First-Class Mage Exam ｢
Synopsis[]
Frieren and party finally arrive in Äußerst, ready to undergo the first-class mage exam, and meet a number of colorful characters who are there to do the same.[1]
Plot[]
Frieren's party sees Äußerst in the distance.
Twenty-nine years after Himmel the Hero's passing, Frieren's Party arrives at the Kühl Region in the Northern Lands, where they see Äußerst—the largest magical city in the Northern Lands—in the distance. The party continues towards the city and they discuss their travel plans, with Fern musing that after Frieren obtains the qualification to become a first-class mage in Äußerst, the party will be able to enter the Northern Plateau. However, Frieren tells Fern to become a first-class mage instead, as she is uninterested in a title that will soon be obsolete. Fern reminds Frieren that only a select few mages are able to become first-class, and she deems herself incapable of obtaining the certification. Nevertheless, Frieren remains uninterested in the exam. Stark asks why travelers are required to be accompanied by such a powerful mage to enter the Northern Plateau, and Frieren answers that the land is inhabited by cunning, magic-using monsters like the Einsam, which makes it dangerous to cross without a priest and a skilled mage.
Frieren pouts after Fern compares her to an old mage.
Sometime later, the trio catches a wagon that takes them in to Äußerst. Frieren states that they will investigate the First-Class Mage Exam once they arrive, but as it will likely include combat assignments, they will need to strategize beforehand. Fern questions the necessity of strategizing, as Frieren is powerful enough to handle any kind of test. Fern adds that even while under suppression, Frieren's observable mana output is that of an experienced, old mage. Frieren sulks in response to being called an old mage, and Stark bids Fern to apologize for her commentary on Frieren's age. Frieren reminds Stark that she has not forgotten about him calling her an "old hag," and she then lies down on Fern's lap in order to take a nap. However, Frieren decides to forgo the nap as, due to Fern's chest, she is only able to see half of the sky when lying down. Frieren gives Fern a word of caution that mana is not the only thing that determines a mage's strength, and she lists out other factors. Frieren then mentions that the final quality which can make a mage's strength superior is simply talent. In her life, she has lost eleven times to mages that possessed less mana than her. Four of them were demons, with Qual being one of them, one was an elf like her, and the remaining six were humans.
Übel arrives at Graf Granat's Domain.
Around the same time, a young woman arrives at the the frontier of Graf Granat's Domain in the Northern Lands. She comments that the Graf's city should be coming into view soon and that the route to Äußerst is steep. As she rests while holding her staff, a voice calls out to her and notes that she has a nice staff. The woman sees three men with weapons, remarking that they are bandits. She bemoans that despite the region finally enjoying some peace after Aura's defeat, such crowds are still present. The leader questions who told her to speak, but he is interrupted mid-sentence by a punch to his stomach by Kraft, who suddenly appears between the woman and the men. Kraft's punch sends the man flying. Enraged, the other two men try to attack him but proceed to get beaten up as well. Kraft advises the bandits to leave if they value their lives, prompting them to retreat.
Kraft drives the bandits away.
The woman thanks Kraft for saving her and introduces herself as the mage Übel. In response, Kraft introduces himself as the monk Kraft. Übel notices that Kraft is an elf and expresses her surprise, as this is the first time she has seen one in person. Kraft observes Übel and tells her she has the eyes of a killer, refuting her remark that he saved her. He explains that he found the corpses of bandits in the woods nearby and deduced they were killed by a skilled mage. Hearing this, Übel questions whether Kraft intends to preach to her, but Kraft denies any intent to guilt her for killing someone in self-defense and, as an adventurer, he simply wants to save the lives he sees in front of him. Übel proclaims that he is a boring, no-fun old man, and she turns to continue her journey north. Kraft asks if she is heading to Äußerst, and Übel confirms this, as she intends to take the first-class mage exam there. As Kraft leaves, he notes that Frieren said the same thing, and he looks forward to discussing their adventures when they meet again.
An elderly man examines Frieren's Holy Emblem in surprise.
Sometime later, Frieren's party goes to register for the exam at the Northern Branch of the Continental Magic Association. A receptionist explains that the exam will take place in two months and is administered once every three years. She also informs Frieren and Fern of the requirement that prospective examinees must be a fifth-class mage or higher to register. As an uncertified mage, Frieren turns and goes to leave the building, telling Fern that it is up to her to pass the exam. Fern holds Frieren back and pleads for her to participate, but Frieren is adamant that Fern can become a first-class mage on her own. Fern asks what they will do if she fails, as their other options will be incredibly expensive. Frieren stresses that, even so, she is uncertified, so she will not be able to participate. She takes out her Holy Emblem and figures that it might not be enough to get her registered for the exam. However, an old man notices the emblem and asks to see it. He appears to recognize the Holy Emblem and inspects it with astonishment as he questions if Frieren is intending to take the exam.
Frieren shows the Hero Party her Holy Emblem.
Outside of the building, Frieren notes her surprise that someone still recognizes the Holy Emblem and that she is now allowed to participate in the first-class exam. Fern wonders why the emblem is impressive, and Frieren thinks back to her time with the Hero Party. Himmel had asked Frieren if she was a member of a magic guild, and Frieren explained that because magic organizations change so frequently, it became bothersome for her to periodically register for the new ones. She brought out her Holy Emblem and implied that with the emblem, joining an organization would be unnecessary. However, none of the members of the Hero Party recognized it, and Frieren told them that it was the only proof she had of her being a mage. Himmel reassured Frieren that though the Hero Party may not know about the emblem, they do know that Frieren is an incredible mage. In response, Frieren nonchalantly said that they would be dead soon and walked away. As Frieren pensively recalls this memory in the present day, Fern calls out to her and reassures her that she and Stark both know that Frieren is an incredible mage, just as Himmel did in the past. Frieren appears surprised by her words but acknowledges her statement by patting her head.
Frieren and Fern research the Continental Magic Association and the exam.
Sometime later, Frieren and Fern begin to research about the Continental Magic Association at a library. Frieren reads and summarizes that mages are considered to be full-fledged mages once they reach at least the certification of fifth-class. She asks Fern why she chose to become a third-class mage, and Fern replies that it was simply because the third-class exam was scheduled the earliest. Frieren summarizes that there are approximately two thousand mages in total, with about six-hundred mages that hold a fifth-class or above certification and the remaining mages being sixth to ninth-class apprentices. Of the mages that are certified at fifth-class or above, there are only a total of forty-five first-class mages. Frieren notes that there have been years where no one had passed the first-class mage exam; additionally, casualties were not unheard of either. Frieren muses that the number of mages in recent times has significantly decreased, as a century ago, when the war against the Demon King intensified, one could encounter at least one mage in any town, whereas nowadays, it seems like mages can only be seen in magic towns.
First-class mage Genau is introduced as the proctor for the first stage of the exam.
Over the course of the next two months, Fern and Frieren train their magic in various ways and conduct further research in the library. During these two months, the party also celebrates Frieren's birthday. Finally, Frieren and Fern arrive at the Continental Magic Association to take the exam alongside various other examinees. There, first-class mage Genau is introduced as the proctor of the first stage of the exam. He announces the start of the exam and explains that only the most exceptional mages will reach the title of first-class. He adds that the exams are quite dangerous, and even if anything happens to an examinee, the association will not intervene.
Two mages assess the examinees.
Meanwhile, two onlookers, a male and a female mage, also listen to Genau's speech. The male mage comments on the impressive backgrounds of some of the participants: second-class mage Wirbel, the captain of the Northern Magic Corps that has been active in the fight against the remnants of the Demon King Army, second-class mage Denken, an elderly man who had won bloody power struggles as an Imperial Mage, and Fern, the youngest mage ever to pass the third-class exam with the highest possible score. The man also notices some troublemakers, namely Übel, and he points out that she is a third-class mage who failed the second-class exam two years prior when she killed the exam's first-class mage proctor. Übel glances over at the mages, and the female mage expresses uneasiness upon seeing her. The man then senses Frieren's mana and states that she is radiating the mana of an experienced old mage. He asks the female mage if she knows who she is, but she does not recognize her either.
The two other members of the second party: Kanne and Lawine.
Genau then announces that for the first stage of the exam, the fifty-seven examinees will be assigned into parties of three via engraved bracelets. Frieren's bracelet designates her as part of the second party, and the elf imbues it with mana to locate her other team members. On the way, Frieren considers that cooperating with other mages impromptu may be difficult, and as such, she resolves to have a good first impression on her team. However, upon locating her party members, she sees two girls, with one sitting on top of the other and pulling at her pigtails. As the two of them fight each other, Frieren looks resigned. Meanwhile, Fern finds her team members as well: one of them is a male mage with glasses, and the other is Übel. Übel and Fern both greet each other, baring the bracelets that show they are part of the fourth party.
Genau explains the conditions to pass the first stage of the exam.
Genau brings the examinees to the Grobe Basin—a basin surrounded by woods and the test site for the first stage of the exam—where he specifies the conditions of the test. He holds up a cage with a bird and identifies it as a Stille, a species that lives within the testing grounds. After each party receives an empty cage, Genau explains that in order to pass, two conditions must be fulfilled: each party must possess a caged Stille by sunset the next day, and all three party members must be present. A magic barrier encompasses the exam site, and although the examinees are free to do as they wish, they should not leave the testing location, else the whole party will be disqualified.
During this, Frieren's teammates bicker over who holds the cage as Frieren watches with fatigue. One of the girls questions the necessity of Genau's warning given the strength of the barrier, and Frieren comments that at least the girls seem to be listening to the explanation. As the different teams begin to scatter, Frieren's group members continue to fight over the privilege of carrying the cage. Frieren suggests they should start by introducing themselves while they walk. Seeing that there is still no end to their fighting, Frieren tells the girls to settle the matter of who holds the cage through rock-paper-scissors. As they walk through the woods, Frieren's teammates introduce themselves as Kanne and Lawine, both third-class mages who went to the same Academy of Magic.
Kanne, Frieren, and Lawine search for signs of the Stille.
After introductions, Frieren asks the two if they know anything about their target, the Stille. When they respond that they do not, Frieren admits that although she knows of the Stille, she has never seen one in person before. Thus, she suggests their first goal should be to find a Stille and observe it. As they search, the bickering between the young mages continues, and after searching for a while, Kanne begins to complain that she is tired. Though Lawine chides her, Frieren thinks it is a good idea to take a break. Lawine states that she has no need for rest and decides to scout ahead. Kanne believes that they should stick together, but Lawine argues that doing so is inefficient. Exasperated, Frieren asks Lawine about her strength. Lawine quickly says that she is more powerful than Kanne, nearly causing another fight between the two, but Frieren interjects and asks Lawine if she is powerful compared to Frieren herself. Lawine responds that she would not want to fight her. Hearing this, Frieren tells her she is free to go scout ahead but to come back immediately if there is danger. As Lawine departs, Frieren advises her to be careful of the sky, which Lawine responds dismissively to as she is already aware of potential dangers above them. However, Kanne reacts with confusion at Frieren's warning.
Now alone with Kanne, Frieren slumps down and wonders if their party will be alright. Kanne tells Frieren that she reminds her of a teacher and that she would make for a good leader. Frieren refutes her by saying that she is only stepping up because Kanne and Lawine keep fighting. Kanne apologizes, and she mentions that she and Lawine have always been this way. She then asks Frieren what she meant when she told Lawine to be wary of the sky. Frieren tells her that her advice was literal, and she questions whether the young mage has trouble sensing mana. Kanne wonders why Frieren would want to know, but before Frieren can reply, the two of them are interrupted by Lawine, who returns and reports that she has found a Stille.
Frieren, Kanne, and Lawine observe the Stille.
Lawine leads the party to a Stille resting in a body of water, and they begin observing the bird. Frieren praises Lawine for finding it and states that they should carefully observe. However, she is cut off by Kanne casting a spell that manipulates the water with her staff. Sensing the disturbance in the water, the Stille begins to fly upwards, and Kanne manipulates the lake water into a spiral that follows the bird. Frieren states that the bird will be able to escape the water's reach, but Lawine immediately contradicts this as she casts her own magic, freezing the water around the Stille and trapping it in the air.
Kanne and Lawine coordinate to restrain the Stille.
Frieren appears impressed by the two mages' teamwork, but she quickly tells them to take cover. They comply, but Lawine questions why they need to take caution. Shortly after, the Stille bursts out of its icy restraint and speeds away, causing the water to part through a shockwave and splash over all three party members. Frieren explains that the Stille is incredibly tough and can fly faster than the speed of sound, which makes their attempt to restrain the bird pointless. As a result, their best course of action would be to spend the rest of the day observing the birds. Frieren then notes to herself that the two girls' perfect timing and coordination in their prior display of magic could not have been achieved overnight. She considers that their party has potential to obtain a Stille, but she takes the thought back when her team members immediately begin to argue again.
A bird monster ambushes Kanne.
The second party continues to search the Grobe Basin for their target. As the search progresses, the group finds and observes a Stille by a pond, though the bird ultimately escapes with tremendous speed, leaving an aftermath reminiscent of an explosion's. At nighttime, Kanne awakens and discovers that Frieren is gone. As she listens to the sounds of the environment, Kanne hears rain. She goes to a cliff and uses light from her staff to investigate, ultimately realizing that the barrier is blocking the raindrops from falling. As she stares skyward, she is suddenly caught by surprise when a large, bird-like monster strikes her on her shoulder using its sharp tail.
Frieren restrains the monster that attacked Kanne.
The bird monster pounces on her and holds her down with its talons, knocking her staff away in the process. Kanne is unable to reach her staff to defend herself, and with the monster looming over her, Kanne calls out for Lawine. The monster is suddenly subdued with restraint magic, and Frieren appears besides it, reminding a shocked Kanne that she told her to watch the skies. Kanne eventually calms down from the ambush as she sits at the cliff with Frieren. Frieren proceeds to ask Kanne why she called out for Lawine, as she thought the two hated each other based on their frequent scuffles. Kanne agrees that she does hate Lawine, which leads Frieren to ask how they work well together despite this. Kanne admits that she can freeze up at crucial times due to her cowardice and recalls her first flight magic training at a cliff, where she was too scared to attempt flying. Lawine stood beside her while the rest of their classmates had already successfully flown far off into the distance, and she tried to encourage Kanne by pointing out that there was water beneath them. Lawine added that if Kanne did not dare to fly, then she could kick her off the cliff for a boost. This prompted Kanne to say that she hated Lawine because she was always saying mean things and reminded her that she was the type that grows with praise instead.
Lawine tries to motivate Kanne.
Hearing this, Lawine called Kanne spoiled and said that she would praise Kanne when she was actually able to fly. Undeterred, Kanne told Lawine to tell her about her strengths, to which Lawine initially responded dismissively. However, after seeing Kanne's despondency, she admitted that Kanne was someone that would work hard even though she was a coward. Kanne asked her to say more, so Lawine talked about how hard Kanne worked in secret, her attentiveness and care towards her peers, and that she was cute when she smiled. Upon hearing the last quality, Kanne bluntly expressed disgust and called Lawine creepy, which prompted Lawine to kick her off the cliff as she had promised earlier. Kanne, despite her fright, was able to break her fall with her flight magic when she was close to the water. She was shortly joined by Lawine, who smiled and told Kanne she was able to use flight magic after all, so she won't be kind to her anymore.
In the present, Kanne tells Frieren that despite Lawine's harshness, she has always led her properly. She reveals that the lesson she learned from Lawine was that even frightening things can work out well if left to impulse. After this discussion, Kanne tells Frieren that she has noticed something about the Stille. Frieren expresses interest in her discovery and says that it might help them capture a Stille.
Frieren and Kanne figure out a method to capture a Stille.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Locations in Order of Appearance[]
- Kühl Region
- Größe Forest (flashback)
- Graf Granat's Domain
- Äußerst
- Grobe Basin
Episode Notes[]
- When Frieren answers Stark regarding why a priest or an incredibly strong mage is necessary to enter the Northern Plateau, she has a flashback to the Einsam in the manga, but this is not shown in the anime.
- During Kraft's confrontation with the bandits, the manga only depicts him punching the leader of the bandits, while in the anime, he fights the two other bandits as well.
- In the manga, the library where Frieren and Fern research the exam is shown as its own building. However, the anime shows the Continental Magic Association's Northern Branch building instead, implying that the library is part of the association.
- When the male and female mages are gauging the examinees, Übel looks over at them. The female mage reacts uncomfortably to her gaze, a reaction exclusive to the anime.
- The anime shows four parties of examinees with empty cages after Genau explains the details of the first exam. In the manga, these groups are shown prior to Genau's explanation rather than after, and only three parties are shown.
- In the anime, Kanne's conversation with Frieren after the bird monster was defeated happens as they are on the cliff where Kanne was attacked and not during the walk back to their campsite like the manga depicted.
References[]
- ↑ Crunchyroll: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Episode 18.
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| Anime Navigation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | ||
| Episodes | 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 | |
| Blu-ray&DVD | Volume 1 • Volume 2 • Volume 3 • Volume 4 • Volume 5 • Volume 6 • Volume 7 | |
| Music | The Brave • Sunny • Anytime Anywhere • bliss • Original Soundtrack | |
| Spin-offs | Mini Anime | |