Frieren's story is an adventure not based on defeating a great evil, but on discovering the value of human bonds. Her journey begins after the end of an epic she has already lived through.

### The Beginning of the Journey and the Birth of a New Party

The story begins with Frieren who, after defeating the Demon King alongside the hero Himmel, the warrior Eisen, and the priest Heiter, parts ways with her companions, promising to see them again. Her perception of time is so stretched that, for her, the next fifty years pass in the blink of an eye. When she returns to find her friends, Himmel is now an old man and dies shortly after they reunite. Himmel's death forces Frieren to confront a deep sense of regret: she realizes she never truly got to know him, wasting decades of precious time.

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### Encounters and New Relationships

Determined to make up for her regret, Frieren embarks on a new journey, this time to understand human beings. Her path is enriched with two new companions:

1. **Fern:** Frieren adopts and trains Fern, a young orphan who was cared for by Heiter. Initially, their relationship is that of a master and apprentice, but over time it evolves into a deep, almost maternal bond. Fern is Frieren's conscience, the one who scolds her for her laziness and pushes her to behave more responsibly. Her presence teaches Frieren the value of routine and small, everyday gestures.

2. **Stark:** Later, they meet Stark, a young and insecure warrior who is Eisen's student. Stark joins the party after Frieren pushes him to overcome his fear by fighting a powerful dragon. Stark is the emotional heart of the group, a boy who openly shows his fears and joys, unintentionally teaching Frieren about empathy and the importance of courage despite fear.

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### The First-Class Mage Exam

The group's journey heads north, where Frieren hopes to reach Aureole, the place where souls rest, to meet Himmel again. To access some dangerous, restricted areas, however, a "First-Class Mage" certificate is required. Frieren, Fern, and other powerful mages travel to the city of Aterie to take the exam.

* **First Phase:** A team-based survival exam in a complex dungeon. Frieren joins a team and, with her unparalleled experience, easily defeats traps and other contestants, showing her wisdom and ruthless efficiency.

* **Second Phase:** A solo capture-the-flag exam against a powerful mage named Sense, who teleports and attacks from the shadows. Frieren and Fern pass the test together, with Fern demonstrating superior insight and deduction skills.

* **Third Phase:** The final and decisive test is a personal interview with Serie, the creator of magic and a mage who has lived for thousands of years. Serie questions Frieren about her motivation for becoming a First-Class Mage. Frieren, with her usual honesty, states that she is doing it for convenience, so she can continue her journey. Although Frieren is the most powerful mage in the exam, Serie "fails" her because, in her eyes, her motivation is not ambitious enough. However, due to her extraordinary abilities and the recommendation of another judge, Frieren still obtains the license.

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By the end of this arc, the bond between Frieren, Fern, and Stark is stronger than ever. Frieren has learned to value the moments they spend together and has a new, precious chapter in her long life to cherish.