Sousou no Frieren episode 21 covered the last few pages of chapter 43 as well all of chapters 44+45. One addition I like what the anime did was Richter's explanation of the reason for defensive magics complexity. It was very straight forward comparing the visual of what it would look like if the spell was more complex. As opposed to the panel used in the manga.
Gotta be honest I had to double take hearing Serie's voice.
It isn't bad but its far what I expected. Much deeper than I would have expected. But overall they did well with this episode.
They did a fantastic job at delivering the fight between Frieren & Denken, Frieren breaking the barrier and Kanne and Lawine beating Richter.
I highly suspect the anime will end at chapter 60's conclusion. Leaving 7 episodes for 15 chapters. Man the planning for this anime is insanely good. Can't stop praising it even if I wanted to lol.
Regarding the episode itself.
Man the one thing that came up between Denken and Frieren's fight is that Denken has a very similar love for magic as Frieren. That I thought was really cool. No surprise Frieren beat him, but his strength shouldn't be underestimated. The fact of the matter is that he went up against Frieren. Every human mage would struggle against her.
You know Laufen actually has grown a fonding for Denken. The point that he would be hurt was her concern. It was funny Denken got the Stille from raising his fists. Kind of ironic and hilarious. Denken stays one of my favorites in this series.
Frieren breaking the barrier really speaks on her belief that magic should be free. Kanne is one whom depends on water and the test was limiting that aspect. I would be curious on the type of test Frieren would have if she were instructing a part of the exam. Thanks to that assist, Lawine and Kanne were able to take down Richter, which was awesome. It serves the point they may be young, but they have their strength. After all they wouldn't be taking the exam if they didn't. And their teamwork was great as well.
Well we are on to the 2nd part of the exam. Man Stark must be feeling so relieved he has more alone time while the girls are taking the exam