Encountering Millicent

The Town of Sellia had changed hands.

Now that Frieren had eliminated the strongest Nox enemies, the remaining monsters were negligible. They crumbled under the Southern Army's encirclement, and eventually, every corner was cleansed.

She also acquired some additional collectibles, such as records concerning the Eternal City.

However, the immediate priority was to truly turn the town into a base.

Everyone in the Southern Army, from top to bottom, began to busy themselves, racing against time to repair the less severely damaged buildings, at least making them suitable shelters from wind and rain.

This army was inherently designed for a campaign of conquering and repairing along the way. With magical assistance, they quickly mended the lightly damaged areas, enough to serve as strongholds for the soldiers, fully capable of fighting a defensive battle.

Edgar was primarily responsible.

Because Frieren, as the commander-in-chief, had entered meditation on the spot after the battle, activating her flower field magic, rapidly purifying the Scarlet Rot.

It was best not to disturb Her Majesty during this critical phase.

Although they didn't know exactly what price she paid, repairing Scarlet Rot was certainly no simple feat.

According to the strategy established from the beginning, they would create purification points one by one in the Caelid region, then link them together, moving from points to a plane, and then gradually expanding to restore the entire territory of a nation.

Now, Frieren, who was putting this into practice, was fully unleashing her magic. Along the way, everyone had noticed that the color of that Aeonian Flower headdress had not diminished in the slightest.

That thing was constantly at a critical point, having absorbed an unknown amount of rot energy.

"I estimate Her Majesty doesn't need rest; that flower does."

"Most likely."

"With Her Majesty's enthusiasm, how could she be willing to stop and start so often, and with so much baggage? When her interest is piqued, she'd probably want to traverse all of Caelid in one go. Taking us along is incidental, something to do during the flower god's cooldown period."

"But the critical issue is still the pollution of the Lake of Rot."

In Melina's view, the group's discussion was entirely correct. If she hadn't been there to restrain Frieren and slow down her advance, she would probably absorb the Scarlet Rot energy of an entire area in a single day. Could the Flower of Aeonia even withstand it?

She believed that maintaining the current pace and advancing step by step was fine; there was no need to dwell too much on Scarlet Rot.

Although Frieren clearly showed resistance, every time Melina witnessed her absorb it, her heart pounded. She hoped this purification project would end as soon as possible.

Simultaneously.

Melina, in her spectral form, observed a council of military officers.

During her many years roaming the Lands Between, she lacked no experience, yet some experiences she simply didn't have, such as military encampments and warfare. If the Tarnished didn't pay attention, she would have to learn well to compensate.

One's talents are forged bit by bit. Previously, Edgar was at the level of a mere castellan, leading his men being his limit. Now, he was becoming increasingly proficient.

He pointed to the map on the table.

"The Town of Sellia is our last foothold."

"The next large town is in the Scarlet Keep area, with the Lake of Rot in between, making it impossible to garrison. In other words, the enemy has few opportunities to surround us. The potential Blood Dynasty forces should be aiming for that last castle. Or perhaps during our withdrawal."

"But when Her Majesty battles General Starscourge, it will be an excellent opportunity. Our mission is to guard the surroundings."

"As you command."

The Southern Army cared more about the ownership of the Great Rune than Frieren did. In her view, with her numerous methods, there were always more solutions than difficulties; there was no rush. Only the people of the Lands Between felt that way.

They looked forward to her obtaining two Great Runes, a true quasi-king Tarnished.

Then Caelid would be the most important link, worthy of the Southern Army investing its utmost resources in deployment and planning.

The Underground World, Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum.

Mohg raised his weapon. Before him, from a pool of blood, rose a projection identical to himself. Clad in opulent robes, tall and majestic, its dense magical aura exuded an oppressive feeling, compelling the surrounding nobles to prostrate themselves.

He had already created a demigod-level projection sufficient for battle.

Although it was still a far cry from his true self, it could influence the situation and would surely turn Caelid into a sea of blood.

"I've been preparing this projection for some time and haven't paid attention to your intelligence. How are things? Any new movements from the Southern Army and Frieren?"

"Your Majesty, Sellia has fallen..."

His subordinates recounted the events in detail, emphasizing how the Limgrave forces had broken through like an unstoppable force. They had to be taken seriously; they were now a power not to be ignored.

Everything was unexpected. Who knew the weakest region could produce such an army?

They didn't know what kind of bewitching potion Frieren and her group had been given. One had exaggerated combat power, and they continued to converge, their numbers finally reaching a formidable 30,000.

Considering the need for concealment, the Blood Dynasty army couldn't deploy too many forces in the field, potentially facing some disadvantages.

What to do?

Mohg glanced around, naturally noticing the tension. He then spoke with a confident air, "Indeed, the enemy's army strength has exceeded expectations. But don't forget, Scarlet Rot and accursed blood are both polluting forces. They are the ones who should be wary; they definitely won't be able to exert their full strength."

"Besides, haven't you been guiding the rot creatures? They will cause trouble for the Southern Army. We have plenty of methods."

"There's no need to clash with them head-on. The Blood Dynasty will enter the fray at the most opportune moment."

Hearing this, the assembly relaxed slightly.

Back when the allied lords attacked Leyndell, it was they who had secretly dismantled the alliance. They were experienced and it wouldn't be difficult to repeat their past glory. Moreover, this time, the enemy's army was far inferior to those of the Shattering era, hardly worth mentioning.

"When does Your Majesty think is the right time?"

"Actually, the location is more important—right in the dunes below Redmane Castle. Secondly, the Swamp of Aeonia is also good, most suitable for annihilating a large army in one fell swoop."

"Who do you think will last until the end of the combat festival?"

"Of course, it's General Starscourge. My main task is to guard against gravity magic. Radahn will most likely endure this battle, but he won't have much fighting strength left. That's when we'll make our entrance. Taking a step back, if Frieren gains the upper hand, then we intervene earlier, especially since she's brought a large army. If we kill the commander-in-chief, dealing with the Southern Army will be much easier."

In reality, Mohg already had a clear plan; he was just waiting for the projection. Now, all preparations were complete.

"As you command."

The nobles of the Blood Dynasty were ecstatic, eagerly awaiting that day's early arrival. A quasi-king possessing two Great Runes would appear in the world, capable of challenging Leyndell, Royal Capital, and subsequently establishing a new dynasty.

"However, there is one more variable. You'd best tell me: Liurnia has already gone to war with the Royal Capital."

"Yes, both sides are clashing directly around the Grand Lift."

"The intensity?"

"In any case, they definitely won't be able to help Caelid. They aren't bold enough to defend against the threat from the Altus Plateau while also sending aid to the southern tip of Caelid."

Receiving an affirmative answer, Mohg nodded and dispatched his projection to the surface.

Vicinity of the Liurnian Grand Lift.

Thick smoke billowed up the massive lift shaft, pungent and choking, obscuring even the distant view, accompanied by the grating sound of chains and sparks flying.

This was smoke cover released by both sides, subsequently forming a fire tornado.

The small contingent of the Royal Capital's army attempting to attack from the Altus Plateau needed to conceal their vision. They couldn't just appear openly under the aim of numerous ballistae and crossbows, lest they be shot full of holes and killed on the spot, right?

Similarly.

Commander Moongrum decided to avoid a direct confrontation, withdrawing the foremost troops from the enemy's attack range, also needing cover.

As a result, both sides vied, creating billowing smoke.

He resolutely ordered, "Don't worry about visibility! Attack with all your might, with the determination to destroy the Grand Lift!"

"Yes, General!"

Whenever Moongrum heard this title, he felt a surge of spirit. He hadn't expected Frieren to generously bestow the rank of general upon a former Carian Knight before her departure, not caring at all about his complex background—usefulness was all that mattered. When she expeditioned to Caelid, someone had to manage and withstand the pressure on the front line.

The Lunar Princess, as a royal heir, hadn't objected either. Clearly, the two allies had high hopes for him; he absolutely could not fail his liege.

No matter what happened, his mission was to defend the area around the Grand Lift.

Round after round of arrow volleys flew towards their targets. Clanging sounds echoed from within the thick smoke.

The sound of shields clashing was all too familiar, but this was merely a harassing action. The main event was next: Trolls hauled over enormous siege ballistae—

With a deafening bang, a bolt flew out, smashing into the enemy ranks, creating a shockwave, sending flesh and blood flying.

"Very good, maintain the rate of fire!"

The Liurnian army, fighting on home ground, lacked no ammunition. They seized every moment to pour out firepower, firmly bottling up the enemy in the Grand Lift area. Even if their arms ached from drawing bows, they dared not pause for a moment.

Bang!

Suddenly, a tall Tree Sentinel, under the cover of several Leyndell Knights, charged out of the smoke, its massive golden halberd thrusting straight forward.

It easily overturned the front-rank knights of the Liurnian army, unstoppable.

Its battle-hardened imposing presence was moving; he was likely an elite even among Tree Sentinels. Such an expert was about to break through. If he disrupted their formation, the consequences would be dire.

Suddenly, with a crisp clang, a Hero of Zamor blocked the sweep, and an ice storm immediately swirled up from beneath his feet.

The cold from the snowfields startled them. Fortunately, the Tree Sentinel managed to grab a cable in time to avoid losing balance.

However, the cavalry's proud charge was interrupted.

"Don't underestimate this place."

The Hero of Zamor sneered and beckoned for a fight. Simultaneously, Black Knife Assassins had already joined the battle, repeatedly striking at the edges of the Royal Capital's army, hitting and running, fully leveraging their assassin's advantage by avoiding direct confrontation.

On the other side, the relieved vanguard, under Moongrum's command, contracted further, not to be easily torn apart as before. Opportunities on the battlefield are fleeting.

The leading Tree Sentinel had to fight while retreating to stabilize his line, lest he be targeted by concentrated fire.

Both sides fought cautiously, avoiding large-scale losses as much as possible.

The Leyndell side worried that the Lord of Cinder, who could traverse anywhere via the guidance of Grace, would launch a counterattack, focusing all their efforts on the central front.

They had to be steady.

Gradually wear down the enemy's strength. The main concern was whether progress in Caelid could damage their vitality. Furthermore, the Altus Plateau still faced an offensive from the Volcano; Margit at least had to deal with the mortal enemy from the previous war first.

The conflict between the Great Serpent Rykard and everyone else ran too deep; they had to guard against the enemy there going berserk.

The Liurnian side, holding home ground and having no scruples, used every trick in the book—assassination, poison, and the like, stopping at nothing.

Results were what mattered most.

This was not the Liurnian army displaying overwhelming momentum as when Frieren personally led them, but one wholeheartedly dedicated to defense, exhausting all its strength to block Leyndell's forces.

Her Majesty isn't here, let's play around a bit.

Moongrum's steady tactics put immense pressure on the Royal Capital.

Too tough, a truly hard nut to crack. Just like attacking the Volcano back then, the losses would likely be considerable.

After a round of surprise charges yielded no results, the Leyndell army gradually retreated. Both sides left behind a field of corpses, rivers of blood, a scene of utter devastation. And it certainly wouldn't be the last time.

Many Liurnian soldiers stared at the Grand Lift, grinding their teeth in hatred. Were they to let these scoundrels continue their antics indefinitely?

"We need to change our strategy. Prepare to blow it up."

"Huh?"

Hearing Moongrum's calm judgment, the officers were slightly stunned. Are you serious?

"At the very least, we must posture as if we might blow up the Grand Lift," he added. "Otherwise, the enemy will repeatedly invade with impunity, threatening the safety of the entire Lakeland. If we force Her Majesty's strategy to fail, we will be completely finished."

"But if we blow it up, won't it sever the central and southern Lands Between?" Some people looked uneasy.

A Black Knife Assassin, rarely speaking, commented, "Don't be indecisive. What we are doing is subverting the Golden Dynasty. Have some resolve."

"Since you've said so, we really have nothing more to say."

Fenmir chuckled, letting people hear the merchant's curses. He looked on innocently. It's not that you're formidable; when it comes to causing trouble, who can compare?

Haven't you Black Knife Assassins caused enough commotion?

Unprecedented, that's basically confirmed. And there will be followers: likely Her Majesty Frieren, who will cause even greater trouble.

Add to that Moongrum, who, not wanting to be outdone, is now scheming to make big news. Fine, fine, working with you all, my life has truly been something. Either I go down in history as a loyal minister of the Elden Lord, or I become infamous as a sinner for millennia.

A huge gamble!

Everyone exchanged glances and finally nodded. They had to succeed, no matter the cost.

Moongrum said firmly, "Before setting out, Her Majesty told me I must do my utmost to protect Liurnia, even if it means paying a heavy price. She also said to avoid personnel losses... Perhaps she guessed this would happen back then."

"Ultimately, we have to target the Grand Lift. There's no need to hesitate. For Her Majesty, for the countless wishes yearning to save the Lands Between."

"Destroy it now—"

With a single command, the firepower of the entire Liurnian army aimed at the Grand Lift. Giant boulders flew through the air.

Initially, the Royal Capital's army thought it was a pursuit taking advantage of their momentum, but then they discovered the enemy was continuously piling up stones, firmly blocking the passage.

They hadn't gone mad enough to blow it up directly, or perhaps there wasn't enough time. In any case, the rubble below now jammed the mechanism, which could only emit a creaking sound, completely immobile.

"We already have a way out, you know," the Tree Sentinel sneered.

"Correct." Moongrum's tone was like a judgment. "Your annihilation here will send a message via the Grace: Liurnia is the land sheltered by the future Elden Lord, inviolable. Blood debts will be paid in blood."

The two armies clashed in close combat within the Grand Lift passage, their war cries shaking the heavens.

...

Caelid.

From the Town of Sellia, deep within the land of Scarlet Rot, a floral fragrance actually drifted, refreshing the heart and mind.

The once dilapidated and decaying seat of magical learning was now covered in flowers. Multicolored petals danced in the air, soaring into the sky like silk ribbons. Some morning glory vines even climbed the houses, intertwining to form three-dimensional floral displays.

As far as the eye could see, it was clearly a scene of rebirth.

Her Majesty's magic represented rebirth and revival; all in the Southern Army knew this, but it seemed to have grown somewhat stronger.

Edgar murmured, "It's likely due to absorbing Greyoll's essence."

Hearing this, Melina nodded sincerely. Frieren had indeed been strengthened before, with the usual focus on intelligence and faith. Her attributes were entirely specialized for a sorcerer, so her magical effects were naturally superior. Moreover, she was constantly adapting better to the Lands Between.

The Southern Army had been stationed for two days.

During this time, they had not only repaired most of the lightly damaged areas but also sorted through a large number of books from the magic town. Every piece of information was precious, especially since it was inherited from the Eternal Dynasty.

Mountains of books were being neatly arranged in the largest building, to be moved back once the war ended.

Handing them over to the Academy of Raya Lucaria should yield unexpected gains.

And as everyone knew, Frieren loved collecting books; this was also catering to her preferences.

The person herself was nowhere to be seen.

More accurately, the silver-haired girl, kneeling in meditation on the spot, was covered in flowers, resembling a statue. If not for her actively flowing mana, one would almost think she had passed away from old age.

Woosh!

A gust of wind blew away a jasmine flower from atop her head, revealing the scarlet of the Flower of Aeonia. It stirred her body, and she slowly stood up.

"Everyone, the good news is that the Town of Sellia has been completely purified."

"By the sound of it, is there bad news?" Edgar immediately looked nervous.

"Yes. My purification range is much smaller than expected. It's being suppressed by the Lake of Rot. My attempts to purify it as well are progressing slowly... Instead, it's causing parts of the lake to churn; it strongly resists my power."

"Is there no other way?"

"Difficult. Even if I push hard, it will take a very long time. Delays breed new problems; the variables are ultimately too great."

"You should still opt for a conservative method, Your Majesty. The Swamp of Aeonia was created by a direct blow from the Valkyrie using divine power; it is watched over by the rot."

"It's not easy for me alone. If there were some native suppressive means in the Lands Between, perhaps it could provide support."

Frieren still wore a thoughtful expression, touching the red flower on her head.

It was so vibrant and delicate, it seemed as if rot might drip from it.

Terrifying!

The Flower of Aeonia, having repeatedly absorbed and healed, had virtually become a super-concentrated reservoir. The Scarlet Rot contained within it was probably comparable to a Valkyrie's bloom. It had truly reached its threshold.

Was there a possibility that the god of rot was secretly fanning the flames, hoping to find an opportunity to induce a bloom?

"Frieren, I must speak with you seriously. Stop for now." Even Melina strongly advised against it. "The Lake of Rot is the most heavily polluted place. There's no way to deal with it now."

"I know your warnings. I won't take risks recklessly."

She looked directly into Edgar's eyes as she declared this.

She had always listened to her old partner's admonitions. Though she was the type to act decisively and independently, she would always proceed with stability and caution.

Witnessing the silver-haired girl respond to the air with a smile, the group took it as a sign of success.

She had been persuaded.

Only her 'air friend' could stop Her Majesty from investing in dangerous research; otherwise, even a team elder like Edgar couldn't. And the other elder, Haight, was the type to persuade by simply offering praises, tantamount to support.

However, the next moment, everyone's heart tightened, because Frieren, chin in hand, suddenly had an expression of inspiration.

When a genius thinks, something big is about to happen.

"Didn't the Finger Reader mention a flower bud about to bloom? I need to find it."

Moreover, player comments had further pointed out Millicent's existence, recommending a visit to the Church of the Plague first. That place was definitely a crucial link and had to be dealt with as soon as possible.

"Alright, for exploration's sake, I'll accompany you."

"Then let's set off."

"May Your Majesty have a smooth journey."

Edgar's mouth twitched, but he still agreed. Why did he feel like Her Majesty was being led astray by her 'air friend'?

Who on earth was it? An imaginary persona of Her Majesty, or was someone bewitching her?

The officers exchanged glances. What more could be said? It made one suspect if Scarlet Rot had damaged her brain. Fortunately, Frieren had always behaved more stably and amicably than the average shardbearer.

After some discussion, both sides decided to continue garrisoning Sellia, Town of Sorcery. Since it wasn't far from the Church of the Plague, support could be provided at any time.

Frieren rode her spirit steed, galloping swiftly.

The scarlet hue of Caelid returned to view, and a dense force of pollution assailed them.

In the distance, the Lake of Rot constantly emanated terrifying rot energy. Even crows wished to fly over it from the sky. That tangible, deadly power was spreading, becoming a horrific wound that devastated a nation's territory, still expanding to this day.

Someone's there!

Frieren, maintaining her wide-range perception, immediately looked towards the church. Actually, there was also someone in a hut at the bottom of a cliff on the other side, but the former was weaker and needed urgent rescue.

Since it was within her capabilities, she might as well lend a hand.

She generously arrived at the church.

Sure enough, a red-haired woman with a severed arm was slumped on the ground, leaning against a broken wall, gasping from Scarlet Rot.

"...Are you alright?" The question received no response. "Then I'll be intruding."

Frieren proactively walked forward and found the other person unconscious, merely listlessly lifting an eyelid before continuing to slumber. It was no wonder; Scarlet Rot had infected the wound on her severed arm, a shocking and miserable sight.

It was truly difficult to treat, because she dared not use her most adept Sunlight Heal.

Who knew how it would judge the state of Scarlet Rot? Strictly speaking, it was a form of life. Wouldn't enhancing it be a death sentence?

"I can only try another method."

"Didn't you say you couldn't cure rot in living beings?" Melina asked curiously.

"Yes, but if the patient is special, that's another matter. Scarlet Rot in ordinary people is destructive, aggressively transforming the organism. But her symptoms lean towards fusion, gentler. The pain is more a side effect of the fusion, not entirely damage."

"Then what will you do?"

"At most, I can offer her soul some healing. She is very strong; she should be able to fight for a chance at survival."

Before her words faded, a unique aura of soul-healing magic lit up in the silver-haired girl's hand. Melina had seen this move many times. When it landed on the woman with the severed arm, there was indeed an improvement.

Her brow relaxed slightly, and she no longer cried out in pain.

In the current state of the Lands Between, physical suffering was unavoidable, but Frieren could at least soothe her soul somewhat.

"Still not enough."

In fact, she gradually sensed that the young woman before her was unusual. Both possessed a large amount of Scarlet Rot. She herself was carefully suppressing it, so why was the other person fusing with it so perfectly? Something wasn't right.

_____

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