"Thops, what do you plan to do now?" Frieren asked curiously.
"Nothing. If I can't go back to the Academy, I'll just wait here. Nothing else really matters to me anymore. Maybe if it's quiet, I'll find some inspiration."
"You are talented."
"Sigh." He shook his head with a wry smile upon hearing this. Little did he know, Frieren wasn't just comforting him; she had gathered some information from player advice, particularly one crucial keyword. She mentioned Forcefield magic, and Thops generously shared its secrets, seemingly unconcerned even as its inventor.
"This repulsion magic technique you're researching will definitely overturn the academic world."
"But I don't have much hope."
"Don't mind those mediocrities. You're foolish, Thops, foolish for still holding onto the image of the Academy as a hallowed hall of learning. But the power struggles ruined everything. They are the foolish ones; otherwise, Teacher Sellen, your Forcefield, and my Soul magic wouldn't have been rejected."
Frieren opened her palm, releasing a wisp of protective power. Bathed in it, Thops immediately felt an intense surge of energy. Even the faint signs of hollowing born from his despair were completely reversed; in fact, his magic power cap actually increased!
"Could you be—"
There was no need for doubt, because the silver-haired girl before him slowly opened her palm, revealing a fragment of the Elden Ring – the power of a Great Rune. Few had ever seen one, but a single glance was enough to confirm its absolute authenticity. All creatures of The Lands Between had once basked in the radiance of the Great Will, so they would never mistake it; the resonance within their hearts was real.
Even if he was a shut-in who never stepped outside, he knew Soul magic was scorned by the Academy establishment. He also knew that a battle between kings had taken place in Limgrave. The facts were before him: a new demigod was about to cross the cliffs and head north. Such a significant figure acknowledged Thops's research, and she was a recognized founder of a new school of thought – wasn't that worth more than the evaluations of professors!
"Stop doubting yourself. You know how terrifying that Forcefield is."
"Indeed. In my concept, it can repel all magic with a trajectory, interrupting the effect along with it."
"I finally heard you say it yourself."
Hearing this, Thops paused slightly, then spoke with renewed confidence, "Someone once commented that if it succeeded, magic itself would become trivial, making it the nemesis of all sorcerers."
"Their nemesis. Believe in your abilities, and believe in magic. It's not that fragile. But people can always question if magical knowledge will stop here, so continue your research."
Frieren had seen plenty of ridiculously overpowered magic mechanics; they could still be countered.
Knowledge, by its nature, should always be evolving.
Therefore, she encouraged Thops to continue his research without hesitation.
Taking a huge step back, even if the entire magical system of The Lands Between were smashed to pieces, so what? The dialectical logic and research methods would always remain. At worst, they could build a skyscraper from the ground up. The Academy sorcerers worried about being overturned? They were worried that their decaying selves couldn't keep up with the new era.
"Right."
"I will continue, if not for myself, then for the only one who appreciates me."
"Thank you, Your Great Majesty. This soul-redeeming magic must contain the inventor's hopes and gentleness for the world. You will surely become the Elden Lord."
Thops stood up, his gaze firm. Compared to his earlier despondency, he finally possessed a revitalized spirit. Having struggled his whole life, he never dreamed he would be supported by a Shardbearer. It was beyond imagination. Perhaps he should continue his research, striving for that slim chance. In contrast, the Academy seemed less crucial, becoming increasingly hidebound.
This demigod was not someone to be trifled with. There were too many conflicts between them: the master-disciple relationship, the struggle for Great Runes, academic disputes... enough to start several wars, and the decaying Academy would lose. The sacred hall he pursued might be consumed by flames.
"Don't look at me like I'm going to cause destruction. Relax, the Academy is valuable; I won't destroy it casually."
Frieren changed the subject. "You can't keep living rough in the church. Go to Stormveil Castle. There's a sorcery workshop there where you can research."
"Really?"
"Teacher Sellen is in charge of it. You two should have things in common; she'll recognize the value of Thops's Forcefield."
"Someone as mediocre as me can actually research in a workshop?"
The silver-haired girl answered him with action, immediately writing a letter of recommendation and stamping it with a dedicated seal – the sigil of the King of Limgrave.
"Take this letter and set off. It's not far. Settle down there first. I'll send word as soon as I have news. We'll meet again later. You should leave quickly."
Hearing this, Thops nodded excitedly. After taking a few deep breaths, he embarked on his journey.
Although he still felt a strong sense of unreality, finding it hard to believe, opportunity knocks but once. Why be difficult? After thinking it over, he decided to head straight for Stormveil Castle. It couldn't possibly be worse than his current situation.
Watching his retreating figure, Frieren felt a bit more relieved, hoping she could change the inevitable death mentioned by the players.
She was used to it. People who received help in the Souls world rarely met good ends. She wasn't surprised by this, but the absolute freedom of game-like magic was enough to turn things around. She hoped Thops's research would succeed soon.
She didn't think it could be strong enough to repel all magic; that was based on other players' game mechanics, while her own were more realistic.
There should be variables like timing, differences in magic power, proficiency, and compatibility. Of course, a mechanism that could repel magic was still very strong.
The important part was that its operating principle might be applicable in reality. Wouldn't that potentially block unbreakable curses? After all, the legendary spell Carian Retaliation was about reflecting things back. Even Sellia, hailed as the progenitor of magic, had a problem-solving approach of "if you can't comprehend it, repel it." The principle seemed correct; it was just a matter of how to apply it specifically.
But those matters were still far off.
After calming down, Frieren continued reading the player messages left on the ground:
[Thops's Forcefield, your first choice for a mechanic skill. Anyway, dealing with magic that can be repelled feels absolutely awesome. Requires skill to use, practical combat performance isn't top-tier, but it's fun to play with.]
[I've always wondered how he died. Some say he was murdered, others say exhaustion. There's even debate about the scene of Thops's death, just like a detective story plot.]
[Both are possible. I can only say it's disputed, but I lean towards him dying from painstaking effort.]
[The murder theory is a bit conspiratorial, though plausible given the background. But I circled his corpse and found no signs of homicide.]
[It was murder.]
[Stop arguing, you guys. I already wiped out the Magic Academy.]
[When I came here, I thought the average mobs would drop a few magic scrolls, really broaden my horizons. Turns out, this is it. There are useful ones, but not many. No wonder they ostracized Teacher Sellen and Teacher Thops. The Academy establishment is wrong.]
Frieren didn't know the specifics yet, but clearly, the players had complaints. The Magic Academy was not a good place. They hadn't left a good impression on Frieren from the start, and this only deepened it. Teacher Sellen and Teacher Thops, who were expelled, were upright and had teaching ethics, while those high-ranking Academy sorcerers constantly provoked her and rejected even Soul magic, which was clearly beneficial to everyone.
They needed to be taught a lesson. She wouldn't offer kind words to those courting death. In any case, enmity had built up between Stormveil Castle and the Magic Academy. It wasn't that retribution wouldn't come, just that the time wasn't right. She would deal with them later.
The silver-haired girl shaded her eyes with her hand, gazing towards Carian Manor. Then she took out a map and examined it carefully. Thanks to the spies she dispatched and the Tarnished intelligence network, Frieren had known the general map layout early on, including the scattered caves.
"I should probably go take a look..."
"Don't forget the important business."
Seeing her partner potentially succumbing to adventurous urges, Melina immediately advised, "The labyrinths aren't going anywhere. But since you're considering the laws of the Elden Ring, you should at least meet an Empyrean to familiarize yourself."
"I know, but doesn't this sound like proposing cooperation?"
"It's roughly the same meaning. Of course, what matters is your view. Choosing which Empyrean is the King's freedom."
"Mm, no need to delay further. Better sooner than later."
With that, Frieren whistled to summon Torrent. Simultaneously, she reached out and pulled Melina onto the seat behind her. The spirit steed carrying the two galloped away.
Their destination was a rugged mountain range west of the lake region. The top was actually quite flat; Liurnia of the Lakes looked more like a crater smashed by something. Now, they were heading towards the royal domain to the north.
Following the cliffs upward led straight to the back of Stormveil Castle. Just heading towards the largest building was the right way. Thops easily reached the gate.
Approaching him was a squad of soldiers, fully armed and imposing, clearly heading towards the Magic Academy. Was that Shardbearer finally mobilizing her troops?
His sorcerer attire naturally drew attention, but the soldiers didn't pay him much mind.
They could distinguish friend from foe. Besides, there were plenty of elite fighters here. Could a mere person with little magic presence really break in and cause trouble? Unless he could hide his presence like Her Majesty. If he could control his magic to that extent, he'd be at demigod level, making precautions pointless. Might as well see what he intended to do.
"Hello, I have a letter of recommendation..."
As soon as Thops showed it to the guard, without even needing to unseal it, the mere sight of the seal on it made the guard act with utmost seriousness, instinctively straightening his posture.
"Apologies, I was almost disrespectful. This is the first time I've seen Her Majesty write a recommendation letter. Both the seal and the magic signature on it are fine. Please enter the city and find the sorcery workshop in the southwest. It's very conspicuous, with signs to guide you."
"Thank you very much."
Somehow, he was respectfully welcomed in and even assigned a guard to guide him. Without needing to think about finding the way, he entered Stormveil Castle. A low roar echoed from the thick, sturdy castle gate – a huge dragon was perched there, surveying its surroundings. It was stronger than a typical dragon, its scales hard and reflective, its eyes bright and full of spirit.
"Don't be too surprised, it was Her Majesty's order," the guard said with a shrug.
"She said a dragon should be perched by the castle gate, guarding a treasure chest."
No one knew the reason, but Frieren had her own aesthetic sense, and she was quite adept at designing castle layouts and challenges, as if always prepared for someone to attack, wanting them to thoroughly enjoy her design. Strong individuals always had peculiar quirks.
Compared to the magnificent architecture, Thops was actually more interested in the vibrant life within.
"...Truly amazing. I heard that only the Queen of the Full Moon ever commanded dragons, having signed pacts with them. But Frieren can do it too, and she has subdued numerous dragons. Did she empty the entire Lake Agheel? And Stormhawks too!"
Two types of powerful aerial creatures were now under Frieren's command. Already formidable in the Stormlands, they would only become more threatening elsewhere. No wonder Stormveil Castle could employ deceptive tactics – with numerous scouts in the sky, enemy movements were completely exposed. They probably already knew the Academy was strong on the outside but weak within.
At the same time, Thops saw many active Tarnished. He had even heard of some experts like Sorcerer Rogier. As expected, fellow Tarnished were gradually gathering.
For years, The Lands Between had rejected them, unknowingly fostering the emergence of elites. Now, Frieren had rallied these powerful warriors who were originally outside the mainstream. It was more accurate to say the entire south was remote. Yet, only the new Shardbearer had successfully awakened its potential, shaking the entire land.
"The sorcery workshop is just ahead, you should see it," the guard pointed cheerfully.
"Her Majesty has recruited many people with mediocre talent, but her patient teaching has yielded considerable results. The school of Soul magic has already taken root here."
"Really? Besides her, who is usually in charge?"
"Of course, it's Her Majesty's magic teacher, Sellen. You both came from the Academy, you should know each other."
Thops didn't quite know how to answer. In any case, he bid farewell to the guard and strode into the classroom. The decor style was clearly from the Academy, but the atmosphere was completely different. The students here weren't listless; there was a sense of harmony.
He suddenly realized why Frieren didn't approve of the Academy. Yes, being truly immersed in this environment made one understand what a proper classroom should be.
Only in a Stormveil Castle classroom could new schools of thought emerge. Indeed, the known Soul magic alone was enough for The Lands Between to study for millennia. Its profound aspects were hard to grasp, relying entirely on the insight of a genius.
"A rare guest. Someone from the Academy?" Sellen greeted him.
"I just came to deliver a letter."
Thops's flustered behavior made her focus more on the letter itself. Why would her apprentice pay attention to a mediocre sorcerer... He watched the witch's reaction the entire time, sensing the shock even through her mask. Frieren must have shared her assessment with her teacher; even the talented Sellen wouldn't ignore it.
"Truly impressive. To think such miraculous magic exists... Your research is very valuable, Thops. You deserve better resources."
"Aren't you... aren't you the least bit suspicious of my abilities?"
"We trust our own judgment, and you must also trust your research results."
The repeated affirmations made Thops's heart tremble, nearly bringing him to tears of joy.
That's right, he had unknowingly taken so many detours. He had finally come to the right place. After wandering aimlessly, it was Frieren and her teacher who guided him onto a path.
Under the veil of night, Liurnia of the Lakes was utterly silent. The most active creatures were the giant crayfish, occasionally wandering listlessly, their head antennae constantly probing the air for any abnormality.
Who?
It suddenly spotted a silver-haired girl riding a horse slowly approaching. Its gaze immediately locked onto her as she observed it with curiosity. Good, tonight's prey has appeared. I choose you—
Immediately, a jet of water shot towards Frieren. She raised an eyebrow and sidestepped, a loud splash erupting behind her.
"Impressive force from that water jet. As expected of a giant crayfish."
Before arriving, she had heard of the renown of the many powerful creatures in the Liurnia of the Lakes region. Seeing is believing; they were indeed extraordinary, a bit stronger than she imagined.
The next moment, a pincer swept towards her. However, the giant crayfish's attack, which it was certain would succeed, was easily dodged by Torrent's double jump, appearing incredibly light and effortless.
Even beasts get angry. How dare they look down on the apex predator of the lake wilds!
Enraged, it charged forward, locking onto the enemy with its full body weight. The silver-haired girl opposite it took out a Brass Shield.
"Show me your strength."
Clang!
The pincer struck the shield's surface fiercely. However, the expected tearing apart of the enemy didn't happen. Instead, it was repelled by an even stronger force, knocking it off balance. The many-legged body lost its footing in an instant.
A fleeting Glintstone Pebble shattered its head, killing it instantly. The massive body crashed down, stirring up waves and ripples underfoot. Feeling the Runes flow into her, Frieren grew more serious.
"Good thing I didn't send the army directly into the lake. Dealing with creatures like this would be tough, and there are quite a lot of them. It would be hard to avoid conflict."
"Indeed. The road to Carian Manor is long. We'll have to proceed along the lake shore."
"Are these giant crayfish rare?"
"There are many of them; they form a natural barrier. You need to pay close attention," Melina reminded, adding a suggestion, "The Laskyar Ruins ahead are said to contain the remains of an ancient portal. It hasn't been used in many years. Why don't you see if you can activate it?"
"Where will it lead?"
"Reportedly, towards the Academy. But wherever it goes, it shouldn't pose much of a problem for someone with your strength. Besides, Tarnished blessed by Grace can travel quickly via Sites of Grace. There's bound to be a reliable means of transport there."
"You've certainly remembered a lot from your years wandering The Lands Between. You seem quite familiar."
Frieren spurred Torrent onward towards the ruins on the horizon.
"I just hope I can help my partner someday."
"Are you sure one will definitely appear?"
"On a long enough timeline, we are bound to meet. I waited five thousand years for you, Frieren. That went rather smoothly."
From Melina's perspective, the plan had advanced rapidly ever since encountering the Tarnished, more efficiently than all previous efforts combined, completely compensating for the long wait. A low-risk wait yielded high-reward results; it was a guaranteed win no matter how one looked at it. The only slight unease was her own changing stance – how did she view the inevitable ending and the Tarnished becoming Lord?
"That's very long-lived of you," Frieren said sincerely.
Within the span of their short conversation, Torrent had already reached the dilapidated ruins on the horizon at lightning speed. The sight was one of utter decay, common in The Lands Between, but distinct in its architectural style. A large map area represented a kingdom, and within that kingdom, there could be several different civilizations across generations. What kind of glory did the ruins before her once hold? She enjoyed the echoing emptiness felt while immersed in age-old architecture.
Wide-Area Perception.
Whenever entering a new environment, Frieren meticulously scanned everything around her. Sure enough, something resembling a portal appeared in her perception. However, she chose to light the Site of Grace first.
Just considering this teleportation mechanism, it was far more efficient than travelling in reality, allowing easy jumps between Sites of Grace. Currently, it seemed less useful because there were too few powerful Tarnished. But during the peak of the Golden Dynasty, Sites of Grace were very useful, accompanying the First King's path of conquest. Of course, in reality, one could use flight magic for rapid travel; both methods had their pros and cons.
"The portal should be just ahead." Frieren gave a whistle, making Torrent vanish willingly.
"Melina, you come in too. Let's teleport together."
"Mm."
Before she finished speaking, Melina dissolved into particles of light and merged with the Tarnished. Stepping into the gazebo at the center of Laskyar Ruins, Frieren felt a whistling cold wind. The water surface was cool at night, and everything was silent.
The silver-haired girl cautiously approached a stone monument. A swirling white vortex of magic flowed within it, mysterious and profound. However, its flow was clearly inert, having not been activated for a very long time.
No wonder the Academy paid it no attention. Even if someone managed to activate it, it didn't mean subsequent travelers could hitch a ride. It couldn't be used on a large scale, so constant vigilance was pointless. Besides, did this place look like somewhere one could safely set up camp? The crayfish would be the first to object.
Collecting her thoughts, Frieren leaned down and touched the white vortex.
No reaction.
She actively released her magic power to resonate with it. As expected, a humming sound emerged.
It was effective; after centuries, it could still function. Alright then, let's test your coordinates—
With that thought, the silver-haired girl's figure stepped forward, disappearing into the light.
In front of the Magic Academy gate.
After several consecutive days of reinforcing defenses, the place was now heavily fortified. Aside from the core seal, which could be ignored for now, the main road was filled with defensive works: cheval de frise, shields, crossbows, and more were all in place. Not only that, but anti-dragon ballistae were set up targeting Stormveil Castle's aerial advantage; a single hit guaranteed a fall.
Simultaneously, large numbers of soldiers and sorcerers patrolled, checking constantly, not missing any clues. After all, the Academy currently lacked any combat-ready, stable demigods. They had to be cautious against the renowned Soul Cinder King.
It was under these circumstances that Frieren brazenly appeared before the sealed gate.
Huh?
The soldiers stared at the silver-haired girl. She looked equally stunned, but reacted faster, unleashing a legion-level output Crystal Barrage, scattering hundreds of crystal projectiles. The sorcerers attempted to delay it with defensive barriers, but the absolute difference in magic power between the two sides was too vast. A single barrage pierced through. The power was immense enough to blast craters into the ground, easily demolishing the defensive structures, even making one wonder if it could destroy the city walls.
"Enemy attack! It's an enemy attack! And they chose to strike at night!"
"Frieren appeared behind us! Hurry, send reinforcements—"
Large groups of reinforcements rushed over, accompanied by curses, making her lips twitch. Heavens knew, she hadn't expected to teleport here either. Might as well consider it a greeting.
Starlight Explosion!
The silver-haired girl used a newly learned spell, raising her hand high. A dazzling brilliance flashed in the air, a ball of incandescent light sweeping in all directions. The intense light, accompanied by a shockwave, caused dizziness, stripping away even magic perception.
________
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