The episode, set 29 years after the death of the hero Himmel, follows Frieren and her companions Stark and Fern. They travel to Äußerst, the largest magical city in the Northern Lands, where Frieren aims to obtain a first-class mage certification. This certification is necessary to enter the Northern Plateau, a region inhabited by dangerous magic-wielding monsters.

Fern doubts her ability to attain the first-class mage certification, a status achieved only by a few highly skilled mages. Frieren, on the other hand, appears unfazed by the challenge, though she is briefly offended when Fern refers to her as an "old mage."

During their journey, Frieren reflects on the various factors that contribute to a mage's strength, including mana, technique, experience, control, effort, resilience, and talent. She recounts her experiences of losing battles to mages with less mana, including demons, an elf, and humans.

Meanwhile, Übel, another mage, encounters bandits and is rescued by Kraft, a monk. Übel reveals that she intends to take the first-class mage exam in Äußerst, which Frieren also supports.

Upon arriving in Äußerst, Frieren learns that the first-class mage exam is held every three years and that participants must be at least fifth-class mages. Frieren, who possesses an ancient sacred emblem, is permitted to take the exam despite not belonging to any mage guild.

The examiners Genau and Falsch present the first test, which requires forming teams of three. The teams must capture a small bird named Stille within the exam area and ensure all members are present by sunset the next day. Frieren forms a team with Kanne and Lawine, both third-class mages.

The episode explores the dynamics of Frieren's team, highlighting the tensions between Kanne and Lawine. Despite their constant bickering, the two work exceptionally well together, a result of their long history. Frieren observes a Stille and instructs her team to study the bird closely to devise a strategy for capturing it.

Kanne experiences a moment of fear when facing a monster but manages to call for Lawine's help despite their strained relationship. This incident sparks a conversation about their teamwork and Kanne's growth as a mage.

The episode concludes with the arrival of other mage groups, signaling the start of conflicts between teams and the challenges of the first-class mage exam.