I like how Mashima just makes his characters apologize for nearly killing someone, then it's all good like it never happened. He did the same with Lucy and Flare. I don't really care, it's just that a few panels to make their tension disappear is lazy and convenient.
I also like how Mashima can pull some random character/title out of his ass and make everyone interested like it's been built up for several chapters. Almost instantly everyone had an interest in Irene when she was first pulled from nowhere. Now everyone can't wait to hear a backstory. Mashima sure is lucky his fans are easy to please. By calling herself the 'Queen of Dragons', it seems Irene has rejuvenated her relevance. GG, Mashima. You manipulate your fans so well. Being a writer, though, I can see through most of Hiro's tactics.
Also, for those talking about my favorite book series, Neville Longbottom could have very well been the boy to kill Voldemort, but the Dark Wizard chose Harry as his adversary.