Ep 9. The Royal Knights Selection Test

The Royal Knights Selection Test is the ninth episode of the seventh season of the Japanese anime, Black Clover. The anime is adapted from the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Yuki Tabata.

In this episode, viewers witness a high-stakes tournament that will determine the future of the Magic Knights, specifically the Royal Knights. The tournament is designed to test and evaluate the magic abilities of the top Magic Knight squads, and the winning squad will be given the coveted title of Royal Knights. The Royal Knights are the powerful group that is tasked with the duty of protecting the Clover Kingdom from external threats.

The episode begins with the Magic Emperor Julius Novachrono explaining the rules of the tournament. The rest of the Magic Knights gathered at the arena, waiting to begin the test. The tournament consists of three teams: the Temple, the Forest of Witches, and the Seabed Temple. Each team must select five members to participate in the tournament.

The first test is a race around the arena, and the remaining two will be revealed later. The squad members must race to the center and retrieve a crystal, then bring it back to their team's station. The first team to retrieve all three crystals wins the first round.

One by one, the various Magic Knight squads select their participants for the tournament, and viewers are introduced to new characters. The Black Bulls squad, which includes protagonist Asta, selects Luck, Magna, Vanessa, Noelle, and Finral. Despite their reputation for being the most chaotic squad, they are determined to win this tournament and prove themselves as powerful Magic Knights.

As the tournament proceeds, the other two tests are revealed, and each squad must adapt to the new challenge to earn points and progress towards victory. The second test requires participants to defend a crystal while their teammates battle for control of an opposing team's crystal. The third test is a battle royale where the last remaining member of each team wins a point.

Throughout the tournament, viewers are treated to stunning displays of magic abilities, each unique and captivating in its own way. Additionally, viewers are given a glimpse into the intricacies of each Magic Knight squad, including their strengths, weaknesses, and personalities.

The final round of the tournament leaves the viewers on edge as the top-scoring teams battle it out to become the Royal Knights. The winners will receive a rank above the others, and their duty will be to protect the kingdom from various outside dangers. As the battles rage on, alliances are made and broken, and the true power of the Magic Knights is revealed.

The Royal Knights Selection Test is an action-packed episode that showcases the skills and personalities of each Magic Knight squad. It highlights the competitive spirit that exists among the Magic Knights, and the lengths they are willing to go to protect their kingdom and earn the respect and admiration of their peers. This episode serves as a great example of the ongoing theme of Black Clover, which is the power of friendship, determination, and the will to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.