Why did Vangeance betray Julius in Black Clover? Explained

Modified Aug 31, 2024 03:02 GMT

Why did Vangeance betray Julius in Black Clover? Explained (Image via Pierrot)

Two of the most enigmatic and enthralling characters in author and illustrator Yuki Tabata’s Black Clover manga series are William Vangeance and Julius Novachrono. This especially rings true for the early stages of the series, which see both play central and pivotal roles up to and through the Elf Reincarnation arc.

However, the two are central to the climax of the Royal Knights arc, which sees the Eye of the Midnight Sun’s leader Patolli reveal himself through Vangeance and defeat Julius in battle. Likewise, many Black Clover fans are often left asking the question “why did Vangeance betray Julius” by giving him up to Patolli, for which there is a very straightforward answer.

Vangeance’s betrayal stems from his friendship with both Julius and Patolli

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William Vangeance betrayed Julius Novachrono in Black Clover because he was equally close with both him and Patolli, likewise wanting them to work it out without his involvement. Essentially, he was so close with either that he couldn’t choose between supporting either or, ultimately deciding to give himself up to Patolli and let the pair work it all out.

The reason Vangeance couldn’t choose between supporting one or the other is that both had played a major role in his life and surviving his harsh upbringing. Vengeance was born as the illegitimate child to a noble, and born with a scar covering half his face that led to others saying he was cursed. However, when his father dies, he was taken to live with the Noble Realm, only to be abused by the noble's wife, his foster mother.

Within three years, Vangeance met Julius and had Patolli fully and consciously awakened within him. He grew incredibly close with both during this time, the former by nature of being in Julius’ Grey Deer squad and the latter by nature of sharing a body with him. Essentially, the two are his closest friends, and his betrayal of Julius in Black Clover comes from the strong emotions he feels for both.

How Vangeance betrayed Julius in Black Clover, explained

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While that may answer the question of “why did Vangeance betray Julius,” it doesn’t answer the question of how this betrayal was executed. Generally speaking, Vangeance’s betrayal dates back to the Eye of the Midnight Sun’s first appearance. This is when Vangeance had to begin lying to Julius and covering up for his absences from certain events and battles by nature of giving his body over to Patolli, who was the Midnight Sun’s leader.

The actual act of betrayal itself began at the tail end of Black Clover’s Royal Knights arc. As the group is beginning their assault on the Eye of the Midnight Sun’s base, Vangeance arranges for a meeting with Yami at the Golden Dawn’s headquarters. However, instead of meeting with Yami, he goes to the Royal Capital where he thanks the Wizard King for everything. He then apologizes as he gives his body over to Patolli, starting the transformation process.

He then spends the rest of their battle sleeping soundly within Patolli, only awakening in the aftermath to find that Julius has been killed. Vangeance cries after finding this out, while his soul falls deeper into sleep within his and Patolli’s body. While William does show remorse for his actions later, it’s also true that he does nothing in the moment to save Julius.

Final thoughts

The answer to the question of “why did Vangeance betray Julius” is rooted in the relationship he had with both Patolli and the Wizard King. Essentially, he was so close with both that he was unable to choose who to support between them, resulting in him choosing to remove himself from the situation and let whatever happens, happen.