In this episode we see what Sense aimed for when creating this exam. Having everyone work together and put the best matchups on display. Still, one criticism of this type of exam is that the difficulty varies depending on the examinees. Considering that the final boss is Frieren and quite honestly, imagine if someone on the level of Series was the final boss of the exam. Anyone thinking that would think it’s ludicrous. Hell, even Sense & Fern’s clones are a tough fight. Richter and Lawine get eliminated simply due to the sheer strength of Sense’s clone because they couldn’t detect her. Even someone with the capabilities of Denken had difficulties in it. A sense of unwillingness to offer her own weaknesses seems to go with her ideas of what this exam hopes to achieve.
Übel taking down Sense’s clone really showcases how her magic based on feeling and intuition is different from most. Basically, just visualizing is all she needs to do. Well, cutting down Sense is equivalent to cutting her hair. It makes you wonder how far magic based on pure intuition can go. The other question is, after killing a first class mage, why was Übel still allowed to take the exam?
Frieren’s point of her vulnerability isn’t enough to kill her. Despite Fern getting a big hit on her, it wasn’t enough. Of course Frieren’s clone would need to focus on Fern, but that moment gave Frieren the time to defeat her clone and thus complete the 2nd stage of the exam. So the question is, could Fern, a human mage, kill Frieren? She definitely has the potential to. As Fern is only going to grow stronger from this point.
This episode adapted chapters 54 & 55. One of the most well-animated episodes of the season. Especially the focus on the fight of Frieren & Fern vs. Frieren’s clone. The other fights were also expanded on, which was great to see. The majority of the fight of Richter & Lawine vs. the clones of Kanne & Lawine is original. Same as the fights Kanne & Laufen were in.