The Omniscient Takes Notice

Northwind Fortress Command Center.

Commander Wein received a report from the messenger: "Lady Frieren declined the invitation to serve as a guest commander, but she mentioned she would keep an eye on things here, as we are both guarding the line near the Elf Village."

"Furthermore, she has taken her only apprentice with her, planning for long-term training."

Since the information was already out, she might as well admit her connection to the elf settlement and their shared interests.

Hearing this, Wein murmured, "As expected. A powerhouse like her isn't easily recruited. It's probably for the best that she doesn't get involved in our currently chaotic command structure."

While the human kingdoms were generally uniting, the resulting issues of benefit distribution, friction, disputes, and command interference were enough to make one's blood boil. Provoking Frieren the Slayer would only create more trouble.

It was already good enough that she was willing to stand on humanity's side.

Besides, the contribution she had already made was sufficient to win them some breathing room.

"Sir, should we track the elves' movements?"

"Absolutely forbidden. Do not disturb people like her lightly. Since she wishes for quiet, let her have it. Our urgent priority is something else – recapturing the forward fortress in one push."

"Understood."

Wein glanced out the window. Far below on the plains outside the city walls, the ground remained stained crimson. Within the deep craters, the roots of that colossal flower seemed to still linger. Many bold mages had approached to study it, only to shake their heads in disappointment, gaining nothing.

Its vast range, high lethality, and potent effects ranked it among the most formidable spells in history, drawing countless admirers.

Currently, much magic involved conceptual manipulation, highly dependent on the caster's will, with relatively limited destructive power. The Crimson Flower, however, seemed designed purely for the battlefield.

Humans attempted to study it but couldn't penetrate its secrets; it was too profound, almost like magic from another system entirely. But this also meant it joined the ranks of incomprehensible curses – the demon tribe wouldn't be able to analyze it either. The thought of the enemy being helpless pleased Wein.

"It's time they learned the might of humanity," Wein declared. "The demon forces are depleted right now. We should advance, recapture the strongholds, and fortify this defensive line."

This idea received affirmation from numerous staff officers, and they brainstormed together:

"Given the current situation, the central plains can be held, but not with just one fortress. We need to reclaim lost territory and consolidate, keeping the demons out."

"There's no need to defend the forest region anymore. With the elves present, we don't have to worry about the demon army attacking from that direction. I suggest concentrating our forces on the main front, using a chain of fortresses as springboards to liberate several key occupied towns..."

"I concur."

The meeting proceeded with remarkable smoothness.

Normally, Wein would have had to argue for ages, but now, everyone supported seizing the opportunity for a counterattack.

However, some expressed regret that they couldn't achieve total victory in one go.

Out of caution, Wein reminded them, "Actually, this counterattack is only temporary. The war between humans and demons will inevitably last for years, perhaps generations. Maybe our generation, and the next, won't see victory. What matters is the struggle itself. Everything we do has meaning; at the very least, it inspires those who come after us."

"Just as we waited and received Lady Frieren's help, persistence inspires people. I believe humanity will ultimately triumph. The goal is there; it doesn't need to be witnessed by you or me."

In the conference room, the officers nodded deeply in agreement.

...

In the demon-occupied zone, within the foremost command post, Schlatt, seated in the main position, radiated an oppressive aura. The surrounding demons were utterly silent, paralyzed by fear.

"I warned you before to withdraw from the vicinity of the Elf Village swiftly, yet you indulged in slaughter and missed the opportune moment."

"Apologies, my Lord. The information spread too slowly; the front line reacted too late."

"It's too late for excuses now. The losses incurred are irreversible. We all know now that the plan to exterminate the elves has failed. As long as Frieren is alive, it's impossible. She's different from the currently active elf powerhouses – she's passionate, possesses nostalgia for her homeland, the type who will protect what's before her. Conquering the Elf Village is absolutely impossible without getting past her."

Thinking about it, they were somewhat alike.

In truth, both Frieren and Schlatt were anomalies among their generally detached kin, individuals willing to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, fate dictated they must face each other on the battlefield, and they had already clashed once indirectly.

He had foreseen the impending devastating defeat at Northwind Fortress but couldn't grasp the specific form it would take.

Therefore, he could only order a swift withdrawal, though a part of him harbored disdain, thinking, "What kind of magic could possibly defeat our main force in minutes?" But he was wrong. It was total annihilation.

This extreme killing efficiency surpassed his foresight.

While the Crimson Flower bloomed, not a single demon could remain standing unharmed. A new, incomprehensible curse had emerged, wielded by a master who was herself invulnerable. According to intelligence, Frieren's combat skills were equally extraordinary; she was an offensive powerhouse with no weaknesses.

This was problematic.

Fortunately, Frieren didn't seem to possess a strong desire for combat. She would likely return to the Elf Village and withdraw from worldly affairs.

Otherwise, her participation on the main battlefield would drastically increase the pressure on the entire demon tribe.

Schlatt said somberly, "We must now mend the battle lines. Proactively withdraw from the foremost fortresses to preserve our effective strength and minimize further losses."

"Additionally, keep an eye on Serie's location, the Magic City near that Lost Royal City. The two might make contact. Serie loves magic she doesn't understand; she should be very interested."

"As you command, Lord Omniscient."

In truth, surveillance wouldn't change much. Could one really prevent two of the world's top powerhouses from meeting? At best, they could gather some intelligence.

In a sense, unless powerhouses of this caliber clashed head-on in a decisive battle, they all belonged to the ranks of the strongest. Every move they made could drastically alter the situation across the land.

"Then how should we report the failure to exterminate the elves to His Majesty? Should we dispatch the Seven Sages of Destruction?"

"I will report it. And we cannot commit any more troops."

"Ah?"

"Orders are orders. Abandon the conquest of the Elf Village. Dealing with a battle mage of Frieren's level requires absolute preparation. Even if we won, the demon tribe would be severely weakened. There's no need to provoke inactive elves."

Despite his words, Schlatt felt an ominous premonition: Frieren taking an apprentice might change something.

The more distant and precise future remained unknowable for now; after all, his foresight magic was somewhat random. Yet, he still judged that the war's outcome depended on humanity.

It was humanity's powerhouses who ultimately threatened the demon tribe.

Therefore, the main focus should not waver. Continue maintaining suppressive pressure on the central continent; the remaining sporadic resistance could be ignored. As for the elves, they would have to turn a blind eye for now. If they became truly active, a new strategy would be formulated.

As The Omniscient, he was confident in controlling the situation's development; it was still within acceptable limits for now.

"Move quickly. It will be too late to withdraw once the human counterattack begins."

"Understood."

"Wait," Schlatt suddenly asked, as if recalling something important. "Do any of you know the name of the apprentice Frieren took?" He received a disappointing answer:

"Nobody paid attention to that, did they? Just some little girl. Probably took her on a whim as an experiment."

...

Magic City, near the ancient Lost Royal City.

In the stone hall, Serie sat cross-legged, indolently examining a magic book before her. In her other hand, she held a sealed reagent bottle containing a trace of crimson magic power.

She completely ignored the crowd of awestruck nobles standing below the steps, but they still fulfilled their duty to report:

"These are the only samples we could retrieve from Northwind Fortress, along with some affected soil that turned red... Apologies, we didn't know if it would be dangerous, so we sealed it, possibly destroying its original properties."

She blinked.

"That's why you lot are useless."

"Our apologies."

Facing Serie's merciless criticism, the nobles bowed their heads, trembling.

Their ability to survive and maintain their standing in the war-torn north depended entirely on their fortunate proximity to the workshop of this Mage of the Mythical Age, receiving her protection. If they incurred her displeasure, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Moreover, this elf had never truly promised protection; she merely went along with things. They had to actively curry favor, otherwise, if they were wiped out by the demons, she probably wouldn't even bat an eye.

Among elven powerhouses, the passive faction constituted the majority. Those willing to interact with humans long-term were already rare, let alone those who would fight.

Over the years, Serie had indeed dealt with audacious demons who dared to attack, but one couldn't expect her to go on the offensive.

In comparison, Frieren was likely more proactive.

"I heard there was also a soul magic attack on site that ignored defenses. Is there any more detailed information?" Serie inquired.

"We don't know. Perhaps only her apprentice in the world knows for sure."

Many had tried to study the battle of Northwind Fortress, yet most gained nothing, unable to fathom Frieren's profound mastery of magic. Perhaps in the future, her direct disciple, Flamme, could shed some light. But for now, everyone was clueless, viewing it only as a miracle of forgotten magic.

Ancient technology?

Most suspected it was some strange magical system left over from ancient times, especially since research quickly revealed it didn't align with existing magical systems.

"This is an entirely new school of magic. The creator laid the foundation starting from the most fundamental logic," Serie murmured to herself. "Only through long inheritance and daily, yearly deep cultivation could this be achieved."

"It's normal that you don't understand. But understanding it isn't hard either – just have Frieren teach you."

"Many lost techniques require the creator to tell you the trick; otherwise, attempts by later generations to replicate them will likely result in something else entirely."

Perhaps she should try taking an apprentice herself?

Lost in thought, Serie finally sighed and waved her hand dismissively.

"You're useless anyway. Go back. If you get the chance, help me greet Frieren. We could exchange knowledge about magic. But there's no rush. As long as an elf lives, they will eventually meet another elf."

"As you command."

The nobles didn't dare linger a moment longer. Pleasantries were meaningless; unsolicited fawning might cause displeasure. It was better to cooperate with the Mage of the Mythical Age as much as possible.

In the current era, a powerhouse who could provide shelter and stability was paramount, exemplified by the recent battle at Northwind Fortress.

Frontline reports indicated the demons were already retreating and rerouting. Frieren, having gained fame in a single battle, had simultaneously relieved the threats to both the Elf Village and the central plains. The severely weakened demons had no choice but to fall back and defend their positions.

Only after the group departed did Serie solemnly and thoroughly destroy the reagent bottle.

For safety's sake, it needed to be completely eradicated. It had lost its value as a sample and was far too dangerous.

"Truly wicked magic, existing only for war." A harsh smile touched her lips. "What kind of person must its inventor be?"

...

Outskirts of the Elf Village forest.

The remnants of the previous small-scale battlefield had been cleaned up by the city guard troops who arrived upon hearing the news. The gravesites were also properly handled. Some families still wished for the remains to be returned to their hometowns, so some soldiers were still busy here.

At the forest entrance, Frieren used "Magic to Accelerate Plant Growth" at full power to mend the burnt areas.

She didn't want her kin disturbed again, so she focused on making the forest denser and more robust, ensuring even typical forest fires couldn't spread easily, making it more isolated than before. Since hoping the elves would venture out more was unlikely, it was better to take good care of their home.

Meanwhile, Flamme was training with a mana sword.

Her staff generated a blue blade of light, which grew sharper and more defined as the girl swung it continuously. This simple yet effective method simultaneously enhanced her physical attributes and magical skill.

"Master Frieren, do I really have the talent to become a battle mage skilled in both physical combat and magic?"

"Don't worry. As long as your physique is adequate, I have ways to rapidly increase your mana."

"Is that fair?"

"Don't think about it. The disparities between long-lived and short-lived species, demons and humans, geniuses and mediocrities – those are far more unfair, and impossible to bridge. Helping my student grow quickly is what makes it fair."

Hearing this, Flamme nodded and swung her sword with even greater effort. Even during the most tedious basic training, she could remain focused and persistent.

In reality, their journey from Northwind Fortress back to the forest had been slow because Frieren truly had the disposition of a traveler, stopping to observe everything they encountered along the way.

As a result, they had acquired even more luggage from shopping.

Only today had the master and apprentice finally reached the forest's edge and begun the repairs.

"Alright," the silver-haired girl stopped casting her magic and instructed, "I'll lead you inside from here. Observe your surroundings carefully; there are many basic spells that might inspire you."

She took Flamme's hand and stepped into the forest. In the blink of an eye, they vanished, leaving not even footprints behind.

The soldiers cleaning the battlefield exchanged glances before resuming their work. It was best not to disturb her lightly; her presence near the Elf Village was already good news.

Rustle!

A gust of wind hit Flamme, making her rub her eyes instinctively. When she looked again, the dense thicket had vanished, replaced by an open expanse. Ancient trees towered skyward, and some colorful mushrooms growing on their roots were taller than a person.

How long must they have grown to reach such a scale?

Moreover, observing closely, she found she couldn't discern a clear direction; a well-hidden illusion was interfering with her senses.

"As you can see," Frieren explained, "I used minimal illusion magic to alter the sense of direction, combined with some mist to make intruders more likely to get lost. The spell itself is very basic; its main purpose is to buy time for defense. A chase happened here not long ago."

"Is it precisely because it's basic that it's hard to detect and dispel? Master, you seem skilled at using multiple simple spells to create complex effects? Is that really possible?"

"As long as you master enough of them."

"But I heard a person can't master multiple high-level spells in a lifetime..." Flamme had seen many so-called great human mages active on the front lines, but unfortunately, each had their own shortcomings, far from the effortless versatility her master displayed.

"Believe in your talent, and believe in my teaching ability. Once we reach the Elf Village, I will help you improve quickly."

As she finished speaking, Frieren waved her hand. The mist dispersed, revealing a broad, clear path ahead.

____

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