The exploration order should be correct. Dealing with Caelid needed to be postponed slightly,
while the resources of Liurnia of the Lakes had to be secured, both from the perspective of side quest order and overall strategy.
In an instant, Frieren had already mapped out a general route: The priority was to conquer the city-like target of the Academy of Raya Lucaria, similar to taking Stormveil Castle first.
Surrounding caves would have to be explored slowly and could be left for later, after which she would head to the Caelid region.
Just as Melina usually advised, some dungeon explorations had to be left to the army; she herself had more pressing matters and couldn't easily get away under normal circumstances.
"Rest assured, it just so happens I also need to defeat Radahn to obtain his Great Rune."
"An expected reply. After all, the Great Rune mother possesses was an additional one gifted by father."
"However, I'm interested in the esoteric art of life's creation."
"Why?"
"I have a friend who is in soul form, and I hope she can have a physical body." Frieren sensed the maiden beside her turn her head away,
then changed the subject: "Besides, doesn't it complement soul magic? Perhaps it could even halt the curse of undeath, or even reverse it."
"Alright. If our cooperation goes smoothly and you manage to take the Academy, I will certainly help."
Ranni glanced deeply at the air beside the silver-haired maiden. As a master of such magic, how could she not perceive a spiritual entity?
She just felt no need to point it out.
She believed this acting maiden was conscientious and dedicated, likely having followed the Tarnished ever since the Chapel of Anticipation. The understanding and bond between the two were evident.
Furthermore, the other party was very mysterious, especially with that sealed eye which exuded a sense of menace.
What was even more shocking was a faint resonance of bloodline? Frankly, Ranni found this quite unsettling.
Her thoughts were a jumble, so she decided to set aside this line of thinking for the moment.
The good news was that Frieren had finally expressed her core desire.
Matters concerning Great Runes, collecting spells, and other such benefits were secondary considerations.
She must be a person who valued relationships and loyalty deeply; she would definitely be earnest about helping her friend.
If the Tarnished constantly spoke of grand, vague objectives, she would have been wary.
Now, by frankly stating she wanted to find a physical body for a friend in soul form, it seemed much more genuine.
"As long as you don't mind me researching the esoteric art of life's creation, then it's a pleasure to cooperate."
Ranni nodded.
"Go downstairs and greet everyone. You'll likely be interacting with them often from now on."
"Besides Blaidd, there's War Counselor Iji and Preceptor Seluvis. They are all quite unique individuals; make good use of them when necessary."
"I don't require you to be polite to them; interact with them as a monarch would."
"I'll return later, then."
As she watched the silver-haired maiden depart, Ranni sent a message, instructing her subordinates to coordinate information with Frieren.
They had already noticed Frieren when she had openly entered earlier, so they should be able to get along well.
Ranni, remaining where she was, shifted her body a little.
After all, sitting on a raised stack of books was somewhat uncomfortable.
"Has fate finally begun to turn?"
"Brother Radahn, even if you have not yet found release, I can feel the stars are about to break free..."
"The Lord of Cinder who arrived from outside the Lands Between is the best proof of this. Regardless, the changing situation cannot be stopped."
Otherwise, she wouldn't have so easily agreed to the cooperation, as her understanding of this Tarnished wasn't deep enough.
But events had unfolded beyond anyone's expectations; the storm stirred up by Frieren had moved too quickly. Perhaps she truly should get on board.
Downstairs.
The first one she met was indeed Iji's projection.
The tall troll seemed cramped in the narrow room, but he still gave the silver-haired maiden a solemn bow.
The two had communicated before, so there was no need for lengthy explanations; a few words served as a greeting.
Frieren hadn't expected him to comment, "You share a destiny with Lady Ranni."
What did that mean? However, they were indeed planning to cooperate, which in their eyes likely meant their interests aligned.
Coincidentally, she wasn't proficient in magic like astrology or prophecy. Perhaps the Carian royal family placed importance on such connections of fate.
On the next floor down was Blaidd's projection.
"It's been a while, Lady Frieren. Welcome as Lady Ranni's collaborator."
"By the way, I'm currently in the Limgrave area, as there's an entrance to an Eternal City here."
"Are you perhaps referring to the well in the Mistwood?"
"Yes, but surprisingly, most of it is sealed, likely due to gravity magic. It's currently very difficult to advance exploration there."
"Someone once mentioned to me that Radahn's seal also manifests underground."
"Continue your search. If worst comes to worst, just head to Caelid."
"See you at the festival."
As soon as he finished speaking, Blaidd nodded and disappeared.
He believed he understood the Lord of Cinder's ways; she wouldn't let Starscourge Radahn, the demigod hailed as the strongest, merely fade away.
She would undoubtedly attend the festival of combat to give him a grand send-off, and conveniently, it would also be a chance to collect the minimum two Great Runes she needed.
In reality, Frieren was indeed in contact with the forces supporting the efforts in Caelid, relaying a good deal of intelligence.
Powerful warriors were continuously heading to that wasteland, so it was expected to be quite lively.
Continuing downstairs, she encountered another projection: a figure wearing a large hat.
Before Seluvis could speak, Frieren remarked doubtfully: "Even as a projection, I can tell it's stiff."
"Your body is quite peculiar. You must be skilled at making puppets, right? I've seen many like it."
"A keen eye."
The Preceptor, who had intended to be insolent, felt his heart tighten and responded instinctively.
As expected of a demigod skilled in magic, he thought.
"It's my honor to work with you. If you have any requests regarding magic, we can exchange knowledge." He felt a little uneasy under Frieren's scrutinizing gaze and decided to change the subject.
"Would you like to learn some spells?"
"Among Ranni's followers, you're the only sorcerer here."
"I knew you'd have something good. Let's make an exchange."
She had never liked those who dabbled in creating puppets, but out of respect for their master, her attitude would merely be cold at worst.
Perhaps it was this unconsciously revealed hostility that made Seluvis soften his stance.
He displayed a full four spells:
[Carian Phalanx]
[Carian Retaliation]
[Glintstone Icecrag]
[Freezing Mist]
Moreover, none of them looked weak, and all belonged to the Carian school of sorcery, which would be greatly beneficial to her own research.
That being the case, Frieren naturally chose to purchase them all. After all, Runes were the one thing she didn't lack.
As expected, the Carian faction was very wealthy, befitting their ancient heritage.
Seeing the silver-haired maiden nod with satisfaction, Seluvis finally breathed a sigh of relief, hoping he had appeased this troublesome demigod.
However, his scalp suddenly tingled again, as her gaze abruptly sharpened, glinting with a cold light.
This was because Frieren, as was her habit, checked the messages on the ground.
She had already seen the messages regarding Iji and Blaidd; repeated verifications indicated no issues.
As for Ranni, she hadn't found a chance to inspect them closely yet. After all, suddenly losing focus during a conversation would be impolite, and moreover, Ranni was undoubtedly perceptive.
But this one before her was different.
As everyone knew, players would have differing opinions on certain characters due to personal preferences;
it was normal for anyone's actions to be controversial. But to be uncontroversially disliked – that was your own fault.
Right, Seluvis?
The messages that met Frieren's eyes were filled with things like "detestable sort ahead," "if you're a bro, time for a strike," and "let's see you squirm, then kill."
In short, there were no positive comments, mostly negative ones.
A significant reason for this was his sarcastic and provocative style of speech.
Actually, being of an elven race, her personality was generally broad-minded and unbothered; a little verbal unpleasantness wasn't enough to make her feel hostile.
However, the messages mentioned Seluvis's "potion scheme," which was definitely nothing good.
Ranni should be aware of this sort of person; there was just no need to stoop to his level for the time being.
What mattered were the reward items. Frieren guessed that this Preceptor wouldn't have easily offered his spells for trade.
It was only due to a sliver of her imposing aura that he had relented, essentially fast-tracking the process.
Therefore, as long as there was enough freedom, things could definitely be changed.
[Can't I just kill you and take the Magic Scorpion Charm?]
[Sorcerers missed out on this one, huh? But no matter, there are tons of ways to increase damage, plenty more out there.]
[I only hesitate when it's a choice of killing a good character for a talisman. For those who speak rudely, immediate sanction!]
[I am the Elden Lord; I kill whomever I wish!]
[Drop your Runes!]
[You don't even need to bother with him. Just follow Ranni's questline normally; she'll clean house later anyway.]
To be so thoroughly disliked was a skill in itself; he was clearly a repulsive character.
With this thought, Frieren withdrew her gaze from the messages. There was no need to cause extra trouble for now.
Even if Seluvis were to die later, she could search again and still find something.
Besides, she had already obtained four new spells; for their sake, she wouldn't fuss about other things.
The silver-haired maiden calmly turned and went upstairs.
After that figure had departed, the esteemed Preceptor's heart pounded wildly.
That gaze hadn't been directed at him, but towards his hidden sorcery workshop, a basement not far from Ranni's Rise!
What terrifying perceptive range!
Especially that nonchalant demeanor when she displayed hostility, as if she could casually unleash a fatal blow to annihilate an enemy and forget about it by the next day.
Her motto seemed to be: 'Maintain one's mental health; repulsive foes aren't worth remembering.'
"...What a terrifying demigod. She would be a troublesome enemy."
Seluvis had to admit, Ranni was actually quite approachable on a daily basis, joking and talking with her subordinates, not insisting on any dignified airs.
Frieren was similar, but it stemmed from a different kind of self-perception:
"I'm an assassin. What I do best is go somewhere, kill someone, and then loot the place while I'm at it."
If he dared to make any sly moves, she would surely be more than happy to strike.
Fortunately, he had offered the spells in time to avert disaster.
It seemed he would have to keep his distance in the future.
Top floor.
After adjusting her posture on the chair, Ranni asked, "What do you think of them?"
"A group of people who seem both close and distant."
Frieren was actually evaluating the entire team.
Iji and Blaidd, who appeared to be loyal core members, couldn't share their master's troubles and knew well they couldn't truly support her all the way.
At some point, everyone would... go their separate ways. Everyone in the group was mentally prepared for this.
"Yes. This is my path alone. Even I don't know if I can reach the end, let alone anyone who might accompany me... I've digressed a bit. Anyway, I'm about to fall into a deep slumber. We can talk more later."
Ranni said sincerely, "Also, Frieren, I look forward to you becoming the Elden Lord and spreading your warmth."
"Thank you," the silver-haired maiden replied earnestly.
Since arriving in the Lands Between, countless people had expressed this expectation of her.
The path to becoming Lord was heavier than imagined; she absolutely could not betray their hopes.
"I hear you like grimoires. Feel free to browse the collection in the attic."
"Just don't damage or take any away."
"I understand."
"Then I shall enter my slumber now. I'll contact you when you reach the deepest parts of the Academy."
The next moment, the doll-like maiden gave a slight nod, her wide-brimmed hat obscuring her face as she presumably entered her slumber.
This was no act of carelessness; almost simultaneously with Ranni falling asleep, numerous hidden magic circles activated, encasing the entire area in an impenetrable barrier, their numbers simply incalculable.
"See you later."
Despite that, Frieren took the opportunity to look around the attic, glancing at the grimoires there
while also remembering to check the messages on the ground, which were generally positive:
[The true officially designated main heroine, Ranni, with the longest and richest side questline!]
[When I started it, I never expected it to be this long. If you count the distance above and below ground, it's like traversing the entire Lands Between!]
[Everyone has different interpretations of the Age of Stars ending – some say it's about ruling through inaction, laissez-faire, or watching over the world.]
[But I think that itself has value. I choose an ending that leaves room for imagination.]
[However, judging from some dialogue in the Land of Shadow, it seems the canon path might be the Tarnished choosing Marika as their goddess.]
[Not necessarily.]
[The value of the Age of Stars ending keeps increasing!]
[Just a reminder, better not mess around here, because Ranni has an instant-kill mechanic.]
[I saved all of Seluvis's potions for the Dung Eater.]
[Consider your ending choice carefully, but if you don't do Ranni's questline, you'll miss too much content.]
[The history of the Two Fingers regarding the Lands Between in it is crucial.]
[After the final battle, it's hard to say if Marika is dead or alive. Some say she's purely a vessel for the Order, others say housing the Elden Ring revitalizes her...]
[But I don't want to marry a mother of a dozen children.]
[Indeed.]
[Unless you intentionally want to try a bad ending, Age of Stars is a must every playthrough.]
[I am Ranni's Lord.]
...So, the Lunar Princess's questline determined one of the possible endings?
Frieren, who had experienced several game worlds, immediately understood what this meant.
It was a choice, an option of great significance that couldn't be overestimated.
She gave the doll-like maiden one last deep look, then turned to leave.
Lingering too long might arouse suspicion,
so it was best to depart for now.
As she descended the stairs, she continued to ponder the clues carefully: "Although I don't know the full details,
the Age of Stars can basically be seen as a relatively inclusive ending. No matter how players interpret it specifically, it should be more open than other endings, right?"
Even with cloud saves, one still had to choose a target ending.
"We can choose the Order of the Stars; whether to implement it and how to implement it will be up to us to decide."
With this thought, Frieren felt much clearer, less conflicted.
Interpretations aside, it ultimately depended on the governance of the Lord and God.
Did an Age of Stars ending mean doing nothing at all? Not necessarily.
Even if it did, she herself could execute it differently.
It was still too early for that now. It wouldn't be too late to decide after understanding the general paths of the other endings.
Besides, the previously mentioned keyword "Land of Shadow" was simply too significant to ignore...
________
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