Black Clover: The Chaos Legacy

(A/N: Sorry for ghosting. I've been dealing with a few real-life issues, but now that things are sorted, I'll be back to regular uploads starting tomorrow. Thanks for your patience!)

After parting ways with Asta and Yuno, I began heading toward our designated rendezvous point. The streets of the capital were bustling, but my mind was already focused on what lay ahead. As I arrived, I spotted someone who bore a striking resemblance to Captain Fuegoleon—only younger. His fiery red hair was spiked for two-thirds of its length, while the rest was tied into a neat braid that hung down his back.

He was deep in conversation with another recruit, the one we had picked up earlier today during the selections. Noticing me approach, he paused mid-sentence and called out, "Hey! You must be Ryo. Come over here."

I nodded in acknowledgment, adjusting my pace as I made my way toward them.

As I approached, the red-haired boy turned to face me with a wide grin, his fiery energy palpable even from a distance. He puffed out his chest slightly and declared, "I'm Leopold Vermillion, future head of the Vermillion family and the next Wizard King! Remember that name!"

I raised an eyebrow at his bold introduction, but before I could reply, he continued, "So, you're the new guy, huh? What's your name? Wait—don't tell me yet." He leaned forward, squinting at me like he was trying to size me up. "You've got strong mana, I'll give you that. But don't think for a second I'll go easy on you because you impressed my brother."

He smirked, crossing his arms. "Still, if my brother saw potential in you, you must not be completely useless. Welcome to the Crimson Lions, rookie! Just try not to embarrass us, okay?" His words were brash, but there was a playful, almost teasing tone to them.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his energy. "Name's Ryo," I said casually, "And don't worry—I'll pull my weight."

Before Leopold could respond, the other recruit stepped forward. He had sharp features and an air of nobility, his dark green hair neatly combed back. His piercing blue eyes glanced at me with measured interest. "Erwin Alister," he introduced himself curtly. "Of the Alister family. I'll reserve my judgment of you until I see what you're capable of."

I nodded at him. "Looking forward to working with you."

Leopold clapped a hand on my shoulder with surprising force. "Ha! You've got a good attitude. I like that. But don't let Erwin fool you—he's all business on the outside, but deep down, he's probably hoping you're strong too."

"Leopold," Erwin said with a sigh, "must you always speak without thinking?"

Their banter was interrupted by the arrival of Captain Fuegoleon. His presence was as commanding as ever, the aura of authority around him almost tangible. He walked toward us with a steady stride, his crimson cloak billowing slightly behind him.

"Leopold," he said, his tone firm but not unkind, "are you already intimidating the new recruit?"

Leopold straightened up, clearly trying to look more composed. "Of course not, Brother—I mean, Captain!"

I raised an eyebrow at the slip, and Leopold noticed. He grinned sheepishly before explaining, "Yeah, yeah, I know it's weird. Captain Fuegoleon's my elder brother. But out here, I call him 'Captain.' Respect and all that. Don't get used to hearing me call him 'Brother,' okay?"

Fuegoleon chuckled softly, a sound that surprised me—it was warmer and more relaxed than I'd expected from someone so stoic. "Leopold tries to keep up appearances," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But don't let his antics fool you. He takes our family's honor—and the honor of the Crimson Lions—very seriously."

Leopold's expression softened slightly at his brother's words, but he quickly masked it with a grin. "Well, someone has to keep things lively around here, right?"

Fuegoleon nodded, then turned to address the group. "It's getting late. We'll continue the introductions and discussions back at headquarters. Mount your brooms and follow me."

We all summoned our brooms, and as we took to the skies, Leopold flew up next to me. "So, Ryo, tell me—what kind of magic do you use? Don't tell me it's boring."

"Chaos Magic," I said simply, enjoying the look of surprise that flickered across his face.

"Chaos Magic, huh? Sounds dangerous. I like it," Leopold said with a grin. "But don't get cocky. I'll still beat you in a sparring match one day."

Erwin, who was flying on my other side, chimed in. "You have a rare magic type, Ryo. I hope you've learned to control it. Unpredictable power is more of a liability than an advantage if you can't use it properly."

I smirked. "Don't worry. I've got it under control."

Fuegoleon's voice cut through the conversation as he led the way. "Save your competitive energy for training. For now, focus on learning what it means to be a Crimson Lion. We fight to protect the people, no matter their status or origin. Remember that."

Leopold and Erwin both nodded, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of respect for Fuegoleon. This was going to be an interesting journey, that much was certain.

We flew for a while, chatting with Leopold and getting to know him better. He was as energetic as ever, bouncing between bragging about his strength and questioning us about ours. Erwin mostly responded with cool, measured remarks, while I played along, amused by Leopold's enthusiasm.

Eventually, I spotted it—the Crimson Lion headquarters.

The massive castle-like structure stood tall against the night sky, its architecture resembling a grand, rectangular "A." It was three stories high, with two rounded three-story towers anchoring the back corners. A colossal gate stood at the center, flanked by the imposing walls. But the most striking feature was the central tower—a five-story masterpiece rising above the rest, more refined and decorated than the other two. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be majestic.

Fuegoleon led us down, and the closer we got, the more awe-inspiring it became. Standing before the headquarters, its sheer scale and grandeur made it feel even more impressive than it had from the air.

Fuegoleon turned to us and stated in his calm yet authoritative voice, "Welcome to the Crimson Lions Headquarters. From this day forward, this will be your home."

He then glanced at Leopold. "Leopold, show them around."

Leopold straightened up excitedly. "Yes, Brother—!"

Before he could finish, Fuegoleon delivered a swift chop to the top of his head.

"I said, call me Captain."

Leopold winced, rubbing the spot where his brother had struck him. "Sorry, Captain."

Fuegoleon gave a small nod of approval before turning and walking off, likely to resume his duties.

The moment he was out of sight, Leopold grinned at us. "Alright! Now that my dear brother isn't here to nag me, let's get started. Welcome to your new home, guys! Let's go—I'll show you everything!"

And with that, he eagerly led Erwin and me into the heart of the Crimson Lions' domain.

Leopold led us through the grand halls of the Crimson Lion headquarters, his usual enthusiasm never waning as he gestured to different areas like a proud host showing off his home.

Our first stop was a large room filled with plush couches, a couple of tables, and a warm fireplace crackling in the corner. Several squad members lounged about, chatting or resting after a long day. Some were sharpening weapons, others simply enjoying the ambiance.

One of them, a burly man with short brown hair and a jagged scar over his nose, glanced up as we entered. "Oi, Leopold. Showing the newbies around?"

Leopold puffed out his chest. "That's right! I have been entrusted with the honorable duty of introducing them to their new home."

A woman with shoulder-length black hair smirked. "Try not to scare them off, yeah? You tend to get a little too into things."

Leopold huffed. "Nonsense! I am perfectly composed. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have more to see."

We moved on to the kitchen, which looked more fitting for a royal palace than a squad base. Gleaming counters, rows of expensive cooking utensils, and a mouth-watering aroma filled the air. The chefs bustled around, preparing what seemed to be tomorrow's meals.

Leopold leaned in, whispering with a smug grin. "You guys are lucky. The chefs here? They used to cook for royalty! That means every meal we get is basically top-tier."

Erwin raised an eyebrow. "Not bad."

Leopold clapped his hands together. "Alright, next up—the central ground!"

When we stepped outside, we were greeted by a spacious open area with a solid stone floor, clearly meant for training and duels. A few battle scars on the ground suggested it had seen more than its fair share of fights. Nearby, there was a small park with lush greenery, benches, and a tranquil lake, where a few fish lazily swam beneath the surface.

I had to admit, the contrast was nice. A battlefield on one side, a peaceful retreat on the other.

Leopold grinned. "We usually train here, but when we're not smashing each other's faces in, the lake's a great spot to unwind. Just don't fall in—Captain will make you train while soaked."

After a few more minutes of looking around, we moved on.

The next stop was the bathing area. Leopold pointed to a door on the left. "This here is the men's bath. We've got showers, a huge soaking tub, and even a jacuzzi. Trust me, after a tough mission, you'll love it."

Then, he turned to the right and crossed his arms. "And this—" he gestured to a door on the opposite side, "—is the women's bath. And let me make this clear: Do not, under any circumstances, even think about peeking. We're Crimson Lions. We have honor. If you tarnish it with anything disgraceful, Captain will handle you personally. And trust me, you don't want that."

I held up my hands in mock surrender. "I'll pass. I like my life."

Erwin simply nodded. "Same."

Satisfied, Leopold continued leading the way, showing us the squad's library—a surprisingly vast collection of books, ranging from combat strategies to history and even magic theories. Then, we visited the dungeon, a dark and secure area where criminals were kept. Some glared at us through the iron bars, while others simply sat in silence, resigned to their fate.

Finally, we arrived at the residential area. The corridors were divided into two sections—one for male members and the other for female members.

Leopold led us down the corridor, stopping in front of our rooms. "Alright, this is where you'll be staying. Your rooms are separate, but close enough in case anything comes up."

I stepped inside, my eyes widening slightly at the sight before me. The room was huge—far bigger than anything I'd ever stayed in back in the boonies. It was definitely larger than the tiny rooms in the old church where I grew up, though still smaller than the upgraded rooms in the newly renovated church. But considering I had only stayed in those upgraded rooms for a single night before leaving, I was still pretty impressed.

A large bed sat against one wall, covered in soft, high-quality sheets. A sturdy oak desk was positioned near a tall window that overlooked the courtyard, and there was even a small fireplace in the corner, already stocked with wood for the winter months.

For someone like me, who grew up in a rundown orphanage, this felt downright luxurious. But a quick glance at Erwin and Leopold told me they weren't nearly as impressed.

Leopold folded his arms and smirked. "Not bad, huh? It's nothing extravagant, but it's comfortable enough."

Erwin nodded. "Standard for noble residences."

I scoffed. "Standard, huh? This is already the fanciest place I've ever stayed in."

Leopold chuckled. "Well, welcome to the Crimson Lions. We might not be the Golden Dawn, but we do take care of our own." He gestured toward a door at the side of the room. "Now, about that—see that door? That's your personal bathroom."

Curious, I opened it and peeked inside. To my surprise, it wasn't just a basic washroom—there was a shower, a large bathtub, and even a jacuzzi.

Leopold grinned at my expression. "Not bad, right? If you ever want to bathe in peace, away from the communal baths, you've got this all to yourself."

Erwin, who had stepped into his own room, raised an eyebrow. "I thought Magic Knight headquarters only had communal baths."

Leopold nodded. "Normally, yeah. Captain Fuegoleon prefers that we bathe together—it builds camaraderie and strengthens the bond between squad members. But don't worry, he won't force anyone. If you'd rather have some alone time, your personal bath is all yours."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Good to know. Though, I doubt I'll be needing a jacuzzi that often."

Leopold smirked. "Hey, after a tough mission, you might change your mind. Anyway, get some rest. Tomorrow, you'll officially start your duties as Magic Knights."

With that, he turned and walked off, leaving Erwin and me to settle in for the night. Before leaving, he asked us to head to the cafeteria after changing into our robes. So, Erwin and I headed into our rooms and put on the clothes prepared for us, especially the squad robe.

The Crimson Lion squad robe was a red mantle that split in the middle of the front and had slits over the shoulders. Additional fabric wrapped around the neck like an attached scarf, giving it a regal yet practical appearance. The back of the robe was emblazoned with the squad's insignia—an emblem that symbolized the fiery pride of the Crimson Lions. Beneath the robe, I wore a dark outfit that matched the red aesthetic—a simple yet comfortable ensemble that allowed for ease of movement.

Gotta say, no one can match a woman when it comes to picking clothes. Seeing me, Luna nodded approvingly and said, "Great, Master. You look handsome in this new attire."

I chuckled, stepping closer and wrapping an arm around her waist before pulling her into a kiss. "I have to thank you then, Luna."

Luna smiled sweetly before reverting to her small form, perching herself on my shoulder. With that, I exited my room, meeting Erwin in the hallway. He gave me a once-over before commenting, "Honestly, now you look like a true noble. Anyone who doesn't know your background would think you were born into high society."

I smirked. "You don't look bad yourself. The squad robe suits you."

After a short exchange, we made our way downstairs to the cafeteria. To say it was lively would be an understatement. Almost every member in the headquarters was present, chatting, laughing, and enjoying the atmosphere.

As soon as we entered, Leopold spotted us and waved. "Oi! Saved you a spot!"

I nodded in thanks, making my way toward him. Erwin followed, taking the seat beside Leopold while I sat opposite him.

"So, is dinner always this lively?" I asked, observing the cheerful mood of the squad members.

Leopold grinned. "Of course! It's a tradition for the Crimson Lions. If you're in the headquarters, you come down and eat together. That's how we build a sense of unity!"

Before I could respond, Captain Fuegoleon entered the room. His presence alone commanded respect, and the room naturally quieted as he walked toward the head of the table. Taking his seat, he looked around before speaking.

"Ahem! Can I have everyone's attention?" His voice was calm yet authoritative, instantly drawing all eyes toward him. "Today, we welcome two new members into the Crimson Lions. Let's give a warm welcome to Ryo and Erwin!"

A chorus of cheers erupted, and the squad members raised their glasses to us. The energy was infectious, and I found myself smiling.

As I looked around, I noticed an empty seat next to me. Curious, I turned to Leopold. "Who's this seat for?"

Leopold smirked. "Oh, that's for your spirit—if she wants to join us, that is."

Luna, who had been resting on my shoulder, perked up. Her golden eyes sparkled with delight as she gracefully shifted into her normal size and took the seat beside me. A few members gawked at her sudden transformation, and I couldn't help but notice that several young men at the table were quite taken with her beauty. Some were trying to act casual, but it was clear they were captivated by her looks. I mentally sighed, grateful this wasn't a book. If it were, I was sure the author would've inserted some clichéd "young master" scene right about now.

(A/N: You wish. I am not low enough to do that cliché plot.)

Just as I thought that, Fuegoleon cleared his throat, his eyes scanning the room. "I would also like to inform everyone that Ryo is the host of a spirit, so treat his spirit as a member of our squad too." he announced, his tone steady but carrying weight.

A murmur of understanding passed through the squad. Spirits were rare, and having a spirit host in their ranks was a big deal. It wasn't every day that someone with the potential to rival the First Wizard King appeared before them.

Soon, the feast began, and the long table was filled with an array of delicious dishes. There were roasted meats, succulent fish, grilled vegetables, and sweet pastries that made my stomach growl in anticipation. As I dug in, savoring every bite, the warmth of the food filled me with a sense of contentment. The whole room was alive with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. The atmosphere was so different from the cold solitude of my past. Here, I was surrounded by people who genuinely welcomed me, making me feel like I belonged.

Several members of the Crimson Lions approached, eager to talk. A tall man with a rugged face and a jovial demeanor plopped down beside me, raising his glass in a toast. "To Ryo, the future powerhouse of the Clover Kingdom!" he boomed, his voice carrying across the room. He smiled wide, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and admiration. "May you live up to your potential, and may we all share in the glory of your rise!"

I chuckled and raised my glass in return. "I'll do my best. But let's not get ahead of ourselves yet," I replied, grinning.

A few other members joined in, their toasts ringing in the air. "To Ryo!" one shouted. "And to the Crimson Lions, the future strongest squad in the kingdom!" another added, clinking their glasses with mine.

It was overwhelming in the best way possible. As the laughter continued, I could feel the warmth of the squad's bond, like they had already accepted me as one of their own. Despite our different backgrounds, they welcomed me into their family with open arms.

The food itself was incredible—each dish more delicious than the last. There was tender roast beef that practically melted in your mouth, crispy fried potatoes with a hint of garlic, and a decadent chocolate cake for dessert that was so rich, I thought I might die from the sweetness.

As I took a bite of the cake, Luna let out a soft hum of delight, her golden eyes practically glowing. "Master, I love this cake," she said, savoring each bite with a rare look of pure satisfaction.

I chuckled at her reaction. "If you love it that much, I'll make it for you later." Seeing her eyes light up even more at my words, I made a mental note to get the recipe from the chef before the night ended.

A few members were joking around, and one was even offering me a piece of fish with a dramatic flourish, claiming it would help me grow stronger. I couldn't help but laugh.

Then, Fuegoleon stood up, his deep voice cutting through the noise as he raised a final glass before leaving. "To Ryo and Erwin, our newest members. May the future be bright, and may we grow stronger together as a team."

A round of cheers erupted, and I raised my glass again, feeling humbled by the respect they showed. Fuegoleon's presence carried weight, but it was clear he wasn't just their captain; he was a leader who truly cared for his squad.

As the meal continued, more toasts followed, and the atmosphere grew even more lively. It was hard to believe that just a few days ago, I had been wandering alone in a world full of uncertainty. Now, I was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about me, and the thought of that made me smile.

After some time, the room began to quiet down as everyone indulged in more food and drink. The laughter became more relaxed, and the conversations shifted to lighter topics. It wasn't long before the effects of the alcohol began to show. Several members were already tipsy, their faces flushed and their words slurring. I could see some of them leaning against each other for support, while others had fallen into friendly arguments.

But strangely enough, Luna and I were unaffected. We had both maintained a surprising tolerance to alcohol, something that made us stand out. Even though neither of us used mana to detoxify ourselves, we seemed perfectly fine while everyone else became drunk. I guess it was just one of those quirks of being a spirit host and a warrior—our bodies, for whatever reason, didn't quite follow the same rules as everyone else's.

As the evening wore on, members of the squad began to filter out, stumbling toward their rooms to sleep off the alcohol. The air was filled with laughter, occasional shouts of "Good night!" and a few awkwardly quiet moments as people tried to make their way back to their rooms without tripping over their feet.

Finally, it was just Luna and me left in the dining hall. As we stood up to leave, I suddenly remembered my promise. "Wait here for a moment," I told Luna before heading toward the kitchen.

Inside, a few chefs were cleaning up for the night, but one of them, a middle-aged man with a thick mustache, noticed me and grinned. "Something you need, lad?"

"Yeah," I said, rubbing the back of my neck. "That chocolate cake from earlier—Luna really liked it. I was wondering if I could get the recipe."

The chef chuckled. "A man who wants to cook for his lady, huh? I like that. Hold on." He grabbed a piece of parchment and quickly jotted down the recipe before handing it to me. "It's a family recipe, so treat it with care."

I nodded gratefully, but just as I was about to leave, I spotted the remaining slices of cake. Without hesitation, I grabbed one and placed it on a small plate.

When I returned to Luna, she tilted her head curiously. "Master?"

I smirked, holding up the plate. "Figured you'd want another piece."

Her golden eyes sparkled as she took it from me. "You truly are the best, Master."

I chuckled at her enthusiasm, and together, we headed back to our rooms. The corridors were quiet now, and the building seemed peaceful under the moonlight.

Once inside my room, I changed into a comfortable nightdress, the soft fabric a relief after a long day. I let out a contented sigh, feeling the weariness of the day wash over me. Luna, still in her normal form from the feast, sat gracefully on the edge of the bed as I sat down beside her.

We didn't speak much, but there was a peaceful silence between us. After a moment, I lay back and pulled the covers over myself, and Luna followed suit, lying beside me. Without a word, I reached out, gently pulling her closer into my arms. She nestled against me, her soft warmth against my chest, and I pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"Good night, Luna," I whispered, my heart full of gratitude for everything that had happened.

Luna's voice, quiet and comforting, filled the space between us. "Good night, Master. Sleep well."

I closed my eyes, feeling her presence beside me, and we both lay there in a peaceful embrace. Tomorrow was a new day, a new adventure, the first real mission of my journey as a Magic Knight. I couldn't help but feel excited, yet calm at the same time, knowing Luna would be with me through it all.

"You ready for tomorrow?" I asked softly, not wanting to break the peaceful moment but unable to hide the excitement in my voice.

She smiled against my chest, her voice a soothing hum. "Of course, Master. We'll face whatever comes together. Just like always."

I gave her one last kiss, a gentle peck on the forehead, then pulled her even closer, hugging her soft body. I let the warmth and comfort of her presence lull me into a peaceful sleep. Tomorrow was the beginning of something new, and I couldn't wait to take the first step.

With those thoughts in mind, I drifted off to sleep, my heart full, knowing I wasn't alone anymore. Tomorrow, the adventure would truly begin.

(A/N: And there you have it! I did my best to bring the Crimson Lions HQ to life, despite the limited details available about this squad. I hope this version captures the essence of what I imagine it to be like. If you all have any different ideas or suggestions, feel free to share them with me! If it fits, I'll gladly incorporate it into the story. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!)