Wolf Bro Ahead (Bonus chapter)
As it turned out, the Spirit Ash summoner build was very effective.
Essentially letting her summons handle the fighting.
All Frieren needed to do was follow behind them and apply buffing magic in a timely manner. This significantly reduced the consumption of both mana and attention – truly saving effort.
Without needing any direct intervention, the Spirit Ashes simply overwhelmed ordinary targets through sheer numbers.
To test their specific combat performance, she encountered a large bear once and decided not to provide support, letting the Ashes fight alone. As expected, the bear, benefiting from its large size, impact force, and poise, swept through many of them, firmly holding the upper hand initially.
However, as the battle dragged on slightly, the numerical advantage of the Spirit Ash army became apparent, and they eventually wore down the opponent through attrition, achieving a major comeback.
Even though they suffered heavy losses themselves, victory was victory.
"Because much of my power comes from the soul, combined with the influence of the First Flame, I can summon this many Spirit Ashes..."
Having figured this out, Frieren could contemplate a new build distinct from her usual style, primarily leveraging the combat power of her Spirit Ashes. With this thought, she directed her special army to continue advancing.
The remaining Black Knife Assassin and Melina maintained vigilance behind her.
Progress was smooth.
The party's composition was sufficient to tackle large underground dungeons, let alone a mere Mistwood. Ultimately, it wasn't some heavily corrupted gathering place for monsters; it wasn't particularly difficult to handle.
Therefore, Frieren delegated the main clearing work to the Spirit Ashes and began observing her surroundings instead.
"...Strange. I heard wolf howls initially, but they stopped as soon as we entered Mistwood, and I haven't seen any trace of wolf packs."
Don't overlook any details.
Years of gaming experience and occasional real-world clashes with the Demon race had shifted her completely towards a practical combat style. Every map was treated as a potential battlefield, ever-changing, demanding attention to easily missed details.
Suddenly, the silver-haired girl's emerald eyes looked towards the ruined structure gradually emerging from the fog. A unfamiliar presence.
Her battle-honed intuition made Frieren immediately draw her Brass Shield, simultaneously entering her player view. If there was any danger, they would surely leave warnings:
[Look up]
[Wolf ahead, it's wolf-bro, good guy]
[The shadow-bound beast of the demigod Ranni, Blaidd]
[Then I am Ranni's blade]
Bang!
Suddenly, a wolf-man leaped down from a high ruined tower. Clad in a black cloak and wielding the Royal Greatsword, his aura felt solid and earnest – he seemed like a serious type.
"Quite the commotion you're making... By the way, I've seen that summoning bell in Lady Ren... Ranni's possession. Where did you get it?"
"She gave it to me. Or rather, as per the agreement, it was given to Torrent's master."
The silver-haired girl showed the Spectral Steed Whistle. Seeing it, the wolf-man nodded; he wouldn't mistake it. He had heard about this agreement. This Tarnished was indeed powerful. So, does she have a chance to shake the sealed stars? Probably not.
Of course, from his own level, it was difficult to fathom demigod-level conflicts; for instance, he couldn't fully grasp this person's capabilities.
Regardless of his thoughts, he still bowed slightly and offered a greeting:
"My name is Blaidd, vassal to Witch Renna. I am currently on a mission, searching for a knight named Darriwil. If you have any news, please inform me, milady. I shall reward you greatly."
"Just call me Frieren. So, who is this Darriwil?"
"A traitorous Bloodhound Knight. Traitors deserve a traitor's end. Since we were once comrades, I must fulfill my duty to clean up our own ranks."
"Understood."
Mentioning a commission immediately perked her up.
She also pretended not to hear Blaidd almost slip up and reveal he served Lunar Princess Ranni, instead using the pseudonym. This further proved their significant connection. Since it related to the plotline involving the mastermind of the Night of the Black Knives, it was certainly important. Her gamer intuition tingled!
"You've been quite active. While pursuing the traitor here in Limgrave, I heard about you – the one called the 'Funeral Spellblade,' who utterly humiliated Stormveil Main Gate and flew Godrick into a rage."
"Just a minor conflict. He's getting angry far too early; there will be plenty more for him to get angry about later."
"By the way, would it be convenient to share your destination?"
"I heard Fort Haight has fallen into rebellion and its lord requires aid, so I came to join the fray. If I can win him over, all the better."
Frieren made no attempt to hide her ambition. Strictly speaking, it wasn't like she hadn't been a king before – Lord of Hollows, for example. She understood the basics. Having a territory would also make collecting magic easier.
"That particular nobleman is indeed quite critical of Godrick. Perhaps there is a basis for cooperation between you. However, the situation changed yesterday."
"What happened?"
"A horde of monsters calling themselves the Farron Undead Legion is rampaging around Fort Haight. Eastern Limgrave, previously peaceful, is in turmoil, yet Godrick's soldiers are withdrawing."
"Could it be the Lords of Cinder, the Abyss Watchers?!"
Hearing this news, even the usually composed Frieren showed surprise. They actually came.
In several of her past 'games,' invasions occasionally occurred. When she arrived in the Lands Between, the burning First Flame had indeed scattered several embers – likely representing powerful individuals who hadn't completely burned out. Tempered by the Lands Between, perhaps they were becoming active again.
The Farron Undead Legion was a special case, somewhat touched by madness. Perhaps the environment of the Lands Between offered a way to cure them...
"Indeed, some have mentioned seeing them and having the title 'Lord of Cinder' appear in their minds. Speaking of which, looking closely, you also have a similar sense of flame about you."
"You could say that."
"In any case, eastern Limgrave is chaotic. It's a pity; it was one of the few stable regions in the world. If you could quell the unrest promptly, the local nobility would likely be eager to pledge allegiance."
"Is it that simple? Aren't they afraid the Golden Dynasty will suppress the rebellion?"
"Suppress what rebellion? The Lord of Grace's forces barely control the Altus Plateau currently. For the nobles, submitting to one lord or another is just a matter of survival."
Blaidd, having followed the Lunar Princess for years, understood this well.
For example, the Carian Royal Family always had followers, including nobles seeking to support a new queen like Ranni.
Since they couldn't produce a leader with the caliber of a king themselves, aligning with one was no big deal. Take Godrick, for example. He used to treat his subordinates and nobles well, but lately, he had become increasingly unhinged and obsessed, causing the nobility to gradually distance themselves.
"Thank you for the information."
"If you see Kenneth, you can tell him Blaidd sent you. I'm not unknown in these noble circles."
Revealing his connection to the Lunar Princess didn't matter much now. He had noticed the Black Knife Assassin following her; surely this Tarnished knew what needed knowing, yet still remembered the kindness associated with the Spirit Calling Bell.
Indeed, Torrent's master was extraordinary, already displaying a kingly bearing.
Expressing some goodwill cost nothing and might gain a powerful ally in the future.
"The Farron Undead Legion carries the corruption of the Abyss. It seems I must hurry. Let's part ways here." Frieren mounted her Spirit Steed and galloped away.
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