The beginning episode gave us an interesting POV from Fern’s scene. As there is some doubt on what Frieren was doing. Though she was trying to find a gift and find a place to have sweets with Fern. This is tied to the purpose of her journey in understanding humans. The flashback shows how Himmel knows what Frieren prefers, but she doesn’t know what they prefer. You can assume that back then she really didn’t take the initiative to learn more about them. We can tell she is doing that now, which makes the scene feel very wholesome and sweet.
One thing I love about the last episode and this episode is how Frieren & Himmel were honest about the other in front of other people. Frieren said Himmel liked to show off. While in this episode, Himmel calls Frieren heartless for never visiting him. Still, Himmel can tell that while Frieren struggles in understanding emotions, she executes her duty when the time comes. For instance, when dealing with the seal of Qual.
This episode highlights the themes of magic from last episode. For Qual in particular, for Qual, how he developed killing magic called Zoltraak. Which was such a threat that the only way to defeat Qual is to seal him. As it was a spell that could pierce defensive magic. As it adds on to the part in the beginning of the episode where we see Frieren & Fern sparring, we see Fern using defensive magic against Frieren.
What is most interesting is how in 80 years the evolution evolved to the point where it could now defend Zoltraak. Though funny enough, as Fern mentions, that Zoltraak is now considered ordinary offensive magic. Much like with technology in the real world, such advances in the past can seem so ordinary in the present. Still, Qual clearly is a genius with magic, as he could figure out the defensive spell’s weakness instantly. Of course, luckily, Frieren prepped Fern for this, and in the irony of Frieren killing Qual with the spell he created.
Funny moment where the kid who flipped her skirt was the main one she was talking to. As Frieren is trying to understand humans, we can see there is a more profound meaning to her duty, and that is seeing all the lives she saved and that were able to live in peace.
This episode adapted chapters 4 and 5 of the manga. Just like last episode, the music greatly enhances the vibes of the episode. Also, some of the scenes being extended from the manga is a plus.