Hall of the Half-Academy, the Ivory Tower on the Central Great Fault. Her hands resting on her abdomen, the silver-haired girl in a peaceful
Hall of the Half-Academy, the Ivory Tower on the Central Great Fault. Her hands resting on her abdomen, the silver-haired girl in a peaceful
Hall of the Half-Academy, the Ivory Tower on the Central Great Fault.
Her hands resting on her abdomen, the silver-haired girl in a peaceful slumber slowly opened her eyes. She saw the giant crystal chandelier of Carian style, and, of course, the gaze of the spirit maiden, Melina, who was watching over her.
She scanned the entire Academy of Raya Lucaria and confirmed that everything was normal. No problems, and it wasn't a dream. All was well.
Frieren had been afraid that one day she would wake up and be in Yharnam again. That would be terrible, and a real hassle.
Although she had set up a series of contingencies and restraints, the chaos, oppression, madness, and corruption of the Outer Gods were things that had to be avoided. In short, confirming that the situation was fine was enough.
The silver-haired girl extended her index finger to touch the spirit Melina's face, but the latter hurriedly moved away. Seemingly realizing she had been too distant, she amended her actions with a compensatory offer:
"What is it? Do you want me to help you brush your hair?"
"Then sit properly. It's not difficult to manifest my magic enough to operate a comb."
Hearing this, Frieren sat cross-legged on the soft bed. Beside her, Melina took an ornately carved silver comb from the room's dressing table. With one hand, she lifted a lock of silk-like long hair, and with the other, she held the comb and slowly drew it through. It was smooth and silky.
A faint fragrance seemed to accompany the motion. Of course, it would have been even better if the other party wasn't just about to put on her Aeonian butterfly headdress.
"Has anything changed while I was asleep? For example, have the Royal Capital's armies made any moves?"
In reality, she could have chosen to use a save-state mod to compress the time gap between different worlds, but there was no need. The cultivation of a large number of troops, the forging of equipment, and research experiments all required time. It was better to let things run while she was idle.
"I'm not sure about the specifics. In any case, they haven't caused any more trouble."
"If I had to mention any news, it would be that the Crucible Knight who was active in the Caelid region has left. His whereabouts are unknown, as if he was summoned away."
"Speaking of which, didn't the Crucible Knight in Limgrave also leave?" Frieren said thoughtfully. "They probably don't have any strong objective, more like they're waiting for a certain moment. But they still have the will to fight. People who have lost their spirit wouldn't have that kind of aura."
"The rumors of the First King's return? Only Godfrey could command all the Crucible Knights."
"It's a pity I never got to fight against the incantations of the Crucible Aspects."
"Shouldn't you be worried about the combination of the War King and the Crucible Knights reappearing in the Lands Between? ...Never mind, with your personality, you certainly wouldn't care," Melina said, not surprised by her partner.
"Any other news?"
"Nothing else. You should contact your subordinates and listen to their reports for specifics."
Frieren estimated that during her slumber, the taciturn maiden hadn't been very active, probably not even leaving the castle, at most hearing some rumors. Although she had traveled the Lands Between for many years, once she found her mission, she remained a steadfast guardian.
For Melina, a Tarnished who had reached the level of a prospective Lord was someone who must be watched, lest any accidents occur.
She was often worried during her partner's inexplicable slumbers. Fortunately, everything was fine. With the Tarnished's current abilities, low-level accidents were no longer a concern. She could rest a little easier.
The smooth, long hair suddenly slipped through her fingertips, making her pause slightly.
What a pity.
Maintaining partial corporeal form for her magic was not easy. Her hands were already turning back into a spirit form. This was as far as she could go.
Frieren, in front of her, naturally noticed this and promised solemnly, "Melina, this time, I will do it for you."
"Although the Eternal City, Nokron, holds many mysteries, we will have to go there sooner or later. Every ancient land in the Lands Between might hide secrets, and that must include stronger Tear materials or manufacturing techniques. High-grade Grave Glovewort would also work..."
Melina was not in a hurry, only feeling a slight regret.
But just seeing Frieren considering her was moving enough. She actually knew how to care for others very well, with the determination that if she promised something, she would definitely see it through.
It concerned the Tarnished's goal of what she called a "full collection." This one was always full of motivation and never needed reminding, forever energetic.
The two finished their grooming in silence.
Finally, she tied her twin pigtails with two Aeonian butterflies. That was about right.
Frieren sat up, got out of bed, and went to the armor rack, which was shining brightly, most likely well-maintained. She put on her mage's attire and light armor, stretched her waist a little, and was ready to go.
With a wave of her hand, she dispelled the layers of defensive spells, clearing them all in one go. A gust of wind rose within the castle.
For the people in the academy, they had just felt a sudden jolt in their hearts, as if they had been watched by a giant eye. A vast spiritual power was rising, sweeping in all directions. Even the distant lake waters rippled. Some creatures leaped for joy. It was the bestower of the blessing.
There was no mistake. That person had finally set off again after her rest.
The soldiers bowed deeply towards the high tower. All eyes were on it. The sound of their armor clanking together was like a prelude to a military expedition.
"A message! The Rosy-Kindling Queen, monarch of the three lands of Liurnia, Limgrave, and Caelid, the prospective Lord Frieren, has awakened!"
Boom!
The long, drawn-out bell pealed, its sound echoing into the distance.
It was enough for half the lake region to faintly feel it. As long as one's perception was keen, even Ranni's doll in Carian Manor looked up slightly. That person's aura is very active. Unfortunately, I'm too busy for now. There are Black Knife assassins on the move...
On the Altus Plateau, a Leyndell Knight who had been keeping watch spurred his horse back to the city. This was news worth reporting.
Higher up, at Volcano Manor, a series of roars sounded out. Rykard seemed to have sensed something.
The Roundtable Hold also received news from its spies. Sir Gideon Ofnir, bent over his desk, took a deep breath. He then opened the reports on the Caelid region from this period. It was as if it had been reborn, which would support his outstanding colleague's new actions.
The Academy.
The moment Frieren stepped out of her attic room, she was met by numerous attendants who greeted her politely.
"Welcome back, Your Esteemed Majesty."
"This whole 'ringing the bell for the Kindling Queen' thing, you borrowed it from Stormveil Castle, didn't you?" the silver-haired girl murmured with a nostalgic expression.
It always reminded her of the experience of linking the fire. In the end, she was still doing similar things.
The hope and gratitude in their eyes were plain to see. A considerable number of them had even been saved from being Hollows. Naturally, they were full of respect for their savior. It was also proof of her achievements in the Lands Between.
The silver-haired girl looked around and gave an order:
"I'll go to the laboratory first to follow up on the results. During this time, issue a summons for a meeting. I need to hear reports and grasp the intelligence before making a decision."
Everyone immediately took their leave. One could imagine that the three great lands of the Lands Between were about to be stirred into a storm. This Majesty's energy was enough to raise a tempest. The only question was how Frieren would choose.
Continue to consolidate her established territory and prepare for war, or march directly on the Royal Capital? Or something else?
Everyone knew that the silence had been broken. Destiny would now change rapidly.
What came into view was a spacious great hall, dotted with several separate laboratory rooms. Along the walls were culture flasks containing various twisted creatures, some dead, some alive. In any case, they tried to collect as many materials as possible.
Among them, many of the monsters were filled with a sense of incongruity. For example, a lobster had actually grown four pincers.
"Is this the effect of grafting?" Frieren said with great interest. "Stormveil Castle is now responsible for the specific application of this technology, and you are researching it. What are the results?"
A researcher replied, "Your Majesty, you've mistaken. We induced mutations in the monsters by guiding a portion of the Scarlet Rot, making them grow extra limbs."
"What's the benefit?"
"More grafting materials. And they can be cultivated long-term and customized. They are stable and strong, and the rejection reaction from the grafted person is also better. At worst, they can be used as limb replacements for the Grafted Scions. We've made the best of this technology..."
Listening to the specific details, the corner of Frieren's mouth twitched.
She couldn't help but think of the numerous test subjects in the Grand Archives of another royal city, Anor Londo, which were also filled with grotesqueness.
To doubt the sun, to understand the sun, and then to surpass the sun.
However, to judge by her own moral standards would be biased. After all, the people of the Lands Between didn't mind. She would treat it as providing some security for the Grafted Scions under her command, not failing the warriors who had made great sacrifices. Even if, in their eyes, grafting was a great honor.
"Your Majesty, in addition to this, we have also promoted this technology to weapons. With the assistance of magic, we can graft weapons of the same quality to a higher level."
"The effect is relatively strong on ordinary weapons below level +5. At least it has narrowed the gap with the Royal Capital."
Clang!
An enthusiastic magic warrior took out a weapon similar to the Grafted Blade Greatsword and swung it with vigor, demonstrating its superior performance to Frieren on the spot.
It was indeed impressive.
"Also, we have enhanced the stability of the Magma Wyrms."
The mages showed some Earth Dragons that were actually helping with transportation. They even had a docile quality, making it hard to believe that most of them in the Lands Between were stronghold monsters.
Frieren asked curiously, "There are traces of a blessing. It's the stability after being healed by soul magic, but it comes from other people."
"Yes, we tried to use your soul magic for calming. For example, it has a very good effect on the Grafted Scions, the Dragon Communionists, and the Earth Dragons. Unfortunately, no one has mastered direct soul attacks at present, so its military use is not strong."
"Indirect strength is also fine. Perhaps you should change direction and apply it to healing."
"Indeed. Thanks to Your Majesty cultivating so many mages, there are now quite a few who can heal with their souls."
The reason why so few understood soul attacks was probably because the Lands Between, unlike the world of Dark Souls, had not built a vast magical system based on souls. There was a barrier.
It was easy to understand why its promotion was hindered. As long as the healing was effective, it was fine.
"...Originally, they would probably have become insane, mutated, or decayed in the end, as if the underlying color of the world was madness. But soul-soothing at least ensures a peaceful return to the tree. You have all done very well, made a meaningful change, and changed a piece of suffering."
"It's all thanks to Your Majesty's knowledge."
Despite her words, the mages still smiled, very happy with Frieren's praise. This was the recognition of the foremost mage in the Lands Between.
It also represented that she always had the living beings in her heart, full of compassion. As expected of a gentle monarch.
Of course, the premise of everything was not to provoke her.
Frieren then went to a separate laboratory. This area was mainly established for single projects or topics, led by one person with other talented mages joining in. For example, the focus of the one before her:
The bald mage greeted the familiar silver-haired girl the moment he saw her, "You're finally awake! Just in time, I have a new discovery."
"Professor Thops, I also discovered that combining analysis with the force field can enhance its reflective effect."
"Yes, my side has broken through to being able to reflect incantations..."
The two immediately began to share their results. Thops had now developed a force field that was effective against incantations, and even further, for example, it could actively cancel out the opponent's buff-type incantations, making them disappear prematurely. This was truly terrifying.
It had become a means to specifically counter the power of sorceries and incantations. The stronger the user, the better the effect.
But for application to ordinary soldiers, it had to be honestly used for defense. They couldn't even hope to deflect it back at the enemy. Just ensuring they survived was good enough. At the very least, it improved their survivability.
"So that's how it is!"
Frieren immediately tested the reflection of the Lightning Spear incantation with the force field. The effect was more obvious than before.
At this point, this technology was still growing.
Many of the strange and deadly powers in the Lands Between were actually incantations, and very tricky. Even she had to be on guard to avoid being killed on sight. Some of them were no less than curse-level magic in reality. Now, with another means of dealing with them, her sense of security had increased a great deal.
If she expanded it a bit more, could she widen its application?
For example, when facing incantations like the Black Flame of the God-Slayers, Scarlet Aeonia, or the Flame of the Fell God, she could better protect herself from being infected.
"By the way, I also have a new discovery here." She remembered the battle in the Underground Kingdom and said, "Analyzing the corresponding magic can strengthen the reflective effect against it, and even return it along its original path..."
Thops's eyes lit up as he listened, nodding from time to time and taking notes.
The insights of a top-tier mage were too precious. This apprentice of hers probably had just realized it herself. He should do a good job of collecting it; it might be useful.
A moment later.
"That's all. I think based on this principle, perhaps someone else in the Lands Between can also deflect magic, as long as they have sufficient cognitive analysis and power."
"Frieren, these theories you speak of are very precious, but I'm afraid only you can do it."
"Mm, it is indeed quite difficult."
"I can broaden the scope of Thops's Barrier so that more people can learn it and carry it forward. But very few people have your kind of talent. Only you can bring it to a higher level. The same goes for other magics."
The silver-haired girl fell silent and nodded, dismissing the thought of entrusting Thops with further research. His meaning was that he had reached his limit.
Indeed, she had incorporated many magic systems. Others couldn't learn them.
He was already very satisfied. For a person to create one magic in their lifetime was already a rare achievement. Higher levels had to be pioneered by their disciples. And Thops had to focus on large-scale applications.
As the two were talking, the laboratory door creaked open. It was, surprisingly, Sellen.
Today, she was not wearing her Glintstone crown, revealing a face with exquisite features. She said with a full smile:
"You're finally back, Frieren. Don't you want to see the new progress on creating a body? We can already research higher-strength Larval Tear products."
"That's great news!"
At the same time, Thops also waved his hand, "I'll handle things here. You hurry up and discuss with Professor Sellen to see if you can make improvements."
Creating a body for Melina had always been the most important project. There was no room for error. Any progress had to be thoroughly understood.
On the operating table was, surprisingly, a Larval Tear. The difference was that it already showed signs of life. That's right, her perception wouldn't deceive her. From a mechanical point of view, it was already considered a life form, and a physically strong one at that.
"...Could it be that the Great Rune of the Unborn has granted it a blessing?"
Unexpectedly, her apprentice had hit the nail on the head. Sellen's face showed surprise. As expected, a prospective Lord who held two Great Runes was very sensitive to fragments of the Elden Ring.
"Correct. First, we specially selected the Larval Tear in the best condition and strengthened it. It cost a lot. Then we asked the Queen of the Full Moon to perform a blessing. Thus, we obtained the Tear with the best base attributes so far, at least three times stronger."
"But how to transform it into a vessel for a specific soul? This step needs you to complete."
"To be honest, if we can't find more suitable materials in the Eternal City, then using this is not bad either. For example, adding the blessing of your two Great Runes might be able to strengthen the Tear."
Frieren fell silent and observed it carefully.
Based on the steps for constructing a body for the Mirror Demon copy, using the Tear as the main body should be feasible. But there was one thing.
"There are many structures I don't understand. Are there any related records of the formulas?"
"Unfortunately, we are only researching on the given materials, through repeated trials. At most, we add some academic theories of the Albinaurics. As for the part concerning the core technology of Nokron, no one knows."
"What a pity."
To rashly use something she didn't know the details of did not conform to Frieren's magical philosophy.
Although she was usually quite unrestrained with her various moves, using it on Melina was another matter. She had to study it clearly before making a move.
But she still continued to exchange theories with Sellen...
It was obvious that the Academy of Magic had delved deep into the secret arts of life, even boldly using the "cycle of rot and rebirth" trait of the Scarlet Rot for guidance. It was quite explosive, worthy of Raya Lucaria's spirit of exploration, trying everything.
Frieren discovered a new wonderful use: according to the secret arts of the Academy of Magic, it could indeed increase life force.
It was consistent with Flamme's research.
The paths of geniuses often converge. Both had thought of the impact on lifespan. To be able to use magical means plus the cycle trait to make the body live forever and stay young.
The people of the Lands Between didn't care, treating it as a by-product of a by-product. But in her eyes, it was worth studying carefully.
"Feel free to research. Let's think together."
The time waiting for the meeting to be convened was tedious. It was a good opportunity for the master and apprentice's minds to clash, to make up for lost time and incorporate new ideas. Some inspiration was enough to push magic forward.
They were both the type to immerse themselves in research. Once they got into their professional field, they would talk endlessly, and by the way, make a mess of the laboratory.
In addition, Frieren also specially used wild monsters to generate corresponding Spirit Ashes. The effect was not bad. She could give them all to Roderika to attune.
A large number of new types of Spirit Ashes were added.
"Looks like there's one more research topic. To strengthen their combat power as much as possible..."
Boom!
For several days, a strong storm of mana, like an explosion, continuously raged. Those who didn't know would have thought the Academy of Magic was under attack. One thing was certain: the Rosy-Kindling Queen who had returned from her slumber seemed to be even stronger, having released a further level of power. It was incredible.
After two days, the people of the Academy were no longer surprised. As long as she didn't tear down the place, it was fine.
No wonder Her Majesty chose to reside permanently in Raya Lucaria, not even bothering with a royal city-level place like Stormveil. She must have been after the academic atmosphere.
At the same time, the high command assembled.
Mugram, who had the advantage of proximity, didn't need to be told. He just had to strengthen his guard. After all, Frieren was already at the academy. He could go to the laboratory to report at any time.
On the other side, the defenses around the Ruin-Strewn Precipice were strengthened. In the future, it would be a route to attack the Altus Plateau.
"Your Excellency Mugram, the Abyss Watchers have also been revived."
"They have the same personality as Her Majesty, huh? They must have been awakened by the bell. If the Abyss Watchers really want to move around, then guide them to the Gael Tunnel area. There are plenty of monsters over there."
"As you command."
"Logically, it should have been cleared out long ago. Could it be that Volcano Manor has been spilling out monsters? This matter must be reported to Her Majesty..."
The ones who were paying the most attention to the news were, of course, the Stormveil nobles led by Lord Haight.
They were afraid that they wouldn't have enough presence in front of Frieren and would be marginalized. The moment they heard there was going to be a meeting, they couldn't wait to come. After a quick tidy-up, they set off on horseback. In any case, Limgrave and Liurnia were not far apart.
Of course, Haight believed he was not inferior to the lake region.
The southern region was the first to be ruled by the Rosy-Kindling Queen, and had revived a step earlier than anyone else. In addition, it had not suffered much loss in the Shattering, so it had preserved the largest population, which also constituted the absolute numerical majority of the southern army.
And they were constantly cultivating special troop types, making a push for the mid-tier combat power positions. They would not fall behind the Liurnian faction.
"Caravan, speed up! I need to bring the good news to Her Majesty as soon as possible!"
"Understood, Lord Haight!"
Caelid.
The army furthest away was also the busiest. When they received the news, they were still clearing out the creatures of rot. They couldn't be careless with the remnants of the defeated army; they had to be completely wiped out.
A storm hawk delivered the message at the fastest speed. The people present looked at each other, their faces showing joy.
Edgar said, "It looks like my patrol here is coming to an end. I have to report our progress to Her Majesty. What about you? Lord Jerren, the journey is long, why don't we go together?"
"I estimate many people at headquarters don't know that the purification speed is faster than imagined. The resilience of life should never be underestimated."
"Yes, I never dreamed I would see a day like today."
Jerren looked along the horizon. A hundred flowers were blooming, purple and red. A gust of wind made the sea of flowers ripple and surge, its fragrance spreading for a hundred miles, refreshing the heart.
They hadn't expected the sea of flowers to continuously awaken the deep-seated life force in the soil. Even if Frieren didn't maintain the purification, the power of life born from the ashes would still suppress a large amount of Scarlet Rot. The earth turned from crimson to a riot of color.
Those ugly, twisted plants had disappeared, without them even having to lift a finger.
"No wonder that Outer God tried so hard to stop her back then. It was because it knew how formidable Her Majesty was," Edgar said thoughtfully.
"The flower field magic, enhanced by a Great Rune, already possesses immense power. It's the world responding to the purification. Everyone has been polluted for too long."
"So we must support Her Majesty in creating more achievements."
After reaching a consensus, the two also set off for Liurnia on horseback.
The central command of the southern army would brew a new round of action.
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