Following the emotional masterclass of its debut, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is gearing up for a second season that promises a shift in tone. While the first season focused on the passage of time and the beauty of small moments, Season 2 dives headfirst into the high-stakes First-Class Mage Exam Arc.
But who exactly is the “villain”? Unlike traditional battle shonen, Frieren doesn’t always rely on a single dark lord. Instead, the upcoming season introduces a roster of complex “antagonists” who will push Fern and Stark to their absolute limits.
The Rival Mages: More Than Just Competition
In Season 2, the primary conflict stems from the First-Class Mage Exam. To progress their journey into the Northern Regions, Fern and Frieren must earn a certification that only the elite possess. This pits them against other powerful mages, many of whom view Fern and Stark as obstacles to be removed.
1. Ubel: The Chaos Factor
Perhaps the most dangerous individual introduced in this arc is Ubel. She is a “problem child” mage with a terrifyingly intuitive grasp of magic. Unlike Frieren, who treats magic as a science, Ubel views it through the lens of empathy and instinct.
Her ability to cut through almost anything makes her a lethal wildcard who doesn’t mind getting blood on her hands.
2. Denken: The Hardened Veteran
Denken represents the “old guard” of the magic world. He is a master of political maneuvering and combat magic. While not “evil” in the traditional sense, his ruthless pragmatism provides a massive hurdle for Fern. He views the exam as a survival of the fittest, and he has the experience to back it up.
3. Wirbel: The Mercenary
As the leader of the Northern Magic Corps, Wirbel is a man who has seen the horrors of the front lines. He views magic as a tool for killing, creating a sharp ideological clash with Frieren’s peaceful approach. His “Binding Magic” poses a significant threat to Stark and Fern in a direct confrontation.
The Looming Shadow: The Sages of Destruction
While the mages provide the immediate tension, the true “villain” of the series—and the looming threat for the latter half of the season—is Macht of El Dorado.
As one of the Seven Sages of Destruction, Macht is a demon of unimaginable power. He is responsible for turning an entire city into gold, creating a “cursed” landscape that Frieren has avoided for decades. His presence introduces a level of psychological and magical dread that surpasses anything Fern and Stark have faced before.
Why Fern and Stark Are in Trouble
In Season 1, Fern and Stark usually had Frieren’s overwhelming power to lean on. However, the Mage Exam and the subsequent journey into the North require them to stand on their own.
- Fern must prove her speed and mana suppression can beat the specialized spells of veteran combatants.
- Stark faces the challenge of protecting the group against mages who can strike from a distance, testing his durability and resolve as a warrior.
Verdict: Is there a “Main” Villain?
Season 2 of Frieren is unique because the “villain” is often the circumstance. Whether it’s the cutthroat nature of the exam or the ancient, incomprehensible malice of the Sages of Destruction, the stakes have never been higher.
Expect fewer quiet walks through the forest and more high-octane magical duels as Fern and Stark prove they are no longer just “apprentices.”
