."
Noelle narrowed her eyes at Mimosa, but said nothing.
With both squads teamed up, they entered the dungeon. Magical pressure slammed into them like a wave. The walls were crystalline, echoing with ancient power. Traps activated with a mere touch. Luck shot ahead, laughing with excitement as he dodged darts and glowing magical arrays.
"We're not here to play!" Klaus barked, chasing after him.
As they ventured deeper, they split into two groups. Asta, Noelle, Luck, and Mimosa took one path while Yuno and Klaus took another.
Along the way, Asta proved surprisingly adept at clearing traps, cutting through them with his anti-magic blade. Mimosa used her plant-based magic to detect hidden glyphs, and Noelle shielded them all with her water magic.
More than once, Asta saved Mimosa from getting skewered by sudden spikes or falling debris.
"Thank you, Asta," she said breathlessly. "You're... really brave. And reckless. But in a good way."
Asta laughed. "That's just how I roll."
Mimosa blushed furiously and looked away.
Nero flapped her wings once on his shoulder but remained quiet.
Noelle noticed the exchange and felt her mood sour. She walked ahead without a word.
---------
The team regrouped near the dungeon's core, where a massive chamber awaited. But they weren't alone.
From the center of the chamber, a cold voice echoed: "So, the Clover Kingdom sent more pests."
Mars stepped out from the shadows, crystal magic glinting along his arms. His expression was empty, his aura overwhelming.
"Diamond Kingdom," Klaus hissed.
Before they could react, Mars launched an assault. Crystal spikes burst from the ground, forcing everyone to scatter. Luck lunged forward, lightning crackling, but was quickly overpowered and thrown against the wall.
"Luck!" Asta shouted, then turned to block a crystal spear with his sword.
Noelle launched a water shield to protect Mimosa. Klaus fired magical bolts that bounced harmlessly off Mars's armor.
Yuno arrived just in time, his wind magic slicing through one of the crystal formations. "This guy's tough."
Asta charged headlong, sword glowing with anti-magic. Mars conjured a blade of hardened crystal to meet him.
The fight escalated. Mars was relentless, seemingly regenerating from every blow. His crystal magic adapted to their attacks. Yuno and Asta coordinated their strikes, wind and anti-magic flowing in perfect sync.
But Mars unleashed a massive crystal titan that brought the ceiling crashing down.
Mimosa was injured, her side pierced by a falling shard. Asta screamed her name and rushed to her side.
"I'm okay," she whispered. "You have to stop him."
Noelle created a massive water barrier to protect the wounded. "Go, idiot."
Asta pushed forward, battered and bruised. Mars fired another deadly blast, but this time Asta met it head-on, slicing through with raw determination.
"I WON'T LOSE!!"
His sword cut through Mars's armor, sending him flying into the far wall. The ground shook.
Smoke filled the chamber.
Everyone held their breath.
Did they win?
As the smoke cleared, Mimosa sat propped against the wall, healing herself slowly. Her eyes never left Asta.
"He's... amazing," she whispered to herself. "So strong... and kind."
Nero flapped her wings and settled closer to Mimosa, her red eyes fixed on Asta. She let out a soft, thoughtful chirp.
Mimosa glanced at the bird and smiled. "You think so too, huh?"
Across the room, Noelle was already making her way toward Asta.
"You idiot," she muttered under her breath. "Don't you ever scare me like that again."
Asta turned, smiling despite the exhaustion. "Guess I owe you two thanks."
Yuno stood near the exit, arms folded, wind swirling around him. "You're not bad, Asta."
Asta beamed. "You too, bro!"
The team slowly regrouped, battle-worn but victorious. Mars had been defeated—for now.
But the tension wasn't over.
Noelle stood beside Asta, clearly holding something back.
"When we get back... I have something for you."
Asta blinked. "Huh?"
"Just shut up and wait for it."
Mimosa overheard and turned away, a mix of disappointment and something else fluttering in her chest.
Nero, still perched in bird form, settled back onto Asta's shoulder.
You really don't notice anything, do you...
The dungeon glowed faintly behind them.