Frieren, Fern & Stark finally make it to AuBerst. After a sad but uplifting goodbye to Sein, a host of new characters are revealed and a familiar face makes a brief return.

Recap & Reaction

AuBerst is within Frieren, Fern and Starks sight as they must obtain a 1st Class Mage Certificate in order to gain passage through a dangerous area called the “Northern Plateau.” After the exam, they will be able to make their way to Ende, which is where Aureole (heaven) is located.

After the departure of Sein, the story sets up Fern to have her take her next step in her character development. This episode continues one of Kraft the Monk’s central learning lessons, which became the theme of ‘praise.’

Opener

There is no hook to the episode as the opening credits plays at the start.

AuBerst is Here!

After the opening credits, Fern discusses with Frieren about the First-Class Certification. Referencing an earlier point at the start of this arc, Frieren reiterates that she doesn’t want to be inconvenienced by some bureaucratic mage certificate organization that just ends up being worthless, after it eventually gets replaced. Frieren tells Fern that she should be the one to obtain the certificate, in which Fern feels unworthy of as only the handful best of the best mages has that First-Class Certificate.

There have already been tons of hints where this story is going. If we learned one thing about Frieren, Fern is like the younger mirror image of her that has tons of potential that her mentality becomes a roadblock. This is very much setup for Fern’s character development.

Stark asks Frieren why the “Northern Plateau is so dangerous?” Frieren explains that magic is used by these monsters that dwell there called “the Einsam.” The conversation continues as Fern mentions how powerful and easy the test should be for Frieren as an “old mage,” which causes her to feel quite offended. Stark tells Fern how rude it was of Fern, but Frieren brings up the fact that Stark has called her something similar in “old hag.”

It’s kind of interesting how the creators use ‘old’ as a theme for the humor. Sein loves older women, just not like ‘Frieren’s’ kind. Frieren doesn’t mind uses her ‘older’ age as a strength in those instances. However, when Fern or Stark references her age, it’s an easy cliche to understand that getting old sucks and is kind of rude.

Subtle Joke Means MORE than you think

Frieren goes over what would be on the mage test and thinks about how she has to strategize. After not wanting to put too much thought into it, she falls onto Fern’s lap to take a nap, but decides against it as she “can only see half the sky.”

It feels like such a random booby joke unless you think deeper about it from the prior episode and even further back as it pertains to Fern. Fern is becoming a young adult and her body is starting to fill itself out. Also, the episode has already setup Fern to show how strong she really is, similar to Stark’s issue of not realizing how strong he really is. Given the Aura the Guillotine arc, we are not entirely sure how strong Fern is yet either. These are all subtle hints that lays the foundation for Fern’s next big step forward as a character.

Even though it’s already been implied by Frieren’s OP strength and experience, Frieren’s nonchalant attitude to just sleep tells just how confident she is in completing the exam.

Frieren starts to educate Fern that it isn’t all about pure strength in regards to mana levels. “Technique, experience, the type of spells, control, talent, and the effort you put in”—these all factor into how great of a mage you are. She makes it a point to explain that she has lost to a total of 11 mages. Four were demons like Qual from episode 3, one elf, and the rest were all humans.

This is another old school learning lesson crafted into Frieren’s character. What impressive here are the six humans that Frieren has lost to. Think about how fast and strong humans get in a short period of time compared to demons and elves. It just further emphasizes that crafting your skill isn’t just about time alone. The scene is still setting up Fern’s character and to show that their upcoming challenges are going to be more than just a battle of who has the most mana.

The Return of Kraft the Monk!

When an important character like Sein leaves, there is a huge void that needs to be filled. After Frieren speaks about the 11 mages that defeated her, the scene shifts to a brand new green haired character. She is another character on her way to AuBerst.

As the green haired lady mage is relaxing on a gigantic rock, a bunch of bandits appear to attempt to strip her of her belongings. Given her nonchalant attitude, there is no fear of a real threat. However, a strange person appears out of nowhere to put a beat down to these bandits. This is person is none other than the mysterious legend, Kraft the Monk!

Both the mage and Kraft introduce themselves to each other. The green haired lady is called, “Ubel the Mage.” Ubel thanks Kraft for saving her, but Kraft stops her short that he wasn’t there to save her. He observed that she has ‘killer’ eyes. In the area, he found multiple dead bandits around the area and deduced that a mage was responsible for it. So in actuality, he prevented the deaths of more bandits looking to prey upon Ubel.

Ubel questions whether Kraft would lecture her about what she did, but Kraft understands that killing in self-defense can be unavoidable. Ubel tells Kraft that she is on her way to AuBerst to take the First-Class Certificate test and Kraft thought about Frieren. Staying true to Kraft’s life lessons, the last thing he says to himself is that “he can’t wait to hear about her next adventures.” Ubel makes her way to AuBerst, while Kraft the Monk makes his way in the opposite direction.

There hasn’t been a scene as exciting as this one since Aura the Guillotine. First, we get introduced with a new, devious looking character. Then, the story blesses us with a glimpse of Kraft the Monk’s legend by swiftly beating down some bandits.

What makes this scene so exciting was the makings of a plot with the bandits showing up to rough up this green haired girl. There are just so many possibilities that the story could have gone here. It’s the unpredictability here that makes it fun, whenever something majorly new gets introduced.

I loved the call back to Kraft the Monk’s entire character at the end. There was such a tease that Kraft might actually be more involved in the story, but he still gave us a few cool scenes and dropped some knowledge in the process. In the end, Kraft’s lessons of praise and remembrance of great feats remains intact, capped by his last words as he leaves Ubel behind.

What is the First-Class Mage Exam?

Finally, Frieren, Fern and Stark make it to the Mage Academy. The worker explained that the exam takes place 2 month from the current date and only occurs once every 3 years. There is one caveat, that person must have a 5th mage certificate or higher. In a comedic jump-cut, Frieren walks away telling Fern that it’s essentially her responsibility now.

Of course, knowing Fern’s self-doubt, she can’t help but literally hold Frieren’s arm to prevent her from just ditching her. Fern brings up all the points of failure and what how it could set them back. To Frieren’s response, she can just bring someone else that already has the necessary First-Class Certificate or commute by sea.

Self-doubt and Fern’s realization of selling her short is continuing to be a theme.

In a last ditch attempt to try to gain access to the exam, Frieren pulls out the emblem necklace first referenced at the start of the journey to AuBerst. One of the old instructors asks to see the emblem. Without providing any context to the significance of the emblem, the old instructor looked flabbergasted. Luckily though, it was accepted.

Beyond just the First-Class Mage Certificate Exam, the biggest mystery that has come to the forefront is the meaning behind Frieren’s emblem. Clearly, it must represent some God-level relic of the past. When there is something important to speculate over, that is what helps keeps the viewers engaged when there isn’t anything plot worthy to worry over.

The Holy Emblem

Fern asks Frieren about the importance of that Emblem and this triggers a Frieren flashback. Himmel brings up the fact that Frieren isn’t in a magic guild. Once again, it is reiterated by Frieren that these beaucratic magic organizations change all the time, which makes keeping up with each one a drag. However, she brings up the fact that she has this “holy emblem.” Heiter,  Himmel and Eisen cannot make out what this “rusty old necklace” is all about.

Frieren brings up the fact that this holy emblem is the very thing that confirms that she is a legit mage. Himmel responds back that they already know that she is an incredible mage.

As the scene switches back to Frieren looking at the holy emblem, Fern answers the same way Himmel does, “you’re an incredible mage.” Just like Kraft the Monk’s lesson of praise, Frieren starts patting Fern on the back of her head.

This scene continues to carry on Kraft the Monk’s lesson of legacy. Even though there are items that help identify like the mage certificate of how qualified you are, you don’t necessarily need it; especially when there are many people that know exactly how incredible you are.

To Become a Full Fledged Mage

In this current age of the “Continental Magic Association’s regulations,” a real mage is recognized when that person reaches fifth-class level. It is again referenced that Fern has a third-class mage certificate with the added nugget that it is only because that that test was the closest date available.

Once again, confirming more and more just how special Fern will likely be when her time comes.

Presently, 2000 mages make up the full ranks. About 500 mages are fifth class or higher with only 45 being first-class level. The test will be taken at the “northern branch in AuBerst and at the headquarters in the holy city of Strahl.” It has been years since anyone has passed the exam with many mages getting hurt or even dying in the process.

Frieren makes the comment that the number of mages have been dwindling. During the Demon King’s reign, there was a high probably of running into a mage around town.

This is clearly a reference to the “age of war” versus the “age of peace” analogy. During times of war, you need hardened soldiers. When there isn’t any real threat, there isn’t much of a demand for such kinds of people. The number of mages is a reference to that analogy.

In preparation for the First-Class Mage Exam, the classic Frieren montage begins: training, Frieren’s birthday, Frieren & Fern bonding, and Frieren’s terrible sleep habits are all on display.

The First-Class Mage Exam Begins!

Immediately after the Frieren montage, the First-Class Mage Exam begins! The “First Test Proctor, First-Class Mage Genau” starts the test for the attendees.

I can’t help but think about the first arc in Hunter x Hunter at this moment. This scene is a classic anime trope that uses some kind of competition and introduces a wealth of new characters. Hell’s Paradise might be one of the more recent examples when Gabimaru fought amongst many other prisoners at the beginning of the season.

With there being a roster of participates, we got ourselves a real plot with some real consequences featuring tons of refreshing new faces. Through the eyes of the proctors of the mage academy professors, they scope out all the attendees who have a shot at completing the exam. For the 57 participates, there is Wirbel, who is a second-class mage and captain of the Nortern Magic Corps. Denken, a second-class mage who became an imperial mage through stringent means and “Fern, the youngest mage to ever receive a third-class certification with top marks.” Also, there is the dangerous green-haired mage, Ubel, from earlier in the episode who ended up failing her second mage exam because she ended one of the first-class mage’s life who oversaw the test. Lastly, they can’t forget about the “experienced old mage,” who just so happens to be Frieren. However, the two proctors on the sidelines doesn’t know exactly who she is.

First Test!

For the first test, all participates will be forced into teams of three. Bracelets are given to determine which person is on which team. These bracelets allow them to sense each other. As Frieren approaches her teammates with caution and to not destroy any team chemistry, she finds her two mage teammates. One girl in blue is extremely high strung and the red headed girl is a total pushover. Both are not cooperative at all, as they end up fighting on the ground like little kids. Fern is welcomed by her teammates with Ubel and blonde-haired man with glasses.

Judging by the artwork, it’s always easy to tell the difference between characters that are more like NPCs and ones that the creator specifically identifies in someway, to show the audience that they will be important.

The Rules

Genau, the first proctor starts to explain the rules. He brings out a bird in a cage called “Stille.” These birds dwell in the area where the participates will be testing. Every party will have their own empty cage. In order to pass, each party must capture a Stille inside the cage by sunset the next day and the entire party must be there at the same time. If anyone leaves the testing area, then the entire party is disqualified.

Characters like Wirbel and Denken were specifically pointed out to be major players in this arc, so the characters that are teamed up with them makes things potentially more interesting in how it will effect Frieren & Fern’s examination.

The Team of Frieren, Lawine and Kanne

Frieren has to play adult again, not only for Stark & Fern, but with these two young uncooperative ladies. Somehow, she gets a dispute settled of who gets to carry the bird cage by having them play a game of “Rock-Paper-Scissors.” As Frieren walks with her new party mates, they all introduce each other. Lawine, a girl dressed in a blue mage robe with grey hair is a third-class mage. The other party mate, Kanne, with orange red hair, wearing a white and green crop top is also a third-class mage. It turns out that both Kanne and Lawine are both graduates from the same school. All three are unaware about the nature of these Stille birds, so this sparks a second Frieren montage of the episode.

Like what Frieren mentioned earlier in the episode, it isn’t just about how much mana you have. Having Frieren work with uncooperative teammates is to purposefully show that she has no choice but to be their leader. At the same time, she has to find a way to build chemistry, trust and establish a tolerable working relationship with the ladies. Or else, fail the exam. Remember what Frieren’s intentions are for obtaining the First-Class Mage Certificate. That First-Class Mage acts as a guide for whoever wants to pass through the Northern Plateau. Thus, teamwork is crucial.

Frieren, Lawine and Kanne go on their search to find clues about the Stille. They end up picking up a feather, both are of course still fighting each other.

Lawine Does a Solo Search

Eventually, Kanne gets tired, so this calls for the party to take a break. Lawine gets frustrated because of the inefficiency of their search of remaining together. Frieren ends up asking how strong Lawine is, in which she responds that she is definitely more powerful than Kanne, but she asks her how strong she think she is in comparison to herself? Interestingly, Lawine recognizes that she wouldn’t be a match for Frieren. Either way, Frieren allows Lawine to continue to search for the Stille by herself as both her and Kanne continue to rest. Before Lawine left, Frieren made sure to tell her to “watch the skies.”

Kanne praises Frieren great leadership. As we all know, Frieren just has to be even though she doesn’t want to. Kanne goes on to question Frieren about why she told Lawine to “watch the skies?” Frieren starts to question if Kanne is “able to detect mana.” Before Kanne answers, Lawine almost immediately comes back. She found the location of a Sille.

This is one of those scenes that is specifically used to provide context and setup something. It was also used to help gauge the strength of Lawine & Kanne. As Frieren mention specifically about the dangers of the “the skies,” it questions Kanne’s lack of understanding that Frieren thinks she should have already known. This isn’t done in storytelling to be nothing. This will eventually bare fruit in some form or fashion in a plot.

So, This is a Stille Bird..

All three make their way to the location of the Sille at a lake. As Frieren starts to say that they should just observe it, Kanne springs into action right away. Frieren continues to say to just observe, but Lawine follows suit to attempt to catch it. Just when it appears that Lawine has the bird in their grasp, the Stille did something incredible.. It effortlessly blasted itself through Lawine’s iced technique, engulfing all three of them in the lake’s water. Frieren schools the two girls that this bird is “faster than the speed of sound” and it’s still not a great idea to do what they just did. Continuing further, she recommends that they just observe the bird for the day before making their move.

Can’t hate on a “don’t judge a book by its cover” idiom, in regards to the bird.

Frieren noticed how Kanne and Lawine used their magical powers. Kanne has the ability to control water and Lawine has the ability to freeze it. Counter to what their relationship suggests, Lawine and Kanne have incredible teamwork. For the third time, the Frieren graces us with another fun montage, highlighted with the Stille blasting through them once again.

The animation behind all of these montages always look so damn good!

Kanne’s Mistake

All three make camp under some massive trees. Kanne wakes up as she hears something odd that has been bugging her. She finds Frieren missing from her bed and goes out to search for her. For some reason, she hears the sound of rain, but doesn’t see it. All of the sudden, a monster attacks her from behind and she is left without her staff, screaming for Lawine to help her. Then, Frieren finally shows up to contain the massive bird monster. This is what Frieren meant by “watch the skies.”

This is another classic anime trope. It almost feels like the character puts themselves in unnecessary danger. At the same time, it is put to good use to capitalize upon Frieren’s worry from earlier, when Kanne didn’t understand what she was telling Lawine about the skies.

Frieren starts to dig deeper into how Kanne really feels. She doesn’t actually like Lawine, so Frieren questions her further in why they work so well together. When a major situation calls for a courageous action, she often freezes it in crucial moments. Essentially, she is a coward.

The scene flashbacks to a younger Kanne and Lawine talking about this exact issue, pertaining to Kanne’s inability to learn to fly. It also touches on Kanne telling Lawine how much she doesn’t like her because of how mean she speaks to her. In Kanne’s perspective, her growth comes from praise. Lawine is the kind of character that personifies “tough love.”

Down in the dumps, Kanne challenges Lawine to “name any of her strengths.” Lawine tells her that “she tries really hard even though she’s a coward.” Feeling better from the praise, she asks for Lawine to say more. Begrudgingly doing so to help aid her in flying, she says that “she works hard in secret, is considerate and understands her surroundings.”

Taking it one step further, Lawine tells Kanne that “she’s cute when she smiles.” Feeling disgusted by the over-the-top compliment, Kanne responds with ‘eww.’ Feeling betrayed, Lawine kicks Kanne off the ledge. Right before she was about to face plant into the water, she magically startes flying. This gives Lawine the ultimate vindication to continue give Kanne the “tough love” treatment.

In the end, Kanne is actually grateful for Lawine, as she is the one that helps push her to realize her capabilities. After providing Frieren insight into Kanne and Lawine’s relationship, Kanne tells Frieren what she has been noticing that might help them catch a Stille. Keeping the answer hidden as a cliffhanger, Frieren responds to Kanne that “it might be easy to catch the Stille now.”

With the return of Kraft the Monk for a brief moment, his character hints at some of the issues that revolve around “praising someone.” Enter Lawine and Kanne. There is a fine line between giving praise and giving someone the tough love that they need.

Last Thoughts

Kraft the Monk’s Central Theme

One of the most impressive parts about Frieren is the use of characters as motifs. Through characters like Kraft the Monk, Frieren gets to essentially live out what lessons these kinds of characters represent. Bringing back Kraft the Monk for just a brief scene is a healthy reminder of what this entire arc’s central theme has been all about. For this episode, through Fern & Kanne’s character, both have some kind of mental barriers when it comes to believing in their abilities.

How Kanne & Lawine’s character ties in with kraft the Monk

Kanne’s character specifically tied in Kraft the Monk’s lesson of the importance of praise, in which it brings up the question of how it can be used against you. Lawine’s character is literally counter to the ideology of giving praise in the form of “tough love.” These are the little nuggets of information that gets passed onto the viewers that might just make it that much more captivating for the younger audience.

There is nothing that can make you forget more about a character than something eventful happening. Lawine & Kanne provide fresh blood that many in the younger audience may be fond of. Still, there are characters like Denken, Wirbel and Fern’s team that may end up providing something just as insightful as Lawine & Kanne’s. Given Frieren’s formula, it surely is the case.

Like how I praise The Eminence in Shadow in how the creators develop so many rich characters, Frieren is done in the same spirit. Very quickly, the audience is given a reason to become attached to these two new characters that Frieren has to work with. It touches upon the arc’s central theme of Kraft the Monk’s lesson of praise and being remembered. With enough exciting plot points that balances out the slice-of-life aspects of the show, this is an excellent episode that highlights many of Frieren’s best qualities. It also sets up a plot that can soon rival episode 9 & 10’s most exciting moments, as the episodes get closer and closer to the mage exam’s end.