Reinforcement and Equipment Update (Bonus chapter)

Frieren walked down a corridor in the Roundtable Hold. Beside her, a simple stall displayed various tools related to Spirit Tuning, piquing curiosity.

Roderika said, "Actually, I gathered some Grave Glovewort beforehand, and you can also exchange Bell Bearings for them. So, low-level Spirit Ash reinforcement is fine; it should be enough for level 4."

"That's sufficient." Frieren's first choice was naturally Lhutel the Headless's Spirit Ashes. Even the description carried a legendary title, and moreover, having a shield was very useful for Frieren. As she took out the ashes, Roderika began the tuning process.

The specific ritual was quite profound, incomprehensible, more like a special kind of magic. Abilities entirely reliant on talent were the hardest to analyze, much like the unique magic of demons, so understanding was limited.

"I'll leave this to you for now. I need to reinforce my weapons." Frieren looked towards Hewg, who had been hammering away since earlier—one of the designated blacksmiths for this game. Since he was taciturn, there was no immediate need to greet him. Instead, she carefully sifted through her current weapons; Smithing Stones were scarce. She also checked the player messages:

[Familiar Firelink Shrine, familiar blacksmith, it's all coming back]

[Awakened memories of a past life]

[Though he seems difficult, the old man is reliable, trustworthy like Roderika. Do you understand the value of someone still alive even after the Frenzied Flame apocalypse?]

[Speaking of which, there's a "God-Slaying Armament" achievement for a +25 weapon, but I don't think I've seen +25 in the game? Did I miss it?]

[From a story perspective, Smithing Stones are too rare, especially high-tier ones, always lacking]

[Several max-level Tarnished are too domineering]

[Some crucial Smithing Stones in Farum Azula are hard to come by, so people easily get stuck on levels. If the Lands Between really had multiple God-Slaying Armaments, demigods would likely have fallen sooner, the Shattering would be even more chaotic]

[How can Hewg keep reinforcing our weapons? Is it mechanics or is he genuinely skilled?]

[The seal of approval from the Elden Lord, the number one blacksmith in the Lands Between]

[For weapon reinforcement, I suggest choosing only a few useful ones like the early-game Moonveil. You should just check a guide, don't waste Smithing Stones]

[Not necessary]

[Non-meta players can do whatever, theoretically any weapon is enough to beat the game]

[There are still a few you shouldn't miss...]

The messages contained valuable information that Frieren committed to memory, at least avoiding some waste. Of course, game mechanics and story representation weren't necessarily the same; blindly following the crowd wasn't wise.

Currently, the weapon she used most was the Demi-Human Queen's Staff. Its performance was barely adequate, and it had served reliably, but its upper limit was already obvious. A slight reinforcement would suffice. With this thought, she approached Hewg. Just as she prepared to speak, he spoke first:

"Judging by your weapon maintenance, I can tell you're a serious yet free-spirited person. Most importantly, you possess a compassionate sense of responsibility. Roderika told me about you. Thank you for helping her regain her confidence. Otherwise, people whose hearts die in this world easily go mad or become afflicted."

"I didn't do much."

"Giving people hope is remarkable enough. I guarantee the Spirit Tuning reinforcement she performs will be stronger than most."

"Of course, no one else possesses that special affinity for spirits like she does."

"Back to business. Do you have any weapons you wish to reinforce? Feel free to show me. Besides forging, I can also offer some advice."

Hearing this, Frieren first took out the Demi-Human Queen's Staff. After some thought, she felt a low-level reinforcement wave was better for now; otherwise, constantly using the base stats felt awkward. Each enhancement allowed her to channel a higher magic limit, so why not?

Hewg never dithered. Taking the weapon, he immediately began hammering away, reinforcing it with loud clangs. The energy from the Smithing Stones, guided by his skill, merged into its development, emitting a faint glow. Sparks flew, crisp sounds echoed frequently, and it became increasingly imbued with magic. Quite smooth.

A moment later, he put down his hammer. "Try the new feel."

The instant Frieren held it, she felt its weight increase—in a way, also a form of reinforcement for a weapon. It resonated more harmoniously with her own magic, at least lacking the previous feeling of stuttering obstruction.

Demi-Human Queen's Staff +3.

Adhering to the principle of conservation, she didn't dare spend too many resources, basically just testing the waters. It wasn't distrust of Hewg, but the lack of reliable sources for Smithing Stones; best to use them sparingly. Regardless, her main combat weapon in the Lands Between was now more suitable. Otherwise, it could hinder her in future battles, which would be fatal.

Next, Frieren handed Hewg a Brass Shield, similarly reinforcing it to +3. Practice yields truth; after experiencing it for so long, she confirmed it was quite useful among medium shields, best suited for low-intensity, conservative combat.

"Many thanks. Your craftsmanship is excellent."

"Just doing my job. Also, seeing you take out so many weapons, surely you don't plan to reinforce them all one by one?"

At that moment, the silver-haired girl was continuously switching between various weapons, trying each one out. Her inventory was astonishingly large, and even more impressively, she could wield each one for a few swings. Not just posing, but actually mastering the corresponding force application techniques and movesets. Strange! Famous as a sorcerer, yet her warrior skills weren't lacking at all. She tested various weapons on the spot, finally settling on a massive, unusual one.

"Reinforce this Grafted Blade Greatsword. I believe the impact of a colossal weapon is necessary; its killing power is relatively strong." After all, even Margit, the Fell Omen, knelt after being struck by Frieren's Grafted Blade Greatsword. Its terrifying poise-breaking effect combined with Vow of Vengeance was quite potent; it would surely see frequent use in the future.

"A correct choice. A weapon hailed as a holy relic won't disappoint you." Amidst their chat, Hewg had already completed the basic reinforcement. His skill was already perfected, Frieren had ample Smithing Stones and Runes, and the weapon's foundation was incredibly solid. Mere reinforcement was effortless, done in a few moments, guaranteed to be more powerful than before.

"Alright. Don't seek me out unless it's for forging. Go check on that young lady; she's been staring this way since just now."

Unnoticed, Roderika had already finished the Spirit Tuning and was watching Frieren expectantly. However, the latter was engrossed in experimenting with various weapons. What about me?

Putting them away, the silver-haired girl turned with a faint smile. "Thank you. Excellent tuning technique." Although she didn't fully understand the principle, Lhutel the Headless was undoubtedly more resilient than before. She might not keep up with Frieren's combat level, but helping buy a second or two was enough—at least she wouldn't be instantly dispatched.

"Rest assured, you can find me anytime."

"Speaking of which, is Spirit Tuning technique rare? I've hardly seen anyone summon using Spirit Ashes."

"Yes, Lady Frieren. Especially someone like you who can use a legion of ashes without cost is historically unique. Correspondingly, Spirit Tuning techniques are very scarce."

"You've worked hard."

"No, no, I'm very happy I could help." Honestly, Roderika had once lost all hope, feeling enveloped in darkness, without a future. The grafted companions in Stormveil Castle left deep psychological scars, leaving her devastated. Without Frieren's help, she likely would have remained depressed, meeting a terrible end. So she felt incredibly fortunate, suddenly sensing a glimmer of hope in the Lands Between. Being able to help with Spirit Tuning now was even better; she was immensely grateful.

"I'll be troubling you again later. I intend to raise a legion of Spirit Ashes." The supply of Grave Glovewort wasn't currently as tight as Smithing Stones. Searching for basic levels in the Limgrave region wasn't difficult; the world wasn't lacking in various catacombs and tombs. Besides, the nobles already had some in reserve, readily available.

"I'll be waiting." Roderika nodded, beaming with joy. As long as the Tarnished returned frequently, it was fine. Only the silver-haired girl's presence brought a sense of security; in contrast, neither the mysterious, imposing Two Fingers nor the unfathomable Sir Gideon Ofnir allowed one to feel at ease.

Regarding reinforcement, there was nothing more to worry about. Before leaving, she sorted out the Remembrance rewards.

After a simple confirmation, Frieren saved separate segments with the Remembrances. Now she could exchange for different rewards individually; just find Enia, who was happy to oblige. It also served as testing a new MOD; it turned out that in-game operations resembling "choice mechanisms" could all be clicked through. To a game character, it would seem like one Remembrance could be exchanged for three rewards. In reality, choosing one reward would overwrite the save file; essentially gaining one extra reward. Theoretically, multiple save files could exist simultaneously, but it could easily cause confusion, so typically, it's save-and-use immediately, or at worst, complete in multiple playthroughs. With proficient use of quicksaves, multiple playthroughs weren't usually necessary unless facing a particularly severe bad ending, which required careful consideration.

Having done everything, Frieren gave the Two Fingers a deep look. She sensed a trace of fear. Not because She understood any principle, but apprehension towards the unknown. This was a deterrent, meant to be clearly conveyed: whether you're behind the scenes or not.

Why? Did you kill Godrick three times? Were there three Godricks? Even with the Two Fingers' status, She couldn't comprehend it, filled with doubt, but knew asking was pointless. The mystery surrounding the newcomer Tarnished went far beyond this; she broke too many conventions, unfathomably deep.

Frieren's power became increasingly incomprehensible. Thinking carefully, much of her magic had no connection to the Lands Between's mainstream, yet seemed related to some future monsters, like the power that corrupted Godrick. She couldn't be taken lightly, but beyond that, the Roundtable Hold's Two Fingers could do little. They once had pawns, but now, disconnected from other colleagues and having lost many pawns due to the long decline of the Lands Between, they lacked the ability to interfere. Besides, intuition warned that attempting any schemes against Frieren would undoubtedly result in her employing methods to hunt the Two Fingers.

As for the Greater Will's punishment? Threatening someone like her with "The Greater Will once destroyed the Eternal City" would likely be met with "You saying that makes me want to laugh." Fearless madmen aren't afraid; more solitary than ancient civilizations. Besides, the blazing fire hidden beneath layers definitely held a high status, its true nature still unknown.

Enia sighed. "The Remembrances have been exchanged for you, Frieren. I won't offer redundant warnings. Just become stronger."

"I'm certain that as you display power surpassing all else, those hidden shadows will have nowhere to hide, becoming frightened enough to reveal themselves."

"Rest assured, I get along well with the Roundtable now." Frieren could see the Two Fingers' apprehension. The successful save file experiment gave her more confidence; even hidden traps weren't worth fearing. Just skulking conspiracies unfit for the open stage. Sooner or later, the source of the Lands Between's turmoil had to be investigated thoroughly.

Right now, Frieren cared more about the gains from the Remembrances. As expected of demigod rewards, 20,000 Runes were enough to reinforce a main attribute once; Melina could handle that later.

Obtained [Axe of Godrick]

[The great axe used by Godrick the Grafted]

[A golden battle axe carved with the likeness of a beast]

[Symbol of the power of Godfrey, First Elden Lord, ancestor of the Golden Lineage]

[Quite the imposing air. "I am the lord of all that is golden!"]

The description didn't quite match his performance; seems he inherited the legacy but lacked the strength. She had seen portraits and the opening cinematic of the First Lord; indeed a warrior wielding a great axe, incredibly domineering. If he returned to the Lands Between one day and she had to fight him, a weapon combining sharpness and weight like this should be even stronger.

Let's try it. Frieren materialized the battle axe and swung it. Unfortunately, the feel was too incongruous. Unless willing to transform into a larger body matching the Rune's power, it wasn't easy to handle. Being a petite sorcerer was fine; agile, easy to dodge, magic suited her better.

[Exclusive Skill: Regal Roar]

[Thrust the axe into the ground consecutively, generating shockwaves while also shaking the ground twice]

[Activate again to shake the ground violently once more]

Did Godrick use this move? The fight ended too quickly, no strong impression. Or perhaps he wasn't given time to use the skill? It felt like the esteemed demigod didn't get to show much, a pity. The powerful skill capable of area damage met Frieren's requirements; large-scale destructive capability was never too much. Having this skill added another tool to her arsenal.

In comparison, she cared less about the other reward, having seen its performance, and it wasn't great. But she still had to look.

Obtained [Grafted Dragon]

[The dragon head grafted onto Godrick's left arm]

[Residual power of the dragon manifested as a concrete item]

[When equipped, the arm transforms into a small dragon; attacks carry the bite of sharp dragon teeth]

[Cannot be two-handed]

Materializing it revealed a dragon head worn on the hand. Weirdness aside, it was small, more like a fist weapon, making Frieren look even more comical swinging it, and its power was insufficient.

[Exclusive Skill: Bear Witness!]

[Temporarily grants life to the small dragon, raising it towards the sky to rain down dragon flame over a wide area ahead]

Disappointing. Truly the reward of the so-called weakest demigod; unremarkable in both mechanics and stats.

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