Frieren glanced at the Farron Undead Legion; she saw them nod in perfect sync. Okay.
In a sense, as fellow companions of a Lord of Cinder, they were walking the path of continuing the world together, and even coming to the Lands Between didn't change that. So, the Legion welcomed drilling alongside former rivals, and also training these overly green soldiers.
If you want to help my friend-and-foe walk the path to the Elden Ring, the Legion seemed to convey, your current level is far from sufficient.
Understanding this sentiment, the silver-haired girl raised the Spirit Calling Bell. She hadn't used it in a long time; during boss battles, she preferred to hone her own strength.
Relying on external objects wasn't her style. This philosophy brought up a question: What use are you? Can't let the Spirit Calling Bell sit idle forever, right? She was still collecting Spirit Ashes continuously; shouldn't let pearls gather dust.
And now, Frieren believed the battlefield was its best place. At this thought, the bell chimed. Amidst the clear ringing, Spirit Ash warriors gradually materialized:
[Lone Wolf Ashes]
[Wandering Noble Ashes]
[Godrick Soldier Ashes]
[Spirit Jellyfish Ashes]
[Skeletal Militiaman Ashes]
[Lhutel the Headless]
A total of 14 combat units stood ready. She didn't rush them into a charge. Raising her staff, she cast a round of buffing magic, each infused with soul enhancement. After the stacking buffs, even the weakest Lone Wolf Ashes possessed imposing momentum.
At this moment, they were likely not inferior to any powerful troop type in the Lands Between; they could at least put up a fight.
Moreover, Lhutel, as one of the legendary ashes, reached hero-level combat power. Even on a vast battlefield, she would have a certain impact, let alone on this smaller stage.
Frieren pointed from afar, and the Spirit Ash warriors surged forward.
Simultaneously, Edgar shouted orders: "Frontline charging troops, disperse! Midfield, form columns! Everyone, be careful to evade! You will go from attacking multiple hero units to witnessing more heroes clashing—"
BOOM!
Lhutel the Headless was the first to clash with a Farron warrior. Her greatshield met the greatsword head-on. The resulting shockwave knocked down dozens of soldiers.
The two imposing figures engaged in ultra-high-speed combat, first testing each other with simple, direct blows, back and forth. Each strike stirred up flames and fierce winds, suffocatingly intense. Immediately after, both began changing tactics, employing different skills and martial arts. The entire fight was exquisitely skillful.
However, this also meant the aftershocks spread outwards; men and soldiers were thrown into disarray wherever they passed. Ordinary Warhawks and Trolls steered clear, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.
The remaining Spirit Ashes reached the frontline together. They were naturally no match for Lhutel, so they had to rely on numbers. Under Frieren's command and special buffs, three to four units tied down a single Farron member. The latter cooperated by engaging them, while those without an opponent actively withdrew.
The drill's objective was to test: "If the enemy's heroes and elite forces are tied down, can the city be conquered?" Therefore, the Farron Undead Legion didn't need to deliberately increase the difficulty.
In actual combat, they would be responsible for facing divine beings, not just enemies at the hero level.
Rumble—
The clash between the Spirit Ash legion and the Farron Undead Legion was like a passing storm. Sword beams crisscrossed, flames surged. From afar, one could only see figures constantly being blown away from the center of the explosions.
But the attacking vanguard still pushed forward with difficulty until they reached the walls, starting a new phase of the siege. The defenders showed no mercy either. Except for using non-lethal weapons, the force behind their attacks wasn't reduced; neither side yielded an inch.
Fooling around now would be truly suicidal later; after all, there's no mercy in real combat environments. This needed to be instilled during drills.
Edgar commented, "Your Majesty's Spirit Ash legion was a great help. It's equivalent to adding a special unit and one hero, giving the attacking force a chance to breathe. But overall, it didn't achieve suppression. On a direct battlefield, we would still lose."
"Is there a way?" Frieren asked.
"Besides reinforcing troops, there's no other solution. And the key is adding strong elites. There's no shortage of basic soldiers anywhere; Leyndell's strength lies in its core forces."
"There's one remaining option," Frieren countered, "attack with absolutely lethal, super-large-area magic."
Hearing this, Edgar looked in surprise as a trace of gravity magic flashed in Frieren's hand. This was astounding. Thanks to the reputation of the strongest demigod, Radahn, everyone regarded gravity magic as the Lands Between's ultimate battlefield annihilation power, often performing exceptionally well in one-vs-many situations. So Her Majesty had mastered it too?
"If I, like Gransax, could tie down organized armies plus demigods," Frieren continued, "it should reduce the pressure on you."
"Correct," Edgar acknowledged. "The great dragon failed by trying to breach the walls single-handedly. But if we are too weak to help, then the siege would be no different from Your Majesty charging in alone."
"Have faith in yourselves. Look—" Frieren pointed towards the crumbling wall. In a moment of inattention, boulders had already collapsed part of the wall, and someone had broken through the gate. Clearly, the drill was entering its final phase. The siege ladders clinging to the walls were actively being dropped.
In a real battle, Leyndell's excessively high walls wouldn't give you a chance to climb; at best, you could use this tactic as a diversion.
Whooo!
A loud horn blast signaled the end of the drill. The Spirit Ash legion and the Farron Undead Legion at the heart of the battlefield also ceased fighting. The remaining soldiers let out long sighs of relief; in the future, this would become routine.
Facts proved the basic logic of this battle plan was sound; it only lacked scale. Yet, scale was precisely what the Royal Capital Leyndell didn't lack. They had heaps of powerful units and countless enhanced weapons. How could they bridge the gap?
"Your Majesty," Edgar began, hesitating for a moment, "some soldiers are requesting very... special ways to become stronger. For example, grafting techniques. Do you mind?"
"Even the Grafted Blade Greatsword in my hands is a product of grafting," Frieren mused, glancing at her weapon. "I probably don't have the right to judge Limgrave's long-standing technical customs... Although it's a bit strange, I have no reason to interfere with others' methods of becoming stronger, as long as they don't target people like Godrick did."
"They intend to graft powerful creatures."
"Forming a grafted army?" Frieren murmured, her expression conflicted. "Quite the regional specialty."
In reality, she had already accepted the allegiance of some grafted nobles. They could be considered a special troop type; with some training, they might become elites. She truly had no standing to judge the technique itself.
"As long as it doesn't cause trouble for their comrades, I don't object. Besides, after getting stronger, they can gain more Rune enhancements.
However, Edgar, remember to convey this: If they encounter side effects, come find me. It's not hard to treat. Therefore, set a grafting limit: it cannot exceed one-third of their body weight. Otherwise, I can't save them."
"Understood," Edgar acknowledged.
Frieren witnessed Edgar's expression, keen on promoting this unique technique, and couldn't help thinking that the paths to power suitable for the Lands Between were each more peculiar than the last. Speaking of powerful creatures, there seemed to be quite a few in Liurnia of the Lakes.
A week had passed since her return to Stormveil Castle. During this time, Frieren had been constantly busy. Even in her long life as an elf, such a packed schedule was rare; she had basically visited all the key locations.
In her previous game, she had merely occupied the capital and made the most basic arrangements. Only this time did she learn what it was like when things were truly operational: Prosperity.
With the Queen of Limgrave being active and present, more people were drawn by her reputation, including some renowned experts. They were said to be passing through on their way to the combat festival in Caelid, stopping for a rest.
Out of curiosity, she met with these individuals too – not through formal audiences, but casual chats in a tavern.
The silver-haired girl sat at the head table, flanked by famous warriors, among them Great Horned Tragoth, an old warrior, Warrior Jar Alexander, and others. Iron Fist Alexander's appearance was particularly eye-opening. Apparently, a unique "culture" circulated in the Lands Between; its origins were unknown, but it likely had quite a story...
However, they weren't well-acquainted, so they didn't talk in detail.
They would likely become more familiar after becoming comrades-in-arms in Caelid in the near future. Frieren had no time to waste either and went to one place as soon as possible: The Divine Tower.
Without any unexpected incidents, she easily activated Godrick's Great Rune. But combining soul magic blessings with Elden Ring fragments became a new research topic. To be cautious, large-scale enhancement had to be postponed; it required time for research.
Regardless, Frieren now possessed the activated Great Rune and could use it by expending a Rune Arc.
Previously, she had only used it as a medium. Having truly experienced the Great Rune's effect – "all attributes raised" – it was indeed extraordinary. No wonder Godrick could unleash such power on the spot back then. Unfortunately, the user's foundation was more important, which was why he ultimately lost.
She wouldn't be using the active effect for now. Her shelving it was the same principle as not using Spirit Ashes against bosses.
What she learned in the Lands Between would ultimately be tested in reality.
Things clearly tied to the rules here, like the Spirit Ash legion and Great Rune activation, had already been proven unusable in reality.
Therefore, Frieren absolutely could not rely on them and taint her own fighting style; otherwise, fumbling against demons would cost lives.
Oh well. Here, she just needed to slowly research the Elden Ring blessing ability to grant it to her subordinates later. Everyone was actually very happy that the Queen could use an activated Great Rune; they felt honored by association. Perhaps it could bring a turning point.
Besides research, the matters she had previously ordered were also progressing.
The elite troop training program proposed by Edgar officially began.
The sole designated instructors were the Farron Undead Legion – after all, they were the most experienced, each one a selected elite; training new recruits was even less of a problem.
As for sparring partners, it was naturally the Black Knife Assassin and the Ancient Hero of Zamor, since the city didn't have many other combatants of that caliber.
The ranks of Dragon Communion adherents and grafted nobles expanded somewhat. After receiving Frieren's approval, they could readily accommodate different powers as long as individuals were willing.
During this period, rejection symptoms naturally occurred, but fortunately, thanks to treatment, the modifications proceeded safely – she was quite skilled at healing.
Some who barely survived the rejection symptoms gave up this path, content to be ordinary soldiers for life. Others stood out, adapting to the dragon heart and grafting techniques, growing rapidly with fierce momentum.
Edgar was very satisfied with this trend, feeling they were on the right track, so he began specifically selecting army elites, forming additional powerful troop types to serve as vanguards later.
In the Lands Between, armies had always valued quality over quantity, something the military nobility knew particularly well.
The Royal Capital possessed superior troop quality, equipment, and nigh-impassable terrain, making it almost invincible; treating it as the hypothetical enemy was troublesome.
But they weren't without their advantages.
The south could currently be called "the most dynamic region in the world," having recovered earlier than any other. The scale effect it would generate in the future was hard to imagine. Just having the astonishing number of workable Living Corpses as auxiliary troops eliminated a host of troubles, allowing them to focus energy on frontline combat.
Additionally, the scattered manor nobles, led by Kenneth Haight, restarted infrastructure development. They comprehensively renovated and prepared roads, outposts, fortresses, and warehouses throughout Limgrave, maximizing the flow of resources within the region.
His insightful choices fully integrated existing resources, prioritizing efficiency first.
Dispatching troops towards the Caelid border's fire wall was also aimed at maintaining order; since the south's current specialty was stability and peace, they might as well maintain it.
As long as their own governance was good enough, they would attract popular support sooner or later.
In fact, a considerable number of Tarnished were already cooperating closely with Stormveil Castle's army. For example, Rogier, Nepheli Loux, and others they had interacted with before, worked alongside the southern army to strike bandits and eliminate monsters.
Kenneth Haight was very satisfied with the current situation; indeed, choosing to invest in Frieren was the most profitable gamble of his life—no, something that would be remembered in the history of nobility.
The Sorcery Workshop. Since the research into the Great Rune blessing ability began, this place had become the area with the most commotion in all of Stormveil Castle. Magical storms frequently whipped up, pillars of light shot towards the sky. Except when Her Majesty was handling administrative affairs, the research continued nonstop, tireless delving.
It was well known that once Her Majesty targeted a research topic, she would tackle it with full force until results appeared. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and on the 7th day, the blessing research was declared complete.
A new high-level meeting began.
Frieren spoke candidly: "The good news is that the blessing is indeed feasible. The bad news is that my level as an Astrologer is insufficient. I need more Runes, become stronger, to enhance correspondingly powerful troop types. And those cannot be found in Limgrave or the Weeping Peninsula."
"Relay the order: completely clear out the Academy outposts in the western peninsula. Increase vigilance in the Liurnia of the Lakes region."
"There's no need to wait any longer. I will depart via the cliff path guarded by Stormveil Castle."
Her words startled everyone present. It's finally here.
Sellen couldn't help but ask, "Should I go with you? After all, I still have some understanding of the Academy."
"No need," Frieren replied. "First, we need to confirm we can break the Academy's seal. It won't be too late for you to move once I have news. For new areas, exploring alone is more efficient and safer for me."
"Alright then," Sellen conceded.
"Don't deploy too many troops; just take a defensive stance towards the Academy," Frieren instructed. "Even if attacking, facing that kind of terrain is still better done alone."
The nobles readily agreed. This day was bound to come sooner or later anyway.
Her Majesty wasn't a flawed Shardbearer content to sit in one place; she was a Tarnished who came to mend the Elden Ring. She had already delayed too long in the weakest land. It was time to head north and explore the central-southern part of the Lands Between – the place destined to become the natural barrier against the forces of the Altus Plateau.
"You must be careful. Liurnia of the Lakes is vaster and more complex," Kenneth Haight advised with concern.
"Mm. I'll stay for 3 more days, then depart. Begin mobilizing troops during this time."
Stormveil Castle's actions always attracted attention.
In the current stagnant times, no region in the entire Lands Between was as active as it was. Limgrave's every move was worth watching.
The unstoppable new demigod was embarking on a journey once again. Unlike her recent patrol of the south, this time she aimed her spearhead at the Liurnia of the Lakes region. This was significant, as this area involved quite a number of factions and was considered within the military radiation zone of the Altus Plateau.
As expected. Compared to continuing south to confront the troublesome Scarlet Rot lands and the strongest demigod, Radahn, heading north was relatively easier.
For some who wanted to see the Queen of Soul Cinder clash with Starscourge Radahn, it was somewhat disappointing.
Feels weaker than Radahn.
But no one would ignore Frieren's actions. Regardless, her control over her own territory was second only to the Royal Capital Leyndell; she could fully mobilize resources and dispatch armies with a single command.
The place once known as the "Witchbane Ruins" was completely uprooted. Unlike last time when she merely swept through single-handedly, this time, the southern army's iron hooves trampled and purified it.
Henceforth, it would become a new settlement, unrelated to the Academy.
This move undoubtedly sent a signal – Frieren's response to the sorcerers' repeated provocations like "Crusade against the witch," "Illicitly spreading a new school," "Heretical research," etc. Did they really think they could just run their mouths without consequence? Too used to being arrogant, they didn't know their own measure?
Acting in concert was the southern army, which began strengthening defenses in the Liurnia of the Lakes region, ready to respond to attacks at any moment.
In a way, simultaneously defending the north and attacking eastwards towards the fire wall to eliminate Kindred of Rot – these two fronts demonstrated their war potential.
Discerning eyes could see that Limgrave, while appearing high-profile, was actually biding its time and building strength, maintaining low-intensity drills, continuously enhancing its own power. Perhaps one day it would lunge towards the common goal of all Tarnished...
Royal Capital Leyndell.
A Night's Cavalry knight bowed deeply to Morgott before him.
"News from the front lines: forces near the Grand Lift have finished assembling, reaching a scale of 20,000. In terms of quality, it's something the Limgrave region could never possibly achieve. The enemy shouldn't even dream of reaching the Altus Plateau."
"Furthermore, we have dispatched forces to patrol the area along the Grand Lift, ready to attack at any moment."
"According to our informants, this time Shardbearer Frieren is targeting the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Besides collecting the Great Rune, she likely also has a personal fondness for sorcery scrolls. Perhaps we will have an opportunity to engage her in the Liurnia of the Lakes region."
With that, he presented a map.
It roughly depicted the southern army's movements, simultaneously defending the north and handling the east. The deployment was very clear.
There were too many ways to observe armies in the Lands Between; both sides were practically playing with open cards. When the time came, it would depend on who had superior skill. Could the rebels who raised the banner of defiance enter the Royal Capital Leyndell?
After examining it carefully, Morgott asked, "What about the specific troop types?"
The Night's Cavalry knight even had to produce a written report, showing just how much intelligence was gathered on Limgrave.
"It is rumored that Stormveil Castle is already systematically training Warhawks, Stormhawks, and Winged Misbegotten as aerial units. With their resources supporting them, they will become significantly stronger. Additionally, the numbers of grafted nobles and Dragon Communion adherents are expanding."
"What's particularly noteworthy is that Frieren's Spirit Ash legion is growing stronger, and she is continuously collecting Spirit Ashes. It should become quite troublesome in the future. My Lord, frankly, I advise eliminating the rebels sooner rather than later."
Morgott remained silent. Who didn't know that hidden dangers should be dealt with early? The problem was that his army was sufficient for defense but lacking in offensive capability; stationing large forces outside the Altus Plateau already consumed significant energy.
Times had changed. Although the Royal Capital was undoubtedly the strongest, the fact was it was weakening by merely defending its existing strength, while Limgrave was growing against the trend.
To be precise, its previous losses weren't significant; its sorry state was due to the secondary disasters of the aftershocks, and Frieren's arrival changed all that, for example, by curing the Living Corpse transformation.
Even he had received news of the south's population boom, let alone its direct ruler. Very troublesome.
If they launched a rash expedition, even just a full incursion into the lake region could provoke enemies eyeing the capital into action.
"Don't be too reckless," Morgott finally said. "From what I know, Frieren's foundation of rule is solid. Though I hate to admit it, she has given the south a better alternative. If we launch an offensive war, it will only further incite their spirit of resistance. Are we to turn the only remaining land of recovery into a sea of fire?"
"My duty is to protect the Erdtree, and also to protect the prosperity of Leyndell. If Frieren initiates the Third Siege of Leyndell, let us have our decisive battle here."
Since Morgott had made up his mind, his subordinates couldn't persuade him otherwise.
Actually, they also wanted to suggest the Grace-Given King step forward directly and declare his ascension as Elden Lord, denying the enemy's legitimacy.
But he wouldn't accept it. Besides, wouldn't the people of the Lands Between then have to witness a Lord emerging from either an Omen child or a demi-human hybrid? The thought alone was unbearable.
Either way, propriety and order were collapsing.
Meanwhile, outside the Caria Manor region.
War Counselor Iji welcomed a travel-worn figure: Blaidd the Half-Wolf, returned from investigating Caelid.
"How is it, Blaidd?" Iji asked immediately. "How much longer can Starscourge Radahn hold on?"
"It's hard for me to say where a demigod's limit lies," Blaidd replied grimly. "But the Redmane Knights are serious about holding the combat festival. They likely intend to truly send off their commander. Unfortunately, there are no strong contenders among those present, at least none qualified to defeat Radahn."
"If the stars don't move, many things are impossible," Iji sighed. "We can only wait and see. But that change should have already arrived. I heard there's other news from Caelid?"
"Yes," Blaidd confirmed. "Monsters of Pus of Man have appeared. There's also news that Volcano Manor has made contact with an off-world monster fond of devouring, which seems to be stirring, posing a new threat to the Royal Capital."
Worry crossed Blaidd's face. The volcano was already one of the most brutal battlefields during the Shattering; if war broke out there again, it would likely be even worse.
Iji murmured, "No wonder the Grace-Given King has been unwilling to press the attack south with a large army. His main defensive focus is likely the volcano... The problem is, after so many years, no one knows how much strength the volcano still retains."
"Compared to that," Blaidd shifted, "I heard Limgrave is also making moves?"
"Correct," Iji affirmed. "That new Shardbearer Queen has finally begun heading north. I suspect the troop movements are a cover, to conceal her own tracks."
"Why?"
"Well, she favors that solo adventuring style," Iji explained. "And another reason might be that Frieren wants to meet someone who is also in hiding. So she needs to create a commotion to attract attention, to avoid exposing her friend."
Iji glanced meaningfully towards Ranni's Rise in the distance.
Blaidd understood immediately.
_____
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