New outfits! Subaru finally let his poor wrecked tracksuit go for something more befitting a desert adventure, meanwhile Emilia literally switched into a skin-tight spandex with a cloak. I love the character arc Julius and Subaru had, from a bitter rival that humiliates and humbles you (which Subaru very much needed back then) to a diehard friend, "...the only man who knows me as well as I know myself". Subaru's first death this season was so fast he didn't even have a chance to process he died, got sniped with a magical projectile from the stratosphere Fern-style. The second death makes up for it plenty though, Patrasche once again cementing she is indeed best girl as she heroically sacrifices herself to try and stop her master from dying - all in vein as poor Beako breaks down over loosing her first source of comfort and companionship in 400 years after barely a year spend together. What a strong start to the season, and with 17 episodes left I'm very excited for what's coming!

Still no clarification on why Meili is there... This episode felt a bit rushed to be honest. Too much content and time-skip. I didn't get the hype, there was no buildup, just some bursts of action and that's it.

I'm really looking forward to this season, but this episode's pacing was off.