Many viewers empathized with Frieren's intentionally inefficient actions. Online, voices from apparent "hardcore" gamers can be found, such as: "Turning back when you hit the main route is natural for RPG veterans," "I couldn't help but smile because I relate so much to turning back at the main route," "Stop the RPG move of avoiding the main route and thoroughly searching everything," and "Obviously, you have to turn back at the main route." Incidentally, as a result of turning back from the main route, Frieren is again swallowed by a mimic, embodying the saying, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

The anime "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" is based on the manga of the same name written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, currently serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday." Set in a world after the Demon King has been defeated, the story follows Frieren, a mage who has lived for over a thousand years, as she embarks on a journey to "understand humans." The original manga, which has received numerous awards and much praise, is currently 14 volumes in print with over 30 million copies in circulation. The second season of the TV anime is set to air in January 2026.

(C)Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe/Shogakukan/ "Frieren"Project

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