Frieren, Fern, and Stark head to Ende. Along the journey they fish, eat mushrooms, and Frieren finds a crystal that “neutralizes magical effects.” It’s effect is 3 meters, rare, and worth a lot of gold. Fern tells her to get rid of it as it possess a threat to them. If they were attacked they would be helpless. Frieren tells them she want to show them what happens when you infuse the crystal with mana, it glows. As they head further on the road, Frieren notices the ground is weak. Unfortunately, they fall into an underground cave that has the magic nullifying crystals.
Frieren informs Stark and Fern that the crystals can’t be harvested, as they’re too hard for magic to cut. Stark attempts to use his powerful strike to break them but he can’t even dent one. Without their magic they must rely on Stark to protect them. As they camp they discuss the potential monster that leaves in the cave and how Frieren doesn’t seem concerned. Suddenly, a venomous dragon appears. This is when Frieren reveals the reason she was sound asleep: she trusts her life to Stark.
Why join a party?
With that new pressure, Stark, Fern, and Frieren flee with the help of an illuminated nullifying crystal. We get a flashback, of Frieren’s old party. They’re facing a black dragon together. They have no choice but to flee. Frieren seems happy to be reminded of old times. Everyone takes another break to camp. Stark goes looking for food while Fern and Frieren bathe in the river. The finally make to an inn at the Northern Plateau, were they run into, Wirbel, Scharf, and Ehre. Wirbel says that he’s returning North to deal with demons and he’s traveling with Scharf and Ehre to the imperial capital.
Wirbel ask Stark if he’s considered his offer to join the frontlines and he responds that being with Frieren and Fern “is” the frontline. Frieren believes that Stark finds their party too “restrictive.” However, Stark turns down Wirbel’s offer. He tells Fern that Frieren didn’t force him to join them, Fern’s encouragement did. The central theme of this episode is why join a party. Finding people that trusts you, rely on you, and encourage you are all important to joining a party. If you want to survive you need each other.
