Our group finally ends up in Äußerst, where the Mage Exam is being taken. We see again Fern is underselling herself by saying to Frieren she needs to take the exam for them to proceed. As Frieren mentions, she doesn’t need the one to be certified. Well, in good measure, both of them take the exam.
We also see a mage by the name of Übel who runs into Kraft. At first glance it looks like Kraft defends her against those thugs. Though, as Kraft points out, in reality he was saving the lives of those men, and it might be clear that Übel has the eyes of a killer, which could mean trouble. We also learn that she killed a first-class mage in the exam she failed. Makes you wonder how she can still take this exam.
The flashback was a nice callback with Himmel for the simple fact that Frieren doesn’t need any certification to prove how capable of a mage she is. Plus, considering she is a mage in Himmel’s party, you’d think they wouldn’t need to take exams. Well, rules are rules for a reason.
Frieren gets grouped with two troublemakers in Kanne & Lawine. One thing is for certain: they are a different breed compared to Fern. As Fern is more to herself, she prides herself on being independent. While with these two girls, that is not the case. Though it is good to see Frieren take charge, which, with Himmel & Fern, she really never had to do. Though unlike Fern, who is a good listener, those girls aren’t, and they learn from their mistakes that Frieren knows what she is doing.
It is interesting to learn more from Kanne about her friendship with Lawine. While they get into constant arguments, it feels clear that they are dear friends. Them being on the same wavelength showcases that. Lawine is a bit of a hardass at times to Kanne, but it comes from wanting to push her friend. Of course Kanne herself wants praise, which seems like an easy motivator.
This episode adapted chapters 37 & most of 38. It is actually interesting they didn’t adapt the last few pages of 38. Though the pacing still feels great, it’s good they give these chapters time to breathe.