Devil Trial

The Trial of Asta and Secre is an attempt by Damnatio Kira to blame Asta and Secre Swallowtail for the elves' reincarnation and possession of Magic Knights.

Prologue
After the Reincarnation Magic is dispelled, Julius Novachrono—who survived due to stored Time Magic—and Yami Sukehiro have a meeting with Asta, Noelle Silva, Secre Swallowtail, and Mimosa Vermillion. Julius informs them of three problems that the Clover Kingdom faces: no Magic Emperor because of Julius's weakened condition, the kingdom is open to invasion because the Magic Knights are weakened from the fighting with the elves, and Asta's possible death. Julius and Yami point out that the Magic Knights who were possessed committed multiple crimes and the kingdom cannot afford to lose any of them. Though Asta says it was a devil's fault, Julius says that Asta will be used as a scapegoat since he has power from a devil and that a trial will be formed by the Magic Parliament, headed by the House Kira.

After Damnatio Kira saves King Augustus Kira Clover XIII from anti-monarchist nobles, his scales respond to Asta's presence and Damnatio vows to punish whoever it is.

Asta and Secre's Trial
Several days after the meeting with Julius, Asta and Secre are called to the Magic Parliament building for a talk. Though Asta figures it will be just a normal chat to inform them of the events that occurred, he and Secre are immediately handcuffed by some guards and are brought before the Magic Parliament and its chairman, Damnatio. Damnatio intentionally reveals Asta and Secre's status (Asta is an orphan peasant and Secre's history is unknown) and their unknown powers as well as the fact that Secre has horns which means she has delved into Forbidden Magic. This causes the members, all noble and royalty, to immediately distrust Asta and Secre which causes Secre to remark how despite Julius's best efforts he could not change the views the upper class have on non-nobility. Damnatio approaches Asta and quietly tells him that either he will take the fall for the possessed Magic Knights as a devil user or the possessed Magic Knights will pay for the actions 'they' committed (while under the control of elves). Damnatio feels assured about this because his magic lets him know that Asta is the person who will not let the other magic knights die. Damnatio then asks Asta about this supposed which though Asta tells him about he is not able to show him as no one but a small group of people saw the devil. Secre prevents Asta from talking about his own devil and Damnatio decides aloud to the members that since there is no devil that they will just have to punish the possessed people. He then brings out Marie and plans to have her executed to provoke Asta into saving Marie thus revealing his demonic powers. This plan works as Asta immediately uses his form to stop the executioners attacks. Asta states he refuses to accept Damnatio's sense of Justice to which Damnatio replies that the people will never see cooperation with a devil.

Epilogue
Damnatio states to Asta that he misjudged the faith that his squad and other people had in him. Before he leaves, he tells Asta to take his new task seriously as he will be executed should be prove to be a hindrance to the kingdom. He then goes to meet with Julius and asks him if he was sure about giving this new task to Asta and the Black Bulls. Julius assures him of his faith and trust in the Black Bulls and that he will accept responsibility for what could happen along with hoping that Damnatio will one day become an ally of Asta. Damnatio shows relief at Julius's lack of change despite his new appearance while informing him of his possible actions should their new goal harm the kingdom.