Unfortunately, Fern lacks sufficient mana itself, and the necessary strength to use it.
She can gain both, but it will take years.
We watch those yearsfour of them, to be exactunfold in a sequence of beautiful little slice-of-life scenes.
After four years, Heiter has a fall, and is no longer able to walk.
Fern has improved, but still cant hit the rock across the gorge.
She wants him to be glad he saved her, and to know shell be alright without him.
What matters is that Fern is now a true mage, and thus wont be in Frierens way.
This makes Frieren (and me) tear up (for the second episode in a row).
Heiters heart is in the right place, but hes wrong: Fernwantsto say goodbye to him properly.
Frieren then take Fern with her on her aimless journey through the world in search of spells.
The world is now short on humans who were evenalivewhen the Demon King was around.
Six months of searching pass without any progress.
Fern grows concerned Frierens obsession will go on indefinitely owing to her elven perception of time.
Fern then asks Frieren why she loves collecting spells so much.
Like Heiter, being with Himmel changed her.
During their conversation, Ferns seeds were stolen away by a seed rat.
The two follow its tracks (another spell), which lead to an old abandoned stone tower.
Frieren smiles, because she was finally able to see the flowers Himmel wanted to show her.
Later than shed like, but still.
But, and this is the important part: shedidchoose magic.
Its justsowell made, so bittersweet and nostalgic.
Its like wearing a warm blanket and holding a mug of cocoa by the fire.
Its the kind of show that reminds me why I keep watching anime.
