One thing that is interesting is the “bad habit” Frieren has when she stops detecting mana when firing a spell. Also, it is interesting how Zooltraak is a new spell for elves, making it an advantage for Fern to use it. As the fundamentals for Fern are ingrained with Zooltraak, while for Frieren they are not. It is a minor disadvantage to Frieren’s long lifespan, but any disadvantage they need to pounce on when fighting Frieren’s clone.
Picking up from the other flashback, we see them discussing strategy, which reminds Frieren of doing the same for bosses of dungeons with Himmel’s party. Even though conquering dungeons is a lost art, it is the most exciting part of tackling a dungeon.
As Flamme has passed away, Frieren seems to be the one to pass on her will. The conversation is, should magic be taught to those who have talent, or should anyone learn magic? We know with all the “useless” grimoires that Frieren picks up that she sides with Flamme. Series’s argument is fair when looking at magic as privilege. I do think different levels of magic should be looked at. Common everyday spells to improve one’s life should be free to utilize, but more dangerous advanced magic should be restricted.
I loved the scene with Serie & Frieren walking where we see the child version of Flamme. For these two elves, Flamme made an impact in her short lifespan that might have been more than what either Serie or Frieren did in their whole life up to the point when the flashback takes place. This highlights the beauty of the limited lifespan of humans because they can’t wait 1000 years. Humans will be more motivated to push with the limited time they have now.
As such, Flamme is the spark, and then we see with Frieren teaming up with Himmel they defeat the Demon King. Which now sparks the age of humans. With Serie hinting a human mage could kill Frieren. That human mage could be Fern, which could lead to the possibility that Fern can actually kill Frieren’s clone.
This episode adapted chapters 52 & 53. The whole flashback scene between Frieren & Series was so beautifully animated. It significantly elevated how that scene was portrayed in the manga.