Slightly earlier than one would expect, the issue of the nature of Robin's powers shifts to the center of the stage. While she has always referred to her ability as her 'craft,' the viewer cannot help but se this as a bit of terminological obfuscation. What has separated Robin from the witches she hunts is that her powers are only partially awakened, limited by her training by the Church.
Suddenly Robin faces an older witch, and 'immortal' who has experienced the full weight of the world's persecution of the witchbreed - the descendants of ancient gods. Her story leaves Robin vulnerable, and a following visit by an Inquisitor, ostensible to examine another witch, something deep within her changes.
Robin becomes the target of unexpected attempts on her life. He relationship with Amon becomes more equivocal. While the episodes build a great deal of tension while developing the story line in this direction, writer Aya Yoshinaga and the rest of the creative staff are careful to lead the viewer's suspicions in many directions, stirring up as many mysteries as possible.
Time is taken to develop the rune-based system of magic more than it has been previously. This leads me to think that ritual may play an increasing part as the antagonists solidify. Right now there are countless suspects - several church brotherhoods or confraria, the STNJ, the Factory, and the witches themselves. For now we can only expect the unexpected as the intricate plot continues to unfold.
Production continues to set a high standard for anime. Both background art and animation set a neo-gothic atmosphere that is fascinating on its own. A great deal of research has gone into the creation of an alternate world where science and witchcraft continue an age-old war. The English acting and dubbing are a bit stiff, but entirely acceptable. Definitely worth viewing.