Episode 23

The Crimson Lion King (紅蓮の獅子王) is the 23rd Page of Yūki Tabata's Black Clover.

Summary
Nozel Silva wonders what Rades Spirito wants because the zombies are becoming weak. King Augustus Kira Clover XIII asks where Julius Novachrono is and who is helping defend the Royal Capital. He believes that the Magic Emperor should be here protecting him.

Chef Jamo does not want to leave and is upset that no Magic Knights will try his main dish. Charmy Pappitson runs in and begs to be allowed to eat his food. The chef agrees and continues to cook while Charmy dances around.

Asta cannot seem to hit No.2 - Alfred because he keeps floating around. Noelle Silva wants to help but does not know how to. Leopold Vermillion offers to help her defend Asta. Rades summons another zombie to keep the two of them distracted. Rades tells Asta that he is going to win just by watching his corpses do the work, and that he actually has a brain and knows how to use it. Asta does not know what to do and crosses his swords in front of him just as Alfred starts to charge up. Suddenly, a ray of fire engulfs Alfred turning him into ash. Fuegoleon Vermillion walks up to Asta and places a hand on his shoulder. Asta is upset because he could not defeat Alfred on his own. Fuegoleon apologizes for butting in but he did not want Asta to die. Fuegoleon declares him his rival as well since they both want to become the Magic Emperor.

Fuegoleon approaches Rades and tells Asta to leave the rest of the fighting to him. When Asta tries to fight, Fuegoleon hits the boy's head and tells him that he is in no condition to continue fighting. Fuegoleon asks Rades what he wants out of all of this. Rades tells Fuegoleon that he was expelled from the Purple Orca squad because his magic was dangerous, and that he wants revenge for being kicked out of the squad and the kingdom. Rades summons another zombie, No.1 - Carl, and Fuegoleon attacks but gets blocked by a magical barrier. Fuegoleon creates his own barrier and attacks again. This time he manages to break through and kills Carl. Rades is in shock. All around the capital, the zombies start to fall to the ground. The people begin to cheer but floating up above is another mage is waiting to make her move.

Fights

 * Asta vs. Rades Spirito
 * Fuegoleon Vermillion vs. Rades Spirito

Events

 * The Undead Invasion
 * Assassination of Fuegoleon Vermillion

Trivia

 * Jamo's method of sprinkling salt is a reference to Nusret Gökçe, the Turkish chef known as Salt Bae.