Kamome Shirahama’s masterpiece, "Witch Hat Atelier" (currently serialized in Monthly Morning Two), is a definitive fantasy epic that has captured hearts worldwide. With over 7.5 million copies in circulation and a trophy case full of international awards from France, Spain, Korea, and the U.S., the anime adaptation finally hit screens in April 2026.
In Episode 11, we saw the complex master-apprentice dynamic between Richeh, who longs to use magic her own way, and Qifrey, who wants her to find freedom through her strength. After much internal conflict, Richeh finally decided to take the test. Now, the curtain rises on the Second Test for Agott, Richeh, and Euini.
Episode 12 takes us to the Serpentback Cave, a mysterious space warped by labyrinthine magic. The core of the drama lies in how the trio escort their myrphons while navigating the exit. We have Agott, desperate to pass; Richeh, who couldn't care less about the rules; and Euini, paralyzed by the fear of his master. Watching these three conflicting personalities face adversity is the highlight of this week's journey!
Note: This article contains spoilers for Episode 12.
The Treacherous Serpentback Cave,
Episode 12 opens with Qifrey explaining the dark history of the Kingdom of Romonon. Coco and Tetia listen intently as he describes the tragedies that once occurred in the Serpentback Cave—the very site where Agott and the others are now being tested.
As Qifrey reflects on the capacity for human cruelty, Coco counters with a powerful, heartfelt question: "But magic is meant to make people happy, right? It's a power to help others and color the world, isn't it?" Her purity clearly strikes a chord with Qifrey. He looks at her, momentarily stunned, before answering softly, "If the witches of the future think like you do, then everything will be alright."
Meanwhile, Agott’s group arrives at the entrance of the cave. Richeh, ever the rebel, scoffs, "If it's a straight shot, it's no problem," and tries to fly through the winding path. However, the labyrinth’s magic warps space itself, making linear flight impossible. Richeh loses control and nearly plummets, only to be caught at the last second by Euini. This moment makes it clear: there are no easy shortcuts out of this maze.
Euini, who has attempted this test multiple times, explains the stakes: "The only 'correct' path is on the back of the serpent." Straying from the path means falling into the labyrinthine depths and being warped back to the start. Taking the lead, Agott uses basic water magic from the textbooks to detect the active magical path and begins the trek.
Richeh, however, is visibly disgusted. She hates how this test demands the "correct answer, the correct magic, and the correct path." A flashback reveals her trauma: a previous master dismissed her unique magic as mere "scribbles." This rejection fueled her resentment toward adults and her refusal to cast magic "by the book."
Richeh vs. Euini, and Agott’s Changing Heart
Though they know the path, Agott struggles to lead the myrphon. Despite her commands to "keep up," the creature just stares back with those adorable, unmoving eyes. Euini suggests a textbook solution: "To guide a myrphon correctly, you must use Resonance Magic to mimic its cry." Richeh snaps back, "There is no 'correct' way to use magic," and proceeds to guide the myrphon perfectly using her specialty: glass ribbon magic.
Richeh is determined to pass on her own terms. She finds Euini’s obsession with "correctness" and his constant explanations irritating. Conversely, Euini is terrified of her unorthodox methods. "That won't work," he whimpers. "There’s a set answer for the test. If we don’t follow the manual, we’ll fail again because we’re still just apprentices."
As they bicker, Agott speaks up quietly. "Failure becomes wisdom later, and if you can use that, it becomes nourishment. I know a girl who works like that." She’s clearly talking about Coco. The old Agott would have likely sided with Euini’s strict adherence to rules, but witnessing Coco’s flexible thinking and bold actions has clearly begun to change her perspective.
Fans on social media were quick to notice Agott’s growth, with comments like, "I love how Agott is low-key acknowledging Coco now," and "She’s totally recognizing Coco’s worth. It’s only a matter of time before she goes full tsundere! lol."
A Step Beyond One’s Self
The scene shifts outside, where Coco spots a robed figure near the cliffs and rushes over. Qifrey tells her that no other witches are supposed to be in this area. Though Coco is confused, she returns to the group. However, hidden beneath the cliff, a Brimmed Cap clad in black robes lurks in the shadows.
Back in the cave, the trio hits another obstacle. A gap in the path stops a fearful Euini in his tracks. Ignoring him, Richeh uses her glass ribbon magic to leap across effortlessly. Agott follows, utilizing Replication and Repetition magic to create a temporary bridge. To ensure the myrphon doesn't see her drawing the magic, she sketches the arrays hurriedly under her cloak. The rushed work makes the magic unstable and short-lived, but she manages to clear the gap by the skin of her teeth.
Finally, it’s Euini’s turn. He collapses, muttering that he’s "not suited for anything." An frustrated Agott yells at him to "just draw something, anything!" but Euini’s hands shake with anxiety. He enters a downward spiral, unable to draw a single line. He confesses he can only draw when no one is watching, but the spells he pre-wrote in his magic journal are useless in this specific situation.
"I can't do it if people are watching..." Euini whispers. Seeing him at his lowest, Richeh doesn't mock him. Instead, she gives him a blunt but encouraging push: "It's not that you can't do it. If you're afraid of being seen, just create a space where you aren't." She suggests he hide. Without knowing exactly how to proceed, Euini pulls his cloak over his head. Wrapped in the safety of the darkness, Agott and Richeh wait patiently, neither laughing nor rushing him.
Euini analyzes the magic circles inside his cloak, layering and arranging them until he successfully transforms into a shadow, cutting off the gaze of others. He guides the myrphon with a call, straddles a stone pillar extended from the serpent's path, and safely lands on the other side.
Afterward, Richeh asks, "Do you still hate yourself?" Euini replies with a small smile, "Yeah, just a little bit." It’s a fascinating contrast: Richeh wants to "stay as she is," while Euini wants to "stop being himself." The visual cue of Richeh’s short bangs versus Euini’s long, hiding bangs perfectly illustrates their differing personalities and growth.
The Arrival of the "Brimmed Caps"
Alaira tells Richeh, "Tests are for knowing yourself. There’s only one path, but everyone’s magic is different. Tests aren't so bad, are they?" Richeh seems to accept this, but she's still fuming that Qifrey lied to get her to take the test. "I’ll never forgive him if he doesn't apologize!" she huffs, declaring she has "1 Mad-
Richeh Point" against him.
Fans loved this quirky side of her, with comments like, "This is the first I've heard of Mad-Richeh Points lol" and "Richeh is so cute when she's angry!"
But the lighthearted mood is shattered instantly. A mysterious figure in a black mantle and a Brimmed Cap—the one Coco saw earlier—attacks Alaira from behind. Alaira tries to warn them: "Don't listen to the Brimmed Cap! Don't let them confuse you! Run with all your might! Forbidden magic is..." Before she can finish, she vanishes into thin air along with the attacker.
With Alaira gone, the test is over—now it's a fight for survival. Can Richeh and the others save Alaira and make it out of the cave?
Highlights for Episode 13: "Forbidden Magic"
Episode 12 was a masterclass in character growth, specifically for Euini. His dialogue makes you reflect on your own actions, while Richeh’s words cut straight to the heart. This series truly excels at scattering words of courage and self-confidence throughout the story.
Viewers were moved by Euini’s breakthrough, saying, "He just lacks confidence; he’s actually a brilliant witch who can apply what he’s learned," and "Euini, changed by Richeh’s words, might one day be the one to push someone else forward."
The next episode, Episode 13, is the grand finale! With Alaira abducted and the children left alone in a high-stakes labyrinth, things couldn't look bleaker. How will they navigate the cave's traps and the looming threat of the Brimmed Caps? We can't wait for the climax!
[Article by Chisato Gotanda]
Witch Hat Atelier — Series Information
Synopsis
"Magic"—a "miracle" that overflows throughout the world, enriching people's lives and serving as an indispensable part of daily existence. However, there is a catch: "Only witches can cast magic." It is the law of this world that the moment magic is cast must never be seen by others.
Coco, a young girl living in a small village helping her mother, has dreamed of being a witch since she was a child. One day, she catches a glimpse of the traveling witch Qifrey using his powers and discovers a massive secret. The "Absolute Secret" hidden by witches is that anyone can use magic if they draw a magic circle with special tools.
Beneath the surface of this magnificent and fantastical world lies a dark history of magic that adults refuse to speak of. Born as an "Unknowing One" (a normal child) but now learning magic as Qifrey’s apprentice, Coco steps into a world of many secrets, searching for growth and discovery alongside her new companions at the atelier.
This is a story of children who learn despair, yet reach out toward hope.
Cast
Coco: Reina Motomura
Qifrey: Natsuki Hanae
Agott: Hibiki Yamamura
Tetia: Kurumi Haruki
Richeh: Hika Tsukishiro
Olruggio: Yuichi Nakamura
Alira: Kotono Mitsuishi
Tartah: Mutsumi Tamura
Nornoa: Yoshito Yasuhara
Easthies: Junichi Suwabe
Utwin: Atsushi Kasama
Garuga: Hiroki Yasumoto
Luluty: Yui Ishikawa
Dagda: Katsuyuki Konishi
Custas: Toshiki Kumagai
Brushbuddy: Misaki Kuno
Iguin: Mitsuki Saiga
©Kamome Shirahama / KODANSHA / Witch Hat Atelier Committee
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
