We now understand why Qifrey really wanted Richeh to do this test. It’s because it’s perfectly suitable for her, the kind that’s actually reflects on each of them being true to themselves. And while the cave’s trial is complex, difficult, and bears a twisted history of it’s origins created by arrogance, the most positive take away is that it appears there’s no right answers to solving the puzzles. So as long you come up with a creative solutions, you can overcome it!
Agott figured out using water could help cipher the safe pathway, Richeh rode a ribbon of stone to cross the broken road, and Euini made a flying staff for him and his fellow Mythron to go on. Agott for her case, quickly learned that smaller spells are too just short-lived sometimes for safe pathway when making a walking path, as it eroded just seconds before she got stepped onto the other-side. (Definitely lucky her cute companion was a step faster ahead of her!)
But Euini’s success of crossing the broken road didn’t happen right away. While Agott and Richeh both have confidence in their abilities, whereas Euini’s confidence has been practically beaten to the ground by his own teacher. His self-esteem has been quashed, and he has become too self-conscious and fearful when others watch him drawing out spells. And its’ sad, because this kid is clearly very knowledgeable and talented, but it became so bad for him, that he can only comfortably draw the spells when nobody can see him.
But Agott, Richeh’s encouragement are proving to be very good for him. They aren’t sneering at his fear, they instead show respect and giving him much needed encouragement. Alaira, who’s there as an observer was also helpful because she didn’t ridicule him for being afraid. She simply looked at him, with eyes that show that she believed he can do it. It was then when Euini realized they weren’t laughing at him like he had feared, and what he was doing was sabotaging himself. As soon as he understood that, he took action of taking a important step forward to put an end to that.
I’m proud of Euini figuring out that he could erase the mirror part and blend himself into darkness. While his Mythron can’t see him anymore, as long as he can mimic the sounds of its cries, he can still guide it. It was very endearing to see how much is confidence and excitement came out when he essentially turned the cloak into a security blanket of a sort. Even Alaira was genuinely impressed by how much his confidence came out when he figured that out.
Needless to say, what timing for him to figure that out, because the Brimmed Cap struck and sent Alaira away. The only thing she was able to do was likely send an emergency signal with her hat. The kids are now stuck with the guy who’s going to try and tempt them into the wonders of Forbidden Magic.
What’s even crazier though, is that Coco actually noticed there was someone else present before everyone else. She happened to get a glimpse of a robed individual before he had entered the cave, forcing him to have to hide on the side of the cliffs for cover. Frankly, I’m actually more surprised that Qifrey didn’t follow up with more suspicions when she had brought it up. Is this deliberate obliviousness to lure them out despite the risks? Or did he really not think twice about it? Either way, it definitely costing the kids trouble since Alaira is not longer around to protect them. They’ll need to watch each other’s backs, and hope that none of them are crazy enough to take the Brimmed Cap’s hand.
That said, I’m excited to see how Euini’s spell of blending into darkness might come in handy. I also hope he can resist the temptation the Brimmed Hat is most certainly going to suggest to him: Draw the spells on your body to become invisible to everyone. That’ll solve his fear of being watched/seen by others.
But you know what’s really crazy? Perhaps this is where Coco noticing the guy and delaying him may indirectly save Euini. Any moments sooner, had Euini not been able to problem solve and realize he could adjust the spell on the cloak to blend himself into darkness, the suggestion to turn to forbidden magic of writing the spell on his body would be an incredibly tempting suggestion. It’s the little things like this that can potentially change the outcome.
Needless to say, provided Euini doesn’t take the Brimmed Cap’s hand, a part of me hopes Qifrey takes this kid under his wing. He shouldn’t be around the foolish, worthless idiot that calls himself a teacher. I think it’d be greatly beneficial for him to be around Richeh, who walks her own path with such unwavering solve and confidence. Failure isn’t what scares her, it’s losing herself. I also just think the whole group would be a healthier environment for him as well, one where he’d be constantly encouraged and praised for his efforts, rather than being talked down to like he’s a worthless worm.
Next episode is the last one, gonna be a tough wait for the next season with just how spectacular it has been!
