It Didn't Have to Be Magic Frieren spends four years tutoring Fern while translating an ancient grimoire concerning immortality. Heiter collapses and can no longer walk. Fern declines to visit immediately, explaining that she must train continuously to become a mage before Heiter dies. She wants to show him this progress as thanks for his intervening in her planned suicide and adopting her. Frieren expedites her translation; the grimoire revealed nothing about life extension. Heiter admits that he used this prospect to ensure that Frieren would stay to tutor Fern...