Glintstone Pebble!
A large glintstone detonated Loretta's projection's head, the explosion sending her helmet flying. Even critically wounded, her body still attempted to counterattack, but Frieren firmly stomped the war sickle into the ground with unshakable force. At point-blank range, there was no time to cast spells; she took the hit head-on.
However, those powerful arms still attempted a grapple, like a whirlwind strong enough to crush a wyvern. Unfortunately for Loretta, Frieren dodged it.
"A new Shardbearer, is it? Truly living up to your reputation. As you wish... should Your Majesty ever visit the Haligtree, let us battle again then."
A voice carried on a wisp of magic faded into the wind along with the spectral form. The pale-white projection blurred from hazy to indistinct, finally vanishing within the courtyard pool. It had guarded Caria Manor for years without defeat, prepared for invasion, worried only that some truly wicked individual might reignite the flames of war in this land.
For warriors, the best communication is battle. Through their brief exchange, Loretta believed Frieren was not a force seeking to plunge the world into chaos; that strength was built for the purpose of salvation.
After the projection disappeared, the courtyard pool fell utterly silent, the moonlight the only witness to the battle.
Along with Melina, who had been worrying the entire time. "Don't be so reckless in the future. Use the skills you need to use."
"Got it."
"Honestly… I'll put these Runes towards your Intelligence. It boosts magic power scaling; at least it'll enhance your Astrologer capabilities."
Frieren naturally wouldn't refuse, allowing the acting Finger Maiden to allocate the Runes accumulated since entering Liurnia of the Lakes—including those from defeating the Royal Knight—sending a surge of power through her body. Theoretically, constant enhancement meant constant strengthening. The upper limit depended on individual talent, and this body showed no bounds. The room for improvement was vast; after all, her new 'mage account' was at most level 60 proficiency, likely with stats around level 55. It was just that her fighting style didn't rely much on overwhelming stats, often causing observers to overlook her shortcomings.
Compared to these stat changes, she actually preferred new magic, like the reward she just received:
[Loretta's Greatbow]
[Forms a magic greatbow that fires greatarrows. Charging enhances power.]
[While continuously casting, maintains a drawn bow state without firing the greatarrow.]
[It is said the bow was her favored weapon.]
[Possesses extreme range, capable of piercing guards or repulsion effects.]
No wonder Thops's Barrier couldn't block it head-on. Her feeling was correct; if she had hesitated or chosen wrong for even an instant, the massive crystal greatarrow would have injured her true body.
She had many ways to avoid death, but it certainly wouldn't have been pleasant. She did lack ultra-long-range sniping magic, and Loretta's Greatbow fit the bill perfectly. As long as she spotted the target first, she could fire, achieving preemptive strikes.
Frieren especially valued the piercing effect; it should work against certain defensive barriers, making it useful in reality too. After all, everyone seemed to have defensive shields, and ordinary beam attacks were too simple. Loretta's Greatbow could ensure a greater first-strike advantage.
It should be quite effective in the no-holds-barred wars against demons.
Excellent. The first reward was unexpectedly satisfying. She didn't forget to check the player messages, which indeed confirmed its value: "long-range map-clearing buddy," "I always keep it slotted," "drawing the bow feels so satisfying," "more fun than a regular greatbow," "we mages get to experience so much variety." Mostly positive feedback.
Only when everyone finds it useful is it truly useful. Nothing holds more weight than practical testing. So, how would the next reward fare?
[Loretta's Slash]
[Ash of War of Royal Knight Loretta.]
[Leap forward while imbuing the armament with glintstone magic, then slash down at accelerated speed.]
[Usable on polearms and twinblades.]
Nothing special. Frieren had already seen what it looked like in combat—just an unadorned slashing attack. It only seemed powerful because of Loretta's skill; the actual mechanic was mediocre, not very significant.
Even converted into a spell, it conflicted with many abilities with similar effects. The number of attack types that could "emit a slash" was simply countless.
A pity. Everything required balance; expecting two great rewards from a single fight with a Royal Knight was perhaps too wishful. What she had gotten was already enough to satisfy Frieren; she had new tools at her disposal.
She looked around. It was still quiet, as if the fierce conflict moments ago couldn't possibly break the long silence of Caria Manor.
Melina pointed nearby and explained: "The royal family used to enjoy moon-viewing here, holding extravagant gatherings.
Sadly, it's been too many years since then. Only minor nobles remain."
Frieren had indeed glimpsed small settlements from afar upon arrival. The inhabitants were still living tenaciously. Maps wouldn't record such small, often migratory settlements, but that didn't mean they didn't exist. They were still propagating throughout the lake region.
"I also feel the vitality here is no less than Limgrave's."
Melina nodded. "If places like this can also be restored, it proves your magic almost rivals some miracles of the Elden Ring."
"It's not that exaggerated."
"True, but it allows me to reconsider certain things, like perhaps not needing to rush for an audience with the Elden Ring even after conquering the Royal Capital... But it's too early to say now. You should quickly head to the Three Sisters towers ahead; you might find some clues there."
Before she finished speaking, her form vanished. Frieren was used to this by now and continued forward.
Passing through the gate of the pool courtyard, the view opened dramatically onto a large clearing. Countless mineral crystals stood tall, glittering brilliantly, illuminating the night as if it were day. While wandering, besides finding [Carian Grandeur] on a corpse, there was nothing particularly noteworthy.
[Ash of War symbolizing the Carian royal family.]
[Transforms the sword into a magic greatsword, then swings downward.]
[Charging enhances the effect in two stages.]
Just as she considered experimenting with it, she sensed an unusually powerful individual near the Three Sisters towers.
A dragon?
Far stronger than a typical wyvern, imbued with a glintstone reaction, likely capable of using related magic. But it showed no hostility, merely glancing at the uninvited guest before lazily lying down to rest. In that case, she had no reason to provoke it.
The silver-haired girl walked up the gentle slope, looking back at Caria Manor, which seemed like a waystation guarding the true core of this place. "Unless surveyed from the air, it's hard to realize the hidden routes here... plus, many illusions have been added, very concealed."
"Good technique. Was it Ranni's doing?" As a fellow mage, Frieren couldn't help but compare their methods. At least in terms of constructing fortified positions and illusionary barriers, she was likely inferior. After all, their styles differed. The Lunar Princess needed to evade the Two Fingers' assassins, while she often had to hunt others down.
Where should she go in such an open area? The Lands Between were great, but unlike the magic settings in previous 'games' with clear paths or single solutions, exploration here was entirely up to the individual. So, upon arriving in a new environment, Frieren could only look around cautiously.
The area around the Three Sisters was filled with illusions, crystals, and mist—truly beautiful, but effectively a deliberately confusing setup.
This was likely a magical stronghold that had withstood numerous sieges, its master enduring to this day. Could the Two Fingers' intelligence network truly not find Ranni? A joke.
Even a newcomer Tarnished like herself had found clues. Hiding required strength.
She hadn't underestimated Ranni when they first met at the Church of Elleh; even in doll form, Ranni was strong. Meeting Ranni, Bernahl, Gurranq, and others one after another had initially made her feel the Lands Between were terrifyingly full of masters, encountering demigod-level enemies just by wandering around.
Only later did she realize that the people gravitating around her were extraordinary themselves.
"There's nowhere specific to go. I'll ask that dragon," the silver-haired girl turned back. "What do you think, Melina?"
"It's said the Carian royal family once made pacts with dragonkind, allowing them to summon and command them. Asking that glintstone dragon should be correct. Besides, it possesses a powerful, ancient aura."
"Both a member of royalty and a demigod of the Golden Order..."
"Yes, hence very noble." Since the topic arose, Melina began to educate Frieren: In terms of heritage, the Carian dynasty was older, its network of relationships deeply rooted and complex. Frankly, without the marriage between Radagon and Rennala back then, the Golden Order's rule wouldn't have been so smooth.
The Carian demigods held claims from both sides, making them doubly noble. Given the tradition of queenly rule, Ranni was the definite heir, making her effectively the lord of the entire Liurnia of the Lakes region.
The grief-stricken Full Moon Queen, Rennala, had long withdrawn from political affairs. In a sense, Ranni was the only Carian royal capable of normally exercising power, which explained the nobles' support.
Furthermore, she held a Law, was recognized by the Two Fingers as an Empyrean—a candidate for godhood—an indispensable element for restoring the Lands Between, an unavoidable part of the god-king system of governance.
"Understood?" Melina frowned slightly at Frieren's half-understanding nod.
"I don't really get these nobles and royals... succession rights are even more complicated. Knowing she's a big shot is enough."
"Indeed, but you needn't be overly humble. You are, after all, a Shardbearer, the most powerful living Tarnished, chosen by fate, the one desired by Goddess Marika. Even lacking lineage, power is the greatest claim."
"Status is status, but traversing the Lands Between ultimately relies on strength. So many people find the courage to challenge me even knowing the disparity. I like that—"
"ROAR!"
The glintstone dragon's roar blasted towards her. It bared its teeth at the silver-haired girl, lowering its body into a wary stance, ready to unleash its breath attack at any moment, terrifying energy flickering between its lips and teeth. Its pupils constricted, fixing intently on the enemy. Far stronger than ordinary wyverns, it could perceive Frieren's fearsomeness but felt compelled to warn the stranger.
"Are you guarding your master? Could you perhaps trouble yourself to pass on a greeting?" The glintstone dragon remained unmoved, its face etched with vigilance.
"If you intend to challenge me, that's fine too. It actually makes things easier. Let's use strength to knock," Frieren stated, her magical energy surging dramatically before she even finished speaking.
The master observing from nearby couldn't help but break into a cold sweat. The Tarnished who had just defeated Royal Knight Loretta was already spoiling for another fight, completely unfazed by the prospect of consecutive battles. She truly lives up to her reputation.
Rumor had it the new Shardbearer had sought out the Tree Sentinel right after emerging from the Chapel of Anticipation, fighting her way across the land straight to Stormveil Castle. Like the return of the Erdtree's First King, no wonder the southern nobles had submitted.
Suddenly, the glintstone dragon raised its head, let out a cry, and soared away, finally clearing the path. Frieren instinctively raised Loretta's Greatbow, only to see the dragon frantically shaking its head, looking terrified, completely devoid of fighting spirit. It must have received a signal.
Besides, she truly had no interest in fighting a target that had lost its will to battle. Exploration was the current priority.
She solemnly walked into the ancient structure. Sure enough, the words "Ranni's Rise" materialized. She had come to the right place. Visible upon entry were crystals and piles of books.
A cursory glance revealed they contained considerable knowledge of the Lands Between. Anyone fond of magic books would surely find common ground here.
Upwards.
Climbing the stairs revealed a Site of Grace. Beyond that, the decor was largely similar.
Further ahead was a lift. Stepping on the mechanism activated it, steadily ascending. "It doesn't look that big from the outside, but this tower is actually quite tall."
Exiting the lift wasn't the end. A staircase wrapped around the tower's exterior from a window ledge. Turning a corner, she finally reached the highest point: a narrow attic crammed with books.
The familiar figure in the Snow Witch attire sat on a chair, hands crossed, appearing dignified and stern. She looked up, revealing the blue doll face, and beside it, the more vivid spectral face of her soul, which offered a slight smile.
"It's been a while... Renna? Should I continue calling you that?"
"It was merely convenient for moving around back then. I didn't expect our connection would continue. Call me Ranni. I am pleased to see you, and Torrent."
"A lot has certainly happened."
"Setting aside the world-shaking commotion you caused in Limgrave, I hear you've already raised quite a fuss at the gates of the Academy of Magic?"
"That's right. But I don't want to destroy the seal there; I want to find a better way to open it." Frieren showed the map she had unexpectedly acquired.
"That should be the location of the key. As far as I know, a dragon guards it constantly. Drive it away, and the key is yours," Ranni stated, then changed the subject. "I hope you don't intend to destroy the Academy outright. I still have some connection to it, however slight."
"Of course not. Knowledge should be protected."
"By the way, what is your purpose here? Surely not just to show me a map?" Her voice was sharp and authoritative; an ordinary person might have been intimidated.
The silver-haired girl said frankly, "I've heard many rumors—about the Night of the Black Knives, the Cursemark of Death, Laws, Empyreans, things like that. I wanted to hear the perspective of someone involved." She didn't hide anything; there was no need.
Such openness momentarily stunned Ranni. She had expected Frieren to beat around the bush or change the topic, but instead, she was candid. "I can tell you. It's nothing crucial anyway.
Besides, you helped me regarding Blaidd... However, it's not a topic for immediate discussion. It requires a suitable opportunity." The implication was clear: trust hadn't been fully established; both sides were still probing each other's stance.
Frieren, however, was thinking about initiating a side quest. "Almost forgot, your Spirit Calling Bell was a huge help. Is there anything I can do for you? Consider it repayment for your gift." There must be a quest! Setting aside the hints from previous messages, her player instincts had already deciphered the pattern.
How could the esteemed Lunar Princess, an Empyrean bearing a Law, not have a questline? Frieren even suspected it might be a main story-level event, not to be missed. Thus, she openly displayed her willingness to help. Would she be suspected of ulterior motives? Would it be seen as meddling? Ridiculous. Why overthink things when playing a game? Aim for honesty and efficiency.
"Ranni, if you have a task, just ask."
"You certainly are enthusiastic." This display from a Tarnished she'd met only once brought a flicker of surprise even to the doll's face, the soul-face showing deep puzzlement. Yet Frieren had just blurted it out so plainly. Such a powerful individual had no need for intricate plots. Besides, it fit the consistent style of an Ashen One. She was the type to confront conspiracies head-on; expecting her to mastermind one was pointless.
In that split second, Ranni had already considered many things: First, there was no reason to refuse the goodwill of a Shardbearer. They could easily cooperate until Starscourge Radahn was defeated.
If no conflicts of interest arose afterward, they could continue. Second, she genuinely needed to understand this Tarnished said to be closest to the Elden Ring.
"...Your Majesty Frieren, your directness is admirable. Honestly, this body is besieged by conspiracy, targeted for assassination by the Two Fingers. The path I walk is fraught with betrayal. Even so, you wish to take part?"
"In the Lands Between, how can one fear such things? Besides, weren't we Tarnished considered pawns the moment we accepted the call?"
Ah? Such clear self-awareness left even Ranni speechless.
"You don't mind?"
"It doesn't matter. I only know the path I must walk is one of saving the Lands Between. When I meet people I favor, I seek their support and protect them. When I meet hostile people who hinder the world's restoration, they should be vanquished.
As long as the principles are clear, any scheme will eventually surface."
"I think I understand now why you could become a Shardbearer. In these thousands of years, no Tarnished has possessed the spirit of a world savior."
"It's not that exaggerated. In many people's eyes, my attitude is quite flippant."
"Speaking of attitude is self-comfort for the weak. Action is everything. Your Majesty, you have already saved Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula. This achievement is witnessed by all. Therefore, I believe you." After their conversation, Ranni felt as though Frieren shone brightly, realizing it was her own long stay in darkness that bred suspicion. A Tarnished, yet dazzlingly radiant.
If that was the case, they could indeed discuss more. Before formal cooperation, however, she decided to understand each other bit by bit. Opening the path to the Eternal City wasn't urgent. They could discuss hunting the Two Fingers after the Eternal City was accessible.
"Frieren, you've been to Roundtable Hold. You must have seen the Two Fingers there. What did you think? Do they seem trustworthy?"
"They couldn't answer anything I asked, clearly kept in the dark themselves. Utterly useless." They felt less useful than player messages; paying attention to inscribed messages on the ground was more informative.
Obviously, the ones in Roundtable Hold were defective, isolated in the Great Hall space for too long, unaware of the drastically changed world. A pity. Divine envoys reduced to uselessness. In Frieren's eyes, they were worthless, useful at best for exchanging Remembrances.
"I always feel the Two Fingers are pulling strings behind many events. Queen Marika probably realized something and kept her distance from them."
The silver-haired girl nodded, equally distrustful of the Two Fingers. Anyone who witnessed their eerie presence would remain wary. In fact, few in the entire Roundtable Hold were trustworthy; Gideon Ofnir and the Two Fingers made it a hotbed of conspiracy.
"Right, let me take this opportunity to tell you about the Night of the Black Knives, from my perspective as the mastermind..." Ranni shared the details and strategic considerations from that time.
It wasn't complete trust in the Tarnished, but also a form of probing, fully prepared even if Frieren blamed her for the Lands Between's decay—in a way, she was indeed grievously culpable.
A moment later.
"As I said, that is the Night of the Black Knives from my perspective." After revealing the truth, she felt a sense of relief, ready even to become enemies with the righteous Tarnished. In the eyes of many in the Lands Between, the Lunar Princess was undoubtedly one who fanned the flames.
Yet, unexpectedly, Frieren showed no disgust. Instead, she listened with rapt attention throughout, as if savoring the thrill of uncovering the truth. The Ashen One possessed the heart of a savior, yet wasn't one to abhor evil like a personal foe.
Towards the tangled web of conspiracies, she held more of a spectator's mentality, not adhering to strict notions of good and evil, merely witnessing.
"Do you not detest it?"
"Noble and royal power struggles... I don't understand them, nor do I distinguish good and evil within them, especially since I still don't know the whole story. But there's one thing I am sure of..."
"What?"
"That was a pivotal highlight of your life, using an ingenious scheme to shake the entire Golden Order."
"No, actually, many people merely exploited the momentum for their own power grabs."
"But ultimately, you were the one who directly ignited it. The subsequent disasters were merely the accumulation of long-standing conflicts; the demigods each had their own destructive parts to play.
The blame can't be clearly assigned, and I'm not one for settling accounts. I simply find the planning of the Night of the Black Knives brilliant." Frieren was essentially viewing events from a player's perspective, overlooking the intricate details.
Her most direct feeling was the convergence of various factions vying for power. The Lands Between was a grand stage; if you had the life, you came to play. As one of the event's instigators, Ranni was certainly crucial. In short, coming here was correct, a worthwhile trip. As for the common folk? Wasn't she already taking action? Soul magic was spreading. No need to dwell on how things used to be.
"...You truly are special. If that's the case, we should be able to cooperate further." The silver-haired girl's detached attitude was beyond expectation. Even the usually composed Ranni was surprised, realizing upon reflection that they aligned on many issues and stances.
So be it.
"Your goal here is to strike at the Academy faction, correct? Aside from not harming Queen Rennala, the rest doesn't matter. On the contrary, I can use my influence to help you consolidate the Liurnia of the Lakes region.
After all, the Blessing-King's army eyes it greedily, and I don't wish for him to cause destruction either."
"What do I need to do?"
"You and Blaidd must find the secret treasure of the Eternal City. To open that path, Radahn must be defeated."
"Finally! I knew someone would tell me this sooner or later." One reason Frieren had delayed her trip to Caelid was her suspicion that Radahn was linked to some major questlines she didn't want to interrupt prematurely.
So, she had been following clues everywhere. Now, she could at least confirm his direct connection to Ranni's questline. The fate of Caria bound to the stars—it seemed the Starscourge General held the key to more than one crucial plan locked away.
________
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