Humanity was on the brink of extinction at the hands of the Demon King, but salvation came from a mage.
He became a legend, known as Wizard King, celebrated for generations...
March, the season of fireflies and dandelions fluttering in the breeze.
Every year, in the Clover Kingdom, all 15-year-olds gather at the Grimoire Tower for the grimoire granting ceremony.
At this moment, as an otherworldly traveller, Ethan Hayes was walking alone towards the Grimoire Tower.
"Ethan! Make sure to bring back a grimoire!"
"Yeah, at least aim for a three-leaf one !"
Turning to wave at the villagers, Ethan had a warm smile on his face.
Like Asta and Yuno, Ethan was also an orphan.
However, unlike them, he was near the seaside of a neighboring village, wrapped in a blanket with clues to his identity.
He shared something in common with Yami Sukehiro—he came from across the sea.
However, his village was not Hage Village but rather Cachi Village, a little farther away.
This meant he hadn't grown up alongside Asta and Yuno.
Still, as he set out for the Grimoire Tower, he was well aware that their paths would increasingly intersect.
"A grimoire... I wonder what kind I'll get..."
Walking along, Ethan was filled with both anticipation and nervousness.
In this world, the type of grimoire one received largely determined one's future.
Most people only received a one-leaf or two-leaf grimoire, with magic for mundane tasks like tilling fields or household chores.
Only three-leaf grimoires could offer a promising future.
And as for a four-leaf grimoire?
Congratulations—you were destined for greatness as long as you survived.
The type of grimoire one received was out of their control, influenced by luck, natural talent, and magical potential.
"But even if I don't get a four-leaf grimoire, I should be able to manage a three-leaf one, right?"
Ethan glanced at the wind magic in his left hand and fire magic in his right.
His physique was unique.
Most people had only one magic attribute, but he possessed two: wind and fire.
Though these seemed ordinary, in the world of Black Clover, wind, fire, earth, and water were the four primary elements, prerequisites for being acknowledged by the four elemental spirits.
Ethan's confidence didn't just stem from his dual attributes but also his immense magical power, seemingly innate, coursing through his bloodline.
Without rigorous training, his magic had been growing exponentially day by day.
Based on the Nine Levels, where nine was the weakest and zero was the strongest, Ethan estimated his magical power at level eight.
Though far from the Wizard King, whose magic was undoubtedly level zero, his current magic surpassed most people. He believed that with a grimoire, his power could reach level six!
After three days, Ethan reached the Grimoire Tower.
Not all 15-year-olds in the kingdom had the opportunity to come here.
It required both talent and a recommendation.
Small villages got one or two slots, while larger cities had dozens.
Thus, anyone who made it here either had connections or potential.
"Wow, are these all grimoires?"
In the crowd, a boy's face lit up with excitement, his voice filled with wonder.
Beside him stood a calm, handsome, black-haired young man.
Ethan instantly recognized them as Asta and Yuno—the future owners of the five-leaf and four-leaf grimoires, respectively.
"Ugh, a bunch of country bumpkins. How embarrassing..."
"Are these guys seriously planning to take the Magic Knights' entrance exam in six months? How disgraceful!"
"Oh, and that one can't even use magic. He's probably the only one in the entire kingdom like that! Hahaha..."
The mocking words caused those familiar with Asta to frown. Even Asta himself clenched his fists, trembling with suppressed anger.
Watching the scene, Ethan shook his head, stepped forward, and patted Asta's shoulder.
"Hey, Asta, don't tell me you understand dog language?"
Hearing this, Yuno couldn't help but chuckle.
The crowd erupted in laughter, leaving the two noble boys looking disgruntled.
"You filthy commoner, who are you calling a dog?"
"This place isn't meant for trash like you!"
Ethan didn't dodge as one of them grabbed his collar. Instead, he stared back mockingly.
"Commoner? You do realize that commoners make up 80% of the people here, right? Are you suggesting we all leave so you can have the grimoires to yourself? Who gave you that right? Your dad? The king? Or the Wizard King himself?"