Late at night, in eastern Liurnia of the Lakes.
The mournful cries of a Death Rite Bird echoed through the sky as the monster, riddled with wounds, was battered by a continuous barrage of arrows.
Every azure-blue glintstone arrow that streaked past tore away a large chunk of its corporeal form.
Even its skeletal body, fortified by an aura of death, couldn't withstand the assault; the enemy's attacks seared its very soul, impossible to block.
It had roamed the entirety of Liurnia of the Lakes for many years, practically becoming the ruler of the night. How could it have predicted that someone would actively target it today?
It tried to flee but crashed into a sealing barrier, only able to watch its hunter in despair.
Loretta's Greatbow.
Swish!
Another arrow pierced the Death Rite Bird's claw. Frieren had deliberately chosen a less critical spot to test its precision, then harmonized it with soul magic. It seemed the effect was quite good.
This was fantastic! Truly worthy of being a spell widely acclaimed by players. Its range was top-tier, its charged power immense, and combined with her own magical perception, it was like a guided missile.
The first-strike advantage was crucial, and she now had more ways to deal with agile aerial enemies.
Mounted on Torrent, she aimed while on the move, never missing a shot, gradually whittling down the Death Rite Bird's mass.
Patience is key in hunting, and experiments require observing different reactions from samples to be accurate.
The monster, driven to fury, exhaled a torrent of black flame.
However, the rippling circles of Thops's Barrier perfectly deflected it, nearly harming the bird itself.
It's all over.
It couldn't imagine how to fight such an impeccably powerful enemy. While it hesitated, another arrow grazed its wing, this time finally causing the monster to plummet.
"You've lost your will to fight. Then let's end this quickly."
Frieren rode Torrent to the Death Rite Bird's side. The light coalescing at the tip of her staff was different from the previous soul crystal chunks; it was a new, sacred, and warm power: Sunlight's Cleansing Heal.
She had been conceptualizing a purification spell for undead targets for a long time. For the Lands Between, this kind of spell was most effective.
Hum!
The monster's body, illuminated by the light, gradually became ethereal and dissipated.
Even as it struggled to rise or use its power to corrupt the surroundings, it was futile. The sacred power also protected the surrounding flora, leaving not a trace of death's remnants, easily neutralizing it.
"Has your magic advanced again?" Melina asked in amazement. "Can it be used to suppress Those Who Live in Death?"
"Theoretically, it's feasible."
"So, what element is still lacking?"
"If I understood the secret arts of life in the Lands Between, it would be much easier. It should provide some reference for dealing with both Those Who Live in Death and the Scarlet Rot."
As a witch, Melina was perhaps the person who best understood the progress of Frieren's magical research. She didn't know how many lines of research Frieren had opened, yet she tirelessly came up with new ideas.
More crucially, each one was making progress; she wasn't the type to bite off more than she could chew.
Perhaps only a wealth of experience from witnessing countless spells and a talent that surpassed all others of the age could achieve this.
The Full Moon Queen was in the Academy, not far away, but Melina believed that the genius astrologer girl of yesteryear was inferior to the Ember Lord. Even among those hailed as masters of magic, there are differences in skill.
Splash!
After the Death Rite Bird completely vanished, the deep crater it created was quickly filled by the backflow of lake water, as if nothing had happened.
Hint: Obtained [Ancient Death Rancor] sorcery.
Frieren raised an eyebrow. Judging by the name, it didn't sound like a good thing; it probably specialized in necromancy. Such a thing would be even less welcome in reality, almost exclusively associated with a demonic image, but its performance was what mattered.
[Sorcery employed by those who serve Death.]
[Summons a horde of vengeful spirits that relentlessly pursue foes.]
[Charging enhances potency.]
[Said to be an ancient ember of Death, plucked from Ghostflame by the Deathbirds.]
She immediately caught the keyword: tracking. Any magic with tracking capabilities that could also fly held a tactical advantage, not to mention its unique necromantic nature, which naturally harmonized with her own soul magic. Its actual performance would only be stronger.
Summon.
With that thought, Frieren waved her staff, and instantly, a dense cloud of skulls appeared, propelled by burning grey-black flames from behind.
"Sure enough, you only know after trying. The tracking is good, but it's a bit too slow..."
If forced into actual combat, she would have to rely on sheer numbers. It would be convenient against legions, as it would always hit a large number, but agile, powerful individuals wouldn't give it a chance.
"Wait, Ancient Death Rancor is a summoning spell, and Spirit Ashes are also summons. Both are empowered by necromantic energy, sharing similar principles. Could I then enhance a Spirit Ash legion?"
"Or perhaps I could actively convert Spirit Ashes... no, create Rancor Spirit Ashes. As long as the attributes align, it should work."
She looked at the skeletal remains of the Death Rite Bird.
Such an experiment shouldn't be done in reality; it would be too sacrilegious. But the Lands Between weren't sensitive about such things. After all, everyone here was practically immortal and held beliefs in reincarnation. In short, necromancy was a major school of magic.
Her staff lightly tapped the bones. Simultaneously, Frieren continuously gathered the remnants of rancor, then shook her Spirit Calling Bell, using its resonance as a guide.
Whoosh!
A bone-chillingly cold, sinister wind swept past, echoing with sounds of resentment.
The Death Rite Bird's lingering obsession, upon sensing this summons, became utterly furious. So, I'm an experiment whether dead or alive, huh? You certainly know how to exploit things.
Frieren paid no mind to its roars, continuing to manipulate a vast amount of magical power, forcefully gathering and piecing together the Death Rite Bird in its wraith form, while simultaneously applying a series of enhancement spells.
The next moment, it spread its wings and shrieked.
Its aura was clearly a significant step stronger than before. Its size was slightly reduced, but what remained was concentrated essence.
After the modification, it also responded effectively to Spirit Ash enhancement methods, making it almost comparable to a heroic champion. A good starting point for her first Rancor Spirit Ash.
Then, she shook the bell, and the Death Rite Bird obediently returned, behaving more like a puppet. Expecting intelligence was impossible, but for bolstering numbers, it guaranteed cost-effectiveness.
"I heard that the great Prince Godwyn is to have necromantic Praetorian Knights under his command."
The information Melina revealed made Frieren frown slightly.
"It doesn't matter if I'm not the first to achieve something similar, but does this mean the Royal Capital has yet another type of soldier?"
"Indeed."
"No matter how you look at it, the Royal Capital possesses an absolute advantage in terms of core strength."
"Don't mind it. That's the result of millennia of accumulation. And a Tarnished doesn't necessarily need to completely defeat Leyndell's army. As long as you can sneak onto the throne and kill the guardian there, it still counts. Besides, I'm familiar with the routes; it would be simple for me to be your guide."
"You don't understand. The moment I accepted the allegiance of the southern nobles, I lost the option to sneak in."
"Why?"
"Many people chose me, disregarding their own lives, just to participate in the war for Leyndell, for that one trial by fire. Although I'm an outsider, I can feel it. Laying siege to the Altus Plateau holds an indispensable symbolic meaning."
Frieren's words made Melina nod in understanding.
From the witch's perspective, all that mattered was the Tarnished reaching the Erdtree.
To put it bluntly, it didn't matter if she became Lord or not; mending the Elden Ring was sufficient. It wasn't wrong to see her as a tool.
Realizing she still clung to ancient notions, Melina felt a little embarrassed. Wasn't this focusing solely on the mission and neglecting Frieren? No, she should think from the perspective of assisting a monarch.
The past heroic deeds of Vyke, the aspiring Lord, and Bernahl, the recusant, had raised the standards for Tarnished, making people expect powerful Tarnished to claim lordship.
Then there was history to consider.
Since the Shattering, people had developed the notion that "claiming lordship should involve leading an army to the Altus Plateau and occupying the Royal Capital."
They expected future aspiring Tarnished Lords to replicate this feat.
If Frieren had initially refused the nobles' allegiance, that would have been one thing. If she had charged into the Erdtree alone to claim lordship, no one would have complained; they would have still flocked to her side.
But choosing to rise from the south represented a different path.
It was as if history was repeating itself: the new Tarnished was to lead an army to conquer the Royal Capital.
It has to be you.
If she still thought only of infiltrating alone, it would disappoint her followers. And Melina also wished to witness a new ruler who followed a perfect path to lordship, possessing absolute legitimacy.
At this point, she wouldn't say things like "It would have been better if you hadn't accepted Haight's allegiance," because the revival of the south depended entirely on their joint efforts.
People weren't just aiming for lordship; they had already begun restoring the Lands Between, with the welfare of all beings in mind.
So Frieren had chosen the correct path, and the standard answer was often the most difficult one: to confront Leyndell of the Royal Capital head-on.
"No wonder you're already considering strengthening your armaments."
"It's alright. Such matters can't be rushed; mistakes are easily made in haste. Taking a step back, even if the army ultimately isn't strong enough, I can make up the difference with high-end combat power. In the end, as long as I am strong enough, it'll be fine."
"The reasoning is sound, but it's too dangerous. After all, even the strongest demigod back then, Radahn, with the might of his allied army, couldn't overcome the Grace-Given King's defenses."
"We'll see when the time comes."
Since her partner was confident, Melina expressed her support for now. The journey was still long, and there was no telling if stronger troop types might emerge, especially since experiments were already underway.
Truthfully, Frieren had never commanded an ultra-large-scale siege battle before; she too felt uncertain.
But she wouldn't be scared off by those towering city walls because of it. There would always be a way.
After clearing the battlefield, she gazed towards the Academy. The sky was beginning to lighten, the mist dissipating, revealing a clearer view compared to the hazy beauty of before.
It was a good time to travel; she should complete her reconnaissance of the Academy as soon as possible.
The spirit steed emerged at her call, carrying Frieren and Melina, galloping towards the main gate of the Academy.
South of Liurnia of the Lakes, by the Lakeside Pavilion.
Daylight swept away the usual hazy water mist, revealing a bright and clear scene with flourishing life. The nocturnal monsters had all gone into hiding, leaving the area refreshingly tranquil.
Riding Torrent into the area, Frieren raised an eyebrow and sniffed carefully. Though faint, was that the smell of boiled prawns in the wind?
Who would have such leisurely elegance? Could this be related to some plotline? As expected of a new area, full of endless surprises.
She had only planned to circle the Academy of Magic for observation, but an unexpected find had emerged. It wouldn't hurt to check it out.
At the same time, her keen senses had already detected a young woman in a green noble's robe at the Lakeside Pavilion.
"Hello there. My name is Rya. Could I trouble you for some help?"
Frieren, looking in the direction of the voice, became more observant, because for some reason, Rya before her was hunched over, exuding a strange serpentine aura.
However, out of politeness, she replied, "Hello to you too. You can just call me Frieren."
"Ah!"
Hearing the renowned girl's name, Rya was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but cover her mouth as her eyes widened.. Could it be that she had encountered a major figure just by taking a stroll?
Taking a closer look at her attire and magical aura, there was no mistaking it.
Some portraits of the Ember Lord were already circulating, not to mention descriptions of her appearance in various anecdotes. At least the iconic long, pointed ears and emerald-like eyes were correct.
"No need to be so formal. Just think of me as a traveler. But back to the matter at hand, what do you need help with?"
"A ruffian stole a necklace that is very precious to me." Rya pointed towards a shack from which the smell of boiled prawns emanated. "He's right there. Please help me get it back. I will definitely reward you."
"You do look like you come from a good background."
Frieren had seen her share of the Lands Between and wouldn't mistake noble attire or the elegance displayed in one's bearing.
But her rich experience told her not to trust one side of the story.
"By the way, that prawn-boiling man is also Tarnished. I won't force you to be hostile to your own kind. A peaceful resolution would be best."
"Let's go together."
"Actually, I'm a little scared..."
"It's alright. With me by your side, what is there to fear?"
As she spoke, Frieren gave a radiant smile. For some reason, Rya shivered but eventually nodded. Indeed, the weather in Liurnia of the Lakes was a bit cold for her; she should have worn more layers.
The two walked side-by-side through the lake region, and before they knew it, they were chatting about their respective reasons for being there.
The Tarnished's goal was known to all; Frieren didn't hide her aim for the Academy of Magic, but she didn't commit fully, saying the Great Rune could be left with the Full Moon Queen, where it would be more valuable.
Rya, on the other hand, revealed she came from Volcano Manor, serving its mistress: Tanith. Her usual activity was to recruit heroes to join them, a duty of her position.
Something's fishy!
This judgment wasn't just Frieren's intuition, but also because Patches had mentioned Volcano Manor. Any place connected to him was likely not good.
Moreover, it was the territory of Praetor Rykard, one of the Shardbearers, who had created the most brutal battlefields of the Shattering.
"Isn't it dangerous for you to travel alone?"
"Your Majesty, most beasts don't actively attack me when they encounter me. I suppose I've been quite lucky during my years of activity."
Rya felt the silver-haired girl give her a deep look before nodding.
"I hope you are a lucky girl." Her tone shifted. "Volcano Manor... I've heard that name mentioned by an old friend. Coincidentally, he might even be your colleague..."
"Who?"
"It's better if he tells you himself, right, Mr. Patches?"
Frieren suddenly turned her head to stare in a specific direction. Within her perpetually active wide-range magical perception, a sneaky person couldn't hide, let alone an entire band of thieves. This fellow was up to his shady business again.
Little did a certain bald man know, he was sweating profusely. How did he end up being targeted by hunters, undead, and Tarnished? What an ill-fated connection.
Patches scratched the back of his head and stood up with an awkward smile, greeting, "Long time no see, Your Majesty."
"Staging a comeback?"
"How would I dare? At most, I help the nobles with some commissions. I would never disrupt the general peace, especially since everyone knows Liurnia of the Lakes will soon be your territory."
Truly Patches, as smooth-tongued as ever. As long as he maintained a subservient posture towards you, he wouldn't mind a bit of flattery.
Unfortunately, Frieren no longer fell for that.
"I didn't come to the lake region to bring war to anyone, but to spread the healing of soul magic far and wide. If anyone acts as a stumbling block at this time, they become a public enemy of the Lands Between."
"You're absolutely right, Your Majesty! You will surely reshape the world."
Exaggerated pronouncements were Patches' style. In reality, he was more convinced than anyone that this Tarnished would succeed because her various past identities had, without exception, saved worlds.
The Lands Between were vaster, all-encompassing, home to countless lives. What kind of scene would it be when it began to regain its vitality?
"Really?"
Rya's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but clap her hands, having heard at least some of the Ember Lord's deeds.
"I came to learn the Full Moon Queen's secret art of life's creation. If combined with soul magic, not only can it reach a higher level, but there's also a chance to reverse the process of becoming undead, allowing more beings to return to normal." After saying this, Frieren changed the subject:
"Since I've said so much, you two should also talk about Volcano Manor."
Hearing this, the green-robed girl immediately began to speak effusively, painting a vivid picture of the greatness of the volcanic region.
She would occasionally answer a few questions, her enthusiasm unwavering, as if she was certain this heroic figure would join the cause of Volcano Manor.
Beside them, Patches listened, his mouth twitching.
How was it that when Frieren asked Rya how many people she had seen at the Manor, which places were off-limits, the situation during the Shattering, and similar questions, Rya answered everything within her knowledge, practically laying it all bare?
No wonder.
So that's why Frieren didn't ask him. Even if Patches answered, she'd only believe half of it at most.
Prying information from the perspective of an innocent young girl was more accurate; she had basically gotten the gist of it.
"What does Your Majesty think of Volcano Manor?" he probed.
"We're here."
The dilapidated shack wasn't far to begin with; a few steps and they arrived. A man in common clothes wearing a helmet sat on the ground, a pot of boiling prawns in front of him. He occasionally sprinkled in some spices.
The prawn meat was tender and bright red, and the bursting bubbles released a fragrant aroma, whetting one's appetite.
He noticed the three leading figures, the atmosphere subtly wrong, as if they were wary of each other.
Then there was a small band of thieves trailing behind them. Overall, they didn't look like good people, but they all seemed to defer to the silver-haired girl.
Her demeanor was relatively righteous, and she was very strong. If she intended to do anything, his chances were slim.
As he was pondering, Frieren displayed a large handful of Runes.
"I'd like to buy your prawns at a high price for my friends to have a good meal, and while I'm at it, buy back the necklace this girl accidentally lost."
"Anyone who likes prawns is a good person."
"Indeed. I'd like to try some."
"Besides, about that necklace you mentioned, it's not entirely my fault. I only kept it because I thought this one was fishy. Since you're here watching, consider it a deal. Here, it's hers."
Rya, having recovered her lost item, smiled happily, incidentally refuting his claim that she was "fishy."
Both sides were delighted; it ended peacefully. With Frieren's generous treat and the culinary skills of the self-proclaimed ruffian prawn-boiler, they even enjoyed a delicious meal. The atmosphere immediately livened up.
During the meal, they exchanged names and introduced themselves, thus becoming acquainted.
Meeting in the vast Liurnia of the Lakes was indeed a matter of fate.
As for their respective goals, they were glossed over. Who among those wandering the Lands Between without a fixed abode wasn't pursuing something? There were too many; no need to pry insistently. After all, speaking too frankly might reveal conflicting interests.
"...You're actually Frieren, the one who took Godrick's Great Rune? Then you must be able to see grace, right?"
"Of course."
"Aren't we both Tarnished? Why can't I see it?" He gave a bitter laugh. "It's ridiculous that a small-time ruffian like me was guided here."
"Consider it being valued by the Erdtree."
"No, the one who arranged this whole affair is too unreliable. It's probably a lost cause. I'm talking about the Erdtree. What do you all think? It looks majestic, but it's actually rotten to the core, isn't it?"
Upon these words, everyone fell silent, lost in thought.
They had seen many disheartened people, but considering their respective backgrounds, it seemed everyone was denying the Erdtree's prosperity.
Volcano Manor claimed to resist the order of the Elden Ring, and the Tarnished likewise believed in restoring the world with a new law. Regardless of their views, their actions amounted to a negation.
Ordinary people still held the Erdtree in reverence, but this group had long run out of patience.
Useless.
When you're critically needed, you're a lost cause.
Since the Elden Ring shattered, the Erdtree had likewise lost its power. Or perhaps, once the age of plenty, when it no longer scattered its dewdrop grace, had passed, it was destined for ruin, with no one able to remain aloof.
The group ate their prawns in silence, avoiding the topic, fated to be unable to respond to the ruffian's sigh.
"...Never mind. I've thought it through. With you here, Frieren, the Elden Ring can probably be mended. We Tarnished don't have that many missions left then."
"In any case, you are the Tarnished most likely to become Lord in many years."
The silver-haired girl shook her head. "I feel there are conspiracies hidden in many places. I can't easily guarantee what exactly mending the Elden Ring will entail. But that's all too far off. Speaking of the present: the Grace-Given King's army blocking the Grand Lift won't let us pass easily."
She had been pondering this. If the Royal Capital's ruler stubbornly refused to yield, there would have to be a bloody battle at the Grand Lift, needlessly increasing the cost of the expedition, which wasn't worth it.
If possible, Frieren hoped to gain a firm foothold on the Altus Plateau and then find a way to fight a protracted war.
Although she herself wasn't in a hurry, having far from explored the entire Lands Between, she couldn't remain strategically passive.
Even if she occupied the Royal Capital and then traveled around, it wouldn't be too late.
"Wait... Mmph!"
Suddenly, Rya raised her hand and finally tried to speak but choked. After coughing for a good while and swallowing the prawn meat, her complexion improved, and she continued:
"Your Majesty, the Grand Lift of Dectus is in disrepair from years of neglect, and after the Grace-Given King's army has been through it, it's probably even less reliable. The road conditions are also terrible. So, please look for the Ruin-Strewn Precipice first. At the bottom of the valley by the Grand Lift, there's an old mining tunnel that leads directly to the Altus Plateau."
"There really is another way!"
When consulting ancient texts, Frieren had often wondered why armies from the north and south of the Lands Between could traverse the entire realm, sometimes without any mention of the Grand Lift. So, there had to be more than one path.
Now, finally, there was a clue. At least it was better than an early, full-scale war with the Royal Capital.
"Thank you, Rya. This information is very important."
"When you reach the Altus Plateau one day, remember to head west and visit us at Volcano Manor."
The innocent-looking girl extended the invitation. Patches and the ruffian beside her smiled. They truly looked forward to that day.
Regardless of any volcano, once the Tarnished who would be Lord arrived on the Altus Plateau, it would directly announce the prelude to an all-out war.
Would the Lands Between become even more shattered then?
______________
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