Rather than calling the great tree before them a young Erdtree, it was more that its dazzling radiance felt sacred.
Fortunately, there were no patrolling soldiers nearby, allowing them a moment to catch their breath.
Sneaking along the way seemed effortless as no conflicts arose, but in reality, it required absolute concentration. They had to be aware of their surroundings in every direction, not missing a single movement, and pay even closer attention to details than the patrolling soldiers themselves.
A glimmer of light!
Following the guidance of the treasure map, Frieren made a new discovery. Lying quietly in the grass beneath the tree was an inconspicuous talisman.
Upon picking it up, she discovered it bore exquisite carved textures. A mighty, robust man held a sacred droplet in both hands. Even after millennia of servitude, one could feel the power within it. It was Godfrey, the first king, and she had never seen a carving so lifelike.
[Lord's Conferment Talisman]
[A talisman crafted in the likeness of Godfrey, the 'First Elden Lord,' at the moment he was conferred a sacred droplet.]
[Increases poise while using a flask of sacred tears.]
[When the king was conferred the droplet, his presence was extraordinary, brimming with power—]
[It is said that at that very moment, he stood perfectly still—the king of the Erdtree, steadfast upon the earth.]
Frieren equipped the talisman and felt a powerful protective force.
Not bad.
Much better than the amusing trinkets from the Cerulean Coast; this item was actually quite valuable.
Poise while drinking a flask is crucial.
However, if she were creating a proper build, the talisman slot could be given to one with other effects. Its role was awkward—useful, but not useful enough.
Besides, she rarely drank her wondrous physick, often finishing a battle without needing to replenish.
If a situation were truly urgent, Frieren knew the technique to 'cancel the flask drinking animation,' allowing her to instantly consume the potion and recover her status, making the extra poise feel a bit redundant.
So be it.
At the very least, its story held great historical value. A treasure modeled after Godfrey's conferment would surely be popular among scholars.
The small party continued onward, passing through the courtyard area.
Along the way, Frieren adhered to the principle of 'pick up any treasure you see, avoid any soldier you can,' proceeding without obstruction, completely unnoticed.
Her skills left her two companions marveling. They never would have guessed the Soul Cinder King was a master of stealth, her movements fluid and practiced, executed in one smooth sequence. She had the perfect style of an assassin, with skills likely on par with the top Black Knife Assassins.
The thought alone was terrifying.
If someone with the power of a quasi-king was willing to act as an assassin, then there would be no peace in the Lands Between. In terms of raw talent as an assassin, Frieren was likely even superior to Maliketh, the Black Blade.
Who would have ever guessed she would sneak into the Shadow Keep? It didn't fit the image of a Soul Cinder King at all.
Even if someone guessed she would infiltrate, they could never have predicted Frieren's exquisite skill.
Thus, they easily reached the inner city, making their way up from the main gate to the top of the ramparts, from where they could overlook the plain.
"Ahead is the Specimen Storehouse."
Melina plotted the fastest route based on the map.
In a way, they also had to thank the intelligence support from the Carian Army, which had provided a map of the entire Shadow Keep, leaving no secrets before them.
Therefore, it wasn't hard to guess that Messmer's only option was to increase patrols, using variable defensive deployments to counteract the intelligence leak. But for all his calculations, he never imagined that a full party of three would dare to sneak all the way through.
Dong~
Suddenly, a melodious and piercing bell toll rang out, growing louder and more urgent.
"Enemy sighted, the main gate has been breached, someone has infiltrated the main keep," a herald announced at top speed. "To your positions, strengthen the defenses, and stay sharp!"
The Golden Hippopotamus's massive size made it an excellent alarm system in itself.
Although Frieren had achieved the most ideal and efficient kill without making much noise, the Crusade Army at least knew to perform regular checks on the gatekeeper. They discovered signs of a battle, and the conclusion was clear: "The Soul Cinder King has invaded. Only she could have dealt with the Golden Hippopotamus so quickly."
The elite warriors never relied on wishful thinking.
Who else could this powerful enemy, sneaking in at such a critical juncture, be? It was definitely Frieren's doing. Her motive and strength both fit, and while it didn't match her usual style, who said she had to launch a frontal assault?
The Shadow Keep mobilized quickly from top to bottom. The sound of frequent footsteps echoed as swords, spears, and halberds were rapidly distributed from the weapon racks.
They made the necessary preparations; if it came to it, they would fight within the city.
"Attention, the enemy is a small infiltration team, likely three acting together. They can't stay hidden. Widen the search area and find them as soon as possible."
Little did they know, the main culprits were right beside them, watching it all unfold.
After a round of deployments, the main force of the Crusade Army headed for the outer districts, with large troops marching hastily across the ramparts. This was a reasonable judgment; based on the timeline, they estimated the enemy to be in the outer city.
Unfortunately, they were wrong.
Frieren had never before displayed such masterful stealth techniques, causing everyone to underestimate her speed.
As a result, she was able to smoothly lead Melina and the Mimic Tear across the ramparts.
This wide-open area would normally be very exposed. If a few Flame Knights had been blocking the way, she would have had to knock them out and hide them. But any extra action would have increased the risk of error.
Now that they had withdrawn, it was even easier for Frieren. However, after just a few steps, she encountered a familiar face:
A Knight of the Golden Needle leaned against a doorway as if waiting.
"Long time no see, Leda."
The sudden appearance of the uninvited guest slightly startled the woman with the golden coiffure. She then gave a bow.
"I was waiting for Your Majesty. I trust you have been well."
"It seems you've become quite familiar with the Shadow Keep."
"No, we've actually been hiding within the city."
"Thanks to Your Majesty's activities in Shadow Altus, the forces at the Specimen Storehouse were diverted."
"We've been able to consult the archives and advance our investigation in peace these past few days."
"This must be the benefit of cooperation, yes?"
"So you came specifically to see me?"
"That's right. The squad will proceed to the Divine Gate to rendezvous under the radiance of Lord Miquella's ascension."
"I have also sent word to the Haligtree. Lady Malenia will dispatch an army to ensure all goes smoothly."
"The King of Promise will arrive, acclaimed by all, alongside the god himself."
"I look forward to that moment."
Though the two spoke of matters that should have thrilled their followers, their expressions were flat, their gazes sharp as blades.
After exchanging their movements, they suddenly fell silent. There was nothing more to say, and the atmosphere grew tense, as if swords were about to be drawn.
In truth, Frieren hadn't expected Leda to be so direct. She was forthright, at least. Her mind might be troubled, but her knightly bearing was genuine.
Whether as a deterrent or a celebration, she had revealed important information.
The Haligtree will also intervene? That was expected. But from the sound of it, the so-called invincible Blade of Miquella wouldn't be appearing in person? Some people would be disappointed.
Was there not enough time, or was it inconvenient?
In any case, for the sake of their time as colleagues, Frieren would not take the initiative to strike a lethal blow.
Provided the other party didn't inadvertently show killing intent.
Should she be direct?
Leda was also conflicted. If she provoked the Soul Cinder King here, death was certain, and her entire squad of followers would be annihilated.
Their deaths were a small matter; interfering with Lord Miquella's opportunity would be the gravest sin.
Since their lord had already commanded them to proceed to the Divine Gate, then they should die under the radiance of a god. There was no need for unpleasantness here.
Besides, there were some things she truly wanted to ask face-to-face:
"I hear Your Majesty intends to conquer the Carian and Crusade Armies?"
Frieren nodded frankly.
They were all adults; there was no need for brainless questions like 'who are you targeting?' There had to be more to it:
"But they may not be able to defeat the final, strongest army of the Hornsent in the Spiral Tower, to say nothing of the true god and king who presides there."
"Ordinary demigods might be checked by an elite army, but numbers are meaningless before a God-King."
"The Lands Between has seen rises and falls, but in ten thousand years, the combination of a god and a king has never been defeated."
"Back then, the First Elden Lord was invincible."
"Further back still, even Bayle, the Dread, whom you defeated, did not dare provoke a Dragonlord who had a god."
"I advise Your Majesty to look at history and think carefully."
At this point, Leda was essentially trying to persuade her to surrender, confirming that with the bewitchment lifted, the Soul Cinder King was a foe, not a friend.
She always had been.
It had to be admitted that Lord Miquella had overlooked one detail. He had never managed to control Frieren, this top-tier combatant.
Instead, he had drawn her to the Land of Shadow, where she ran rampant, stirred up trouble, and grew ever stronger.
So she, too, hoped to recruit her opponent. After all, Miquella couldn't truly rely on the Hornsent to establish a foothold in the Lands Between.
The Haligtree army was strong enough, but it wasn't new, not vibrant enough.
As expected, Frieren shook her head and replied, "Not long ago, I met Trina, who was abandoned by Miquella."
"He even left a message: 'To divest myself of my love, and leave it here.'"
"To his followers, it probably seems that their lord is decisive and resolute."
"But we found it quite horrifying."
"How can a truly gentle person cast aside half of themselves? I have no common ground with such a person."
Leda fell silent.
To casually remark on matters concerning Lady Trina was somewhat disrespectful, yet she could not fail to rebut.
"What happened is objective fact; what differs is our subjective judgment..."
"So your journey to the Cerulean Coast has, on the contrary, solidified Your Majesty's resolve?"
"Yes. I've decided to help her, and for everyone's sake as well."
At this point, Frieren had made herself clear. She refused and declared war. Your persuasion is useless.
Having wasted her breath, Leda was somewhat regretful but made no further gesture. It was clear the Soul Cinder King was quite magnanimous and had no intention of clashing here, so there was no need for her to provoke a suicidal fight.
Their respective missions were more important.
It was a pity that after working together, they had never truly reached a consensus, not even under the Verdant Eye. As expected, there is no compromise between kings, only battle. She had been a bit naive.
"Until we meet again on the battlefield, Your Majesty. Please take care."
With that, Leda turned and left, her hand on her sword's hilt as she strode away.
"You as well."
Frieren watched her disappear from view. Though she was a preeminent Knight of the Golden Needle, she would not be a decisive factor in this war.
She guessed that the other followers were also beginning to make their moves, which was why Leda was so eager to confirm her stance. It proved that the peace maintained by the Verdant Eye was not long-lasting; their positions, beliefs, and ideals had finally clashed.
"It seems Miquella has sent out the call," Melina said, worried.
"He is also preparing for the final battle."
"All the better for Mother to eliminate them together."
"We've at least confirmed the Haligtree army will participate. Let's go, we need to win over the Crusade Army first."
Compared to her one worried and one excited companion, Frieren was more looking forward to a grand battle against the God-King combination. It was no big deal. This fight was inevitable, and she had no intention of stopping it.
The party continued forward.
After crossing the top of the ramparts, they indeed arrived at a complex of imposing buildings. They had reached their destination: the Specimen Storehouse.
The massive specimen displayed at the entrance was stunning, especially with the stone tablets and documents piled around it. From time to time, scholar-like figures passed by, lending the place an academic atmosphere. It was rare to find such an area in the Land of Shadow.
Looking up, there were more specimens suspended, all of considerable size.
Frieren had read many of the texts from the Lands Between and could generally determine that these were rare, possibly even extinct, species.
"Messmer has a mind for research, at least."
That point alone earned him credit.
"This place is simply"
____
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