Chapter 60

Departure and Farewell (れ) is the sixtieth chapter of Yamada Kanehito & Abe Tsukasa's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.

Summary
Right after the events of the previous chapter, the receptionist at the Continental Magic Association tells Frieren's Party that Serie has banned Frieren for the next thousand years. Stark remains with Frieren while Fern attends the ceremony. Serie's apprentice Lernen approaches them and attacks Frieren. He wishes to leave his mark on history so that evidence of Serie's life will remain, but Frieren tells him a duel is unnecessary, as despite her attitude, Serie remembers all her apprentices. After the ceremony, Frieren's Party bid farewell to various people in Äußerst, and then they depart from the city to head further north. Fern comments that Frieren keeps her farewells short and simple; Frieren remembers that Himmel did the same, because a tearful farewell would be embarrassing when they meet again.

Plot Details
After the events of the previous chapter, a mildly pleased Frieren looks on as Fern informs the receptionist of the Continental Magic Association that she was told she could bring companions. The receptionist apologizes and states that Serie has decreed that Frieren is to be forbidden entry into any Continental Magic Association facilities for the next millennium. Fern is displeased and wonders what Frieren did, as Frieren explains that Serie is childlike and took offense to Frieren’s conduct during the interview. Frieren says she will wait outside, adding that she didn't want to attend in the first place. Stark notices Fern looking unhappy and tells her that he will accompany Frieren outside, causing Fern to smile as the two leave the premises.

Outside the Continental Magic Association building, the evening bell rings, and Stark remarks that Serie should be done awarding special privileges soon. Frieren reflects on Fern's achievements, adding that not even 50 mages have reached the status of first-class. Frieren says that Fern will surely be a famous generational mage, and Stark shares Frieren's happiness.

Later, Lernen approaches Frieren as Stark asks who he is. Frieren supposes that he must be from the Continental Magic Association. Lernen introduces himself as a first-class mage and one of Serie's apprentices. Lernen notes that Serie must have caused trouble for Frieren, but Frieren brushes it off. Frieren notices that Lernen can see the instability in her mana, adding that he is incredibly skilled and unsuited for a peaceful era. Lernen agrees, stating that he is old-fashioned and only knows how to battle. Lernen explains that Serie has often told him that he would have made a mark in history if he had been born during the era of war against the Demon King. Frieren asks what that has to do with her. Lernen continues to explain that the only apprentice of Serie who has made a mark on history is the Great Mage Flamme, who almost seems mythical.

Lernen believes that another living proof of Serie will die with him as he dies of old age and that he does not wish such desolation for his master. To this end, he says that he will bear the notoriety of killing the legendary Frieren to prevent such a thing from happening before beginning to cast an offensive spell at Frieren. Frieren casts a defensive spell but is unable to stop the full force of Lernen's spell, damaging her shoulder. Lernen asks Frieren to duel before Frieren rejects this notion, remarking that there are too many tactless mages who only know how to battle. Frieren reasserts that Serie is childlike as she is not capable of honestly expressing her feelings with her apprentices.

A flashback from when Serie interviewed Frieren occurs. Before leaving, Frieren notices the flower bed outside the building had been made with the very same magic that Flamme enjoyed despite Serie decrying it as useless. Serie stares at the flowers before frankly explaining that Flamme was a failure who could not reach Serie's height despite her talents. After Flamme, Serie had taken on multiple apprentices, but all of them would die before reaching Serie's level. Serie remarks that it is strange that despite taking on all of her apprentices on a whim, she can vividly remember their personalities and favorite spells. Serie asserts that she has not once regretted taking on disciples even if they fail to leave a mark on history. The flashback cuts to Lernen, who has now learned more about Serie. Fern approaches Frieren and tells her that the ceremony is finished. As they prepare to leave, Fern asks Frieren why she has a damaged shoulder, and Frieren adds that she will need to get it healed at the church. With a slight smile, Lernen remarks to himself that he, Serie, and Frieren are truly tactless.

The next day, Frieren, Fern, and Stark prepare to leave Äußerst. Stark greets farewell to a group of townsfolk and the unnamed elderly man who helped Stark meditate. The elderly man states that the path of battle is long and treacherous and tells Stark to be well as he responds with a smile. As they bid farewell to the town, Fern notes that Stark seems to be well-liked no matter where he goes. Out of curiosity, Frieren asks Fern what magic she got at the ceremony yesterday, and Fern spreads her arms, asking if Frieren can't notice it. Frieren examines Fern's clean clothing and its floral scent before realizing that it is the Spotless Clothing Magic. A smug Fern adds that this spell will make laundry much easier. Frieren remarks that Serie is truly a living grimoire as the magic spell was said to have existed in the mythical era before patting Fern on the head. Fern, with a smile, adds that Serie looked incredibly dissatisfied when handing over the spell, and Frieren says that it serves her right.

The three then meet with Kanne and Lawine who give their thanks to Frieren despite having failed the exam. Lawine adds that it had been fun, and Kanne tells Frieren to stay healthy. The two groups then bid their farewell. Fern notes that Frieren, just like with Sein, seems to bid farewell really easily. A short flashback begins to a time when the Hero Party bid farewell to someone they had been traveling with for two weeks. Frieren similarly notes that Himmel seems to bid farewell easily. Eisen remarks that it doesn't suit someone like Himmel as they have spent a lot of time with the other person. Himmel responds that as long as the party persists on their journey, they will be able to meet again, explaining that a tearful farewell would only make a reunion awkward.

A brief compilation shows Ehre introducing Wirbel and Scharf to her grandfather, Lernen; Richter having yet another meal with Laufen and Denken; Methode, Länge, and Ton leaving by carriage; Kanne and Lawine pondering over a bridge; and Übel walking alone. The compilation then cuts back to Frieren, who reiterates that a reunion would be awkward to a confused Fern.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Frieren
 * Fern
 * Stark
 * Lernen
 * Serie
 * Lawine
 * Kanne
 * Himmel
 * Eisen
 * Heiter
 * Ehre
 * Wirbel
 * Scharf
 * Richter
 * Laufen
 * Denken
 * Methode
 * Länge
 * Ton
 * Übel

Locations

 * Äußerst
 * Northern Continental Magic Association

Battles

 * Frieren vs. Lernen

Events

 * Fern attends the special privilege conferment ceremony
 * Frieren's Party leaves Äußerst and heads further north

Spells

 * Unnamed offensive magic
 * Defense magic
 * Spell to produce a field of flowers
 * Spell to make clothes clean and spotless