The Clover Kingdom.
In this kingdom where magic is everything,
there is one boy who can't use magic.
His name is Asta.
With guts and hard work, he made it into the Magic Knights,
and he never gave up, despite how much he got hurt.
He continues to diligently aim for the top!
Even if you are a peasant,
or even if you're poor...
Anyone in this world can still shine!
He's working hard to prove that,
and to become the Wizard King!
I've been informed that the recovery efforts in even the hardest-hit
parts of the Forsaken Realm are now underway.
Things are finally looking brighter as a whole.
Yes. And to make this peace an eternal one rather than a fleeting one,
we must remain strong.
It's nearly time.
You have the captains' meeting as well as a special decoration ceremony.
You're going to have a busy day.
Indeed.
The Chosen Ones
Our topic today is who will participate in the Heart Kingdom's training.
Our promise with the Heart Kingdom's queen... In other words,
the battle with the Spade Kingdom, is drawing nearer as we speak.
I know that every squad is working hard to get stronger,
but we just received word from the Heart Kingdom that
preparations for training are done.
Our training is finally in its final stage.
There are five Spirit Guardians who will help us train,
and there is a limited number that each of them can train.
So I'd like all of you to nominate members of your squad.
Now, who would like to get us started?
From my squad, I'm choosing Asta and Nero,
though they were already chosen by the Heart Kingdom.
Asta, who uses anti-magic,
and Nero, who uses forbidden magic, are already at the arcane stage.
We know from our previous battle that their powers will be
our trump card in defeating the devil.
I hope they can make those powers their own even more through training.
I'm also going to be sending Finral, Luck, and Noelle from my squad.
What's this? Are you worried?
No matter how tough you act, you're such a softie when it comes to your sister.
Apparently Luck and Noelle both pair well with their magic.
Well, the Heart Kingdom does have a Spirit Guardian who controls lightning,
and their queen controls the Water Spirit, Undine.
Since Luck controls lightning magic and Noelle controls water magic,
it should be perfect.
And I'm not surprised that Luck is super excited, since he's always rarin' to go,
but even Noelle's super motivated right now.
Well, they are up against Megicula, who killed their mother.
And as for Finral...
Well, he's handy to have around.
If a reliable supporter like him is able to level up,
our strength as a whole should rise.
He may also provide hints to a new way of fighting.
Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.
So from the Black Bulls, we have
Asta, Nero, Noelle Silva, Luck Voltia, and Finral Roulacase,
making five members.
That's quite a few.
Nothing wrong with having so many guys with potential.
They're who I'm gonna go with.
I nominate Mimosa Vermillion from the Golden Dawn.
We're up against the devil-possessed.
I'm sure we will face some cruel, ruthless battles.
The cornerstone of these battles will be recovery mages.
She is a royal who also possesses substantial natural talent,
and stretching her potential is sure to benefit our kingdom.
I see. Is Mimosa your only nominee?
I hear that the Wind Spirit Guardian will also be training our nominees.
Yuno declined.
I assume he has his reasons.
Please nominate Magic Knights from other squads, too.
I nominate Leopold Vermillion from the Crimson Lion Kings.
Leo's ambition is high, and he asked our older sister, Mereoleona,
to train him at the volcano in the strong magic region.
I can clearly imagine what kind of hell that must've been.
No one can beat Leopold's hard work and ambition in my squad,
but there is hesitation in him.
I am hoping he can light a new flame by training in another kingdom
and burn away his hesitation.
Once he is able to do that,
he will be essential in the battle against the Spade Kingdom,
but he will also become a true lion king capable of protecting this kingdom!
I see.
I look forward to seeing how he grows.
What about the other squads?
Anyone from the Blue Rose Knights?
I'd like to confirm something first.
Is it possible for a captain to participate?
I see no problem with it.
I personally think someone who was possessed by an elf, such as yourself,
could produce some interesting results.
The feeling of the mana from when my body was possessed by an elf still remains.
That red rose mana was far superior to mine.
I cannot be picky in how I become stronger for the battle against the devil.
I need to experience something similar again, no matter what!
Wait, no! That's not what I meant by "experience"!
Hmm?
So the only nominee from the Blue Rose Knights is the captain?
Yes.
Any others?
This is a rather hard decision, but I believe younger candidates are favorable.
I agree. And I am very aware of how to train myself.
I don't mind going if I can slice up the Heart Kingdom.
Yeah, no. You're not going.
This training will probably be grueling.
But there will be knowledge and new discoveries they won't find here,
and a new world may open up to those who go.
I'd like you all to use that to your advantage.
My... My own...
They're all my food!
I'd like you to train hard every day and grow ever vigilant.
Training...
Training means protein...
This is for the protein!
You all have wonderful potential, so I'd like to see you grow.
Growing bigger...
This is for the fat!
La!
This is for the vitamins!
This is for the fiber!
This is for the collagen!
Me, me, me, me, me, me, me!
Goodness, aren't you full of energy?
What got into you all of a sudden?
I nominate myself from the Aqua Deer!
I'm going to train, become stronger,
and become a man that nice lady will notice!
I think we actually have enough now, but is there anyone else?
The Silver Eagles will do everything they can
to bolster their skills so that they can face the Spade Kingdom.
As will my squad.
We're also doing things our own way!
Then do we agree on the nominees mentioned?
Aye.
Good. I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor.
Yes, sir.
This concludes the Magic Knights Squad Captains' meeting.
Whew, we're finally done.
See ya.
And where do you think you're going?
The special decoration ceremony is just about to start.
Seriously? I have to go to that?
But I've got my wheels parked outside.
It's not like anyone from my squad got picked.
We were told that every captain should be in attendance for this ceremony.
What? Why?
Well, you see...
The king will be participating this time.
Seriously?
Bah-ha... All the captains are here.
They're so intense-ha.
So they've made all the captains attend because I am present. Excellent.
Seriously, this is too close. He's going to find out pretty soon.
Captain Jack!
Please...
bring me back...
to the squad.
The hell's his problem?
Talk about annoying.
How about I slice you open?!
It looks like everyone's here.
Let us begin.
We will now begin our special decoration ceremony for the Magic Knights
who fought bravely against the Eye of the Midnight Sun.
Because the Wizard King's throat is not completely healed,
I will be conducting this ceremony.
First...
With 21 stars acquired, we have Sol Marron from the Blue Rose Knights.
You have been promoted to 5th Class Senior Magic Knight.
Thanks to your calm and brave decisions,
you got the gravely injured Wizard King to a safe place.
Please continue using that judgment and drive in the battlefield.
Oho! Impressive. She moved up three ranks at once.
She saved the Wizard King's life. This promotion seems quite fitting.
I wasn't actually calm at all back then.
Not to mention, the guy who saved Sis was the Captain of the Black Bulls.
Next time, I'm gonna protect Sis without the help of any man!
Hey, uh... one of yours seems to be glaring at me.
Is that my problem?
She's staring at Yami?
Wait, no, Sol! Don't tell me you like Yami, too!
Sis is staring at me passionately!
I'll do my best to live up to your expectations!
With 23 stars acquired,
we have Mimosa Vermillion from the Golden Dawn.
You have been promoted to 2nd Class Intermediate Magic Knight.
In the battle at the Shadow Palace,
you showed humanity and effectively did your job as a recovery mage.
We look forward to you saving many more lives in the future.
I think people realize how important recovery magic is because of Mimosa.
I will live up to this honor that I just received and do my best
in the battle against the Spade Kingdom.
With 18 stars acquired,
we have Leopold Vermillion from the Crimson Lion Kings.
You have been promoted to 4th Class Senior Magic Knight.
When the previous and new captains were absent,
you inspired the other squad members and did everything in your power to stop
your vice captain, who had been possessed by an elf.
Please continue to use your character to raise everyone's morale on the battlefield
and lead us to victory.
So Leopold has also gone up three ranks.
I would like to decline!
Back then, if my brother hadn't shown up,
my whole squad would have been annihilated.
I did everything in my power, but I was completely powerless.
Everyone tried to protect me, even if it cost them their lives.
I'm just...
I'm just a weakling, and I do not deserve this recognition!
You fool!
Do you not understand why everyone tried so hard to protect you?
Is it not because they were moved by your bravery,
and because they saw hope in your very existence?
They entrusted you with the future of the Crimson Lion Kings.
This award includes
the very determination, resolve, and hope of the Crimson Lion Kings!
Resolve and hope?
I, Leopold Vermillion, will live up to this recognition,
do everything I can to protect my squad from any enemy,
and become a Lion King who can lead everyone to victory!
Yuno from the Golden Dawn.
Yes, sir.
You have earned 77 stars.
Holy wow!
Wait, how many stars did the Aqua Deer have last time?
Yuno of the Golden Dawn,
you have been promoted to 1st Class Senior Magic Knight.
What?!
Bah-ha?!
A 1st Class Senior Magic Knight?! This peasant?!
With your tremendous amount of mana,
you were able to deal a fatal blow to the devil, who was the root of all this evil.
We look forward to great things from you.
Yes, sir.
He's now the same rank as our vice captain, Langris.
He suddenly jumped to the rank right under the Magic Knights Squad Captains.
I don't really get it, but you did good, right?
Way to go, Yuno!
To celebrate, let's go on a dat—
1st Class Senior Magic Knight...
I guess I got a little closer.
These four members...
Hold it!
Well, this definitely sounds like it's gonna be a pain in the ass.
Silence, Yami. Despite how he is, he's still our king.
You just lowkey dragged said king.
The one who shined the brightest in this battle hasn't been recognized!
The hero who protected the most important person in this kingdom!
Him! Sekke Bronzazza!
Bah-ha?!
Not only did all of you leave me, your king, unattended,
but some of you fools had the nerve to attack me!
Really?
Who knows?
Sekke is the true hero! The epitome of Magic Knights!
During that fierce battle, he dodged the enemy's attacks and came to me!
There's no doubt that he deserves the most recognition out of anyone here!
* Some facts may have been skewed.
I-I just happened to show up-ha...
With my authority as king, I give Sekke...
the title of 1st Class Senior Magic Knight!
F-First Class Senior Magic Knight?!
What the bah-ha?!
If that peasant gets to be a 1st Class Senior Magic Knight,
I'm going to promote Sekke to that rank, too!
Bah-ha... Bah-ha... Bah-ha?!
Th-This is, uh...
Their disapproval is super obvious-ha! I'm gonna get killed, bah-ha!
I-I have just been promoted to 1st Class Senior Magic Knight!
I, Sekke Bronzazza, will fight any enemy, win,
and take pride in protecting the Clover Kingdom, bah-ha!
So please spare my life.
W-Will that be all, Your Majesty?
Indeed! All of you should follow Sekke's example and remember to prioritize me!
Do you understand?!
I-I've been saved.
As I was saying,
other than the present five,
we will be promoting everyone who participated in this battle one rank.
I see. So that's why they had all captains attend.
They wouldn't usually have us all show up just because the king is here.
Such care for the squad members coming from the Wizard King...
I thank you.
All of the Magic Knights who risked their lives in this battle will be rewarded.
If the current fuss over the Magic Parliament trial hadn't been going on,
there were squads that would've seen many promotions.
Though we will not be able to promote them at this time,
we have decided to give them special recognition.
Captain of the Black Bulls, Yami Sukehiro.
What? I get something?
Please keep the problems to a minimum,
and continue to show results with your teamwork.
What? I don't get money?
Well, thanks anyway.
This concludes the special decoration ceremony.
Lastly, I would like to read a message from the Wizard King.
"Our kingdom is slowly recovering from the attack by the Eye of the Midnight Sun,
but the threat of the Spade Kingdom is just around the corner.
I expect nothing but the best from those who have just been promoted.
I hope that those who did not receive new titles will continue to train hard,
come together as Magic Knights,
and protect this kingdom and its people."
Yes, sir.
We're back!
Come and get me!
Damn it! Quit running away!
Looks like you can't keep up with me at all!
Hey! Welcome back, Captain Yami and Finral!
Damn, you're noisy.
Go train outside.
Hey, Luck!
Huh?
You're mine!
You're going to the Heart Kingdom.
Really?!
So it's finally been decided?!
From our squad, we've got you and Nero,
then Finral, Luck, and Noelle.
Finral, too?!
Yeah...
I get to go all-out in the Heart Kingdom!
Sure. Go crazy, kid.
Please...
Please let me go, too!
I can't just sit here if he's gonna go!
I'll get even stronger than him!
Look, this was already decided at the captains' meeting.
Sorry.
Please! Let me go!
He's always running ahead of me.
But I'm a true man, and I can't be left behind again!
Even if you tell me not to go, I'm going to go!
With your mana, you're not gonna be able to keep up unless you're prepared to die.
You up to that?
Yes, sir!
Who the hell cares about how much mana you have?!
I'll surpass the limits of a peasant!
Fine. I'll try asking Julius.
Just remember this.
What's important here isn't where you train.
It's how you train.
Got it?
Yes, sir!
You did it, Magna!
Yeah, it wouldn't be fun if I just kept getting stronger.
Yeah! You bet your ass I'm gonna catch up!
In that case, Finral, Magna, and Luck!
Let's all do our best training in the Heart Kingdom!
Yeah!
Look at you, climbing up that ladder all at once.
You're just so cool!
I guess you'll become the Wizard King in no time!
You can't be serious. It's not that easy.
But someday...
Someday, for sure...
I'm going to follow my own path to become the Wizard King.
Next time on Black Clover, Page 154: "Vice Captain Langris Vaude."
Page 154 Vice Captain Langris Vaude
If you're going to come at me, you can't hold back, or you'll get hurt.