5. Asta verses Mars

Asta and Mars fight. Mars uses Mineral Creation Magic: Talos Doll Swarm to create clones. He views Asta as “weak,” and targets him. Mars has the view that the “weak shouldn’t exist on the battlefield.” Asta for his part isn’t afraid. He dares Mars to “try breaking him.” Asta’s negation magic predictably counters Mars abilities well. It’s Asta’s physical prowess that shocks Klaus. Asta body type is unique for a typical Shonen character. Yes, Goku and all the Z fighters are bulky, as are other Shonen characters, however, Asta is buff for a 15-year-old. I’ll be curious to see how much his build will help him in battles. So far it seems to have some effect.

4. More on the power system

In chapter 18, Black Clover focuses more on the magic system. Like most series with magic, the typical “four classic elements” are present (Earth, Fire, Wind and Water). Each Mage has an affinity for one of these elements and can only use “magic from their own mana or from a single attribute derived from it.” However, while Black Clover is explaining this, Mars proves that there are ways to undermine this rule. Most anime series will introduce more advance magic or abilities later in the series. Black Clover establishes this early. A power system can get rigid and boring if it doesn’t become more dynamic.

3. Yuno and Asta get new powers

Despite Yuno’s advance abilities, he takes a back seat to Asta. He finds a mysterious scroll with language that he can’t read and upon touching it; the writing disappears. This was an entry by Sylph. She is a wind spirit that uses her power to help Yuno when he’s desperate to save Asta. She appears to stop time and using her wind magic, KO’s Mars. Yuno shows this spell to Julius Novachrono. He tells Yuno that Sylph has chosen him and he should “treat her well.” Asta gained a new sword in the dungeon. It’s another anti-magic sword that allowed him to deflect some of Mars attacks. Unlike Yuno’s grimoire, Asta’s is illegible to the Wizard King. The sword itself is heavy and absorbs magic, meaning it’s useless for everyone except Asta.

2. It’s Merit

Yuno and Asta ask the Julius, “how does one get to be Wizard King?” He responds it requires “Merit.” They need to build a reputation by protecting people. With achievements that prove they’re the strongest can become Wizard King. It’s a little vague. Surely many mages would fit the bill for Wizard King, right? Naruto’s hokage system was similarly unclear. Basically, the strongest ninja would become Hokage. However, there was more to it. There was a council of elders and trusted ninja that collectively choose the Hokage from several candidates. Is suspect that Black Clover is similar.

1. The Distinguished and the Snobby

There are five ranks in the Magic Knights, beginning with Junior Magic Knight, Intermediate Magic Knight, Senior Magic Knight, Grand Magic Knight, and the Wizard King. Asta, Yuno, and Noelle are invited to attend the Distinguished Service Ceremony. Julius Novachrono awards Leopold Vermillion, promoting him to 2nd class Intermediate Magic Knight. He then gives Sol Marron a promotion to 3rd class Intermediate Magic Knights, Nebra and Solid Silva are promoted to 5th class Senior Magic Knight and 3rd class Intermediate Magic Knight. Finally, 3 members of the Golden Dawn, Alecdora Sandler, Siren Tium, and Hamon Caseus all receive 4th, 1st, and 2nd Magic Knight status. Black Clover has always presented a classism perpetrated by the Royals. It’s typical if you ever watched anything with royalty.

Asta’s lack of awareness and manners was going to be a culture clash. He’s quickly called “lowborn scum, little rat, and a misfit.” Asta couldn’t careless. He actually thinks it’s kinda funny. However, when Klaus, Yuno, Mimosa, and Noelle are attacked, Asta loses it. Insult him all you want, but he won’t tolerate attacks against his friends. The Silvas attack their own sister was hard to watch. Asta announces that he’s going to become Wizard King, as he prepares to take on the Magic Knights. Elsewhere, a new villain prepares to attack the Clover Kingdom.