Agott starts to realize her feelings toward Coco are changing. She no longer sees her as an outsider and understands that the more Coco studies, the more she’ll become like the other witches. Meanwhile, Coco is doing exactly that, practicing her spells and growing more confident in her magic.
Qifrey points out that she’s beginning to find her specialties. When he first met her, she was already skilled at drawing straight lines, so it makes sense that she excels at it now. He explains that by studying more, she’ll discover even more strengths. Inspired by this, Coco begins exploring new spells and encourages Richeh to do the same. However, this frustrates the blue-haired girl, and after arguing with Qifrey, she storms out.
Coco follows her and discovers that Richeh has a hidden underground space in her room. It’s beautifully decorated with malleable crystals, one of Richeh’s own creations. Although she’s upset, Richeh notices how much Coco admires her work and starts to open up. She even gives Coco one of the crystals.
Richeh’s past
Coco then works up the courage to ask why Richeh refuses to learn new spells. Richeh reveals that she doesn’t want teachers or anyone else controlling what kind of magic she uses. Deep down, she’s afraid of losing her sense of self. At the same time, Qifrey receives a letter announcing the date of the second test. Agott arrives just in time to hear the news.
In a flashback, Richeh is shown talking with her brother, who genuinely appreciates her magic. However, he eventually leaves to become a witch’s apprentice, seemingly abandoning her. A few days later, Qifrey, Agott, and the others arrive at Serpentback Cave, where the second test will take place.
Soon, another student, Euini, arrives. Unlike Qifrey, his teacher treats him harshly, openly criticizing and shaming him for failing the exam twice. Not long after, the proctor, Alaira, appears disguised as a giant brushbuddy. She explains that the second test is about protecting a target from the entrance to the exit of Serpentback Cave.
The rules of the second test
The examinees must disguise themselves as myrphons, penguin-like creatures, and guide the young ones through their first migration. The cave itself is a dangerous, maze-like magical ruin.
After explaining the rules, Alaira assigns one myrphon to Euini and another to Agott. Surprisingly, she also gives one to Richeh.
Confused, Richeh questions what’s going on. Qifrey reveals that he submitted her application, saying she’ll learn something new and asking her to trust him. Though she’s upset at first, she decides to go along with it. However, she warns him she won’t forgive him if the test causes her to lose sight of who she is.
The migration begins and the test officially starts. The three enter the cave and quickly realize how complex it is as the path twists up and down in spirals. The episode ends with Alaira reminding them that this is a test of using magic to defend against magic.
