Yuki Tabata’s Foreshadowing of Mereoleona’s New Ability in Black Clover

The anticipated release of Black Clover chapters 370 and 371 on Monday, April 29, 2024 was overshadowed by the early leak of spoilers online. This unfortunate event revealed significant plot developments to fans before the official release date.

In the upcoming manga chapter, readers can expect to see Mereoleona Vermillion learning a new spell from her grimoire that will transform her into flames. This transformation will appear as if she has become pure mana, with no physical body remaining. Fans were delighted by the introduction of this new spell, which was subtly hinted at by manga creator Yuki Tabata nearly four months ago through a lead-color page illustration.

Please note: This article reveals information from the Black Clover manga that may spoil the story for some readers.

Yuki Tabata foreshadowed Mereoleona’s new technique months ago in Black Clover manga

The purported spoilers for Black Clover chapter 371 revealed that Mereoleona obtains a new spell in her grimoire known as Ultimate Flame Magic: Excelitius Leonum. With this power, she is able to communicate with the spirits of her fallen comrades and temporarily bring them back to aid in the battle.

Fans adored this skill as it perfectly complemented Mereoleona, who has demonstrated exceptional mana control since her debut in the series. Additionally, her followers are fiercely devoted to her, willing to go to great lengths and make sacrifices for her.

Mereoleona Vermillion as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Hence, it was logical for Mereoleona to transform into mana and control her defeated subordinates.

Interestingly, the reveal of Mereoleona’s Ultimate Flame Magic: Excelitius Leonum in Black Clover chapter 371 is not the first time it has been teased to fans. Back in December 2023, manga creator Yuki Tabata had already hinted at this new ability through a Lead Color Page illustration in the Winter 2024 Jump GIGA magazine.

Mereoleona Vermillion as seen in the Black Clover manga (Image via Shueisha)

The page of illustrations showcased a variety of characters, such as Lucius Zogratis, the antagonist, and his Paladins. Although many fans were captivated by the colored depictions of Noelle Silva’s transformation and the Paladins, the illustration also depicted Mereoleona utilizing her newly acquired power.

The presence of red flame-like patterns emerging from her eyes made it clear. Upon comparing the colored illustrations to the upcoming manga chapter, fans can see that manga creator Yuki Tabata had already hinted at the new spell months before its debut in the manga series.

Salamander as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Although many fans believed that Salamander, the spirit of fire, would eventually end up with Mereoleona, the red flame-like patterns were actually first seen on the beast in the manga and anime. Despite this, Salamander remains loyal to her younger brother, Crimson Lions Captain Fuegeleon Vermillion.

It is highly likely that the manga creator included similar patterns around Salamander’s eye as a foreshadowing of a future in which she serves Mereoleona. However, confirmation or denial of this possibility will have to wait until the manga series progresses. For now, fans of Mereoleona can only speculate and theorize about what may happen.