Old O'Neal
The unusual activity in the Swamp of Aeonia was likely orchestrated by that goddess.
Melina and Frieren, their minds in sync, exchanged a look. They both knew the newcomer meant trouble; the entity that had once left a grievous disaster in Caelid still held influence.
The moment she bloomed, Malenia was likely akin to an Outer God.
Swoosh!
The halo attacked again. The Cleanrot Knight before them wouldn't miss the opportunity presented by the rising lake water, immediately launching a torrential offense, vowing to take down this formidable enemy in one fell swoop and add another victory to its name.
In this situation, Frieren couldn't easily take to the air; using a gravity sphere as a foothold would make her too easy a target.
Therefore, she chose to evade.
The silver-haired girl raised a longsword—parrying the attack. Amidst a series of clanging sounds, she remained unscathed, her defense impenetrable.
Simultaneously, her footwork was steady. Though her gaze remained fixed on the Cleanrot Knight, her footing avoided all the corrupted lake water. Her entire stance was flawless, her defense and footwork impeccable, even using a parry to nearly make the Cleanrot Knight lose its balance.
Impressive!
Even the Knight, its mind unclear, could sense the opponent's unfathomable skill.
One pursued, the other fought while retreating. A duel of flashing blades unfolded at the edge of the Lake of Rot, sparks flying, agitating the surrounding rot creatures.
However, Frieren, solid as a fortress, retreated to the hillside.
This.
This stretch of road had Melina on tenterhooks; it was too dangerous. If the Cleanrot Knight had coordinated with the Lake of Rot for a siege, the outcome would likely have been disastrous.
Sure enough, the lake water receded.
"It seems the Goddess of Rot has her eyes on you."
"I know, but now is not the time to worry. Let's complete the mission first. I can sense that general." Thanks to the churning of the Swamp of Aeonia, many previously hidden auras were inadvertently exposed. Frieren, possessing the strongest perception present, immediately marked each target, ready to head over at any time.
Since that was the case, there was no need to get entangled with the enemy before her. A swift resolution was best.
Clang!
The Cleanrot Knight hadn't expected the silver-haired girl's upward flick; the blade accurately struck the midpoint of its long weapon. The intense vibration nearly made it lose its grip, and simultaneously, a wave of sword energy was unleashed.
To release a weapon skill while counterattacking! In its urgency, it hurriedly used its own sword to block. With a crackle, it instantly shattered.
Fortunately, it barely blocked the fatal blow.
Its heart still palpitating with fear, it hadn't imagined someone in the world could perfectly integrate the release of a weapon skill into the rhythm of combat. Wouldn't that mean unleashing a huge threat every round? It had to create distance, settle this with its halo and bow...
However, the opponent then produced another staff, this one topped with a blue sapphire.
Frieren's movements were too fast; switching weapons was completed in an instant, leaving no time to react.
A purple light seemed to flash before its eyes. The next moment, pain spread throughout its body, forcing the Cleanrot Knight to kneel.
Night Comet!
Its first combat use was effective. Augmented by demigod-level mana, it easily pierced the armor of a top-tier knight. Moreover, it was unexpected; even such an expert couldn't react, suffering heavy injuries.
"No bleeding?" Melina warned, "Be careful, she's almost a rot creature. Cleanrot Knights have higher resistance to rot than ordinary people, but ultimately, they can't escape their fate."
The corrupted flesh granted this individual superior endurance in battle.
It was the first time Frieren had seen someone continue to fight while afflicted with Scarlet Rot. Regardless of whether they could think, their combat intelligence was not to be underestimated.
Consider this a rehearsal for the battle against Radahn.
Unfortunately, the boiling Lake of Rot didn't provide a safe space for combat.
The pungent smell lingering in the air seemed to incite monsters to gather, each more frenzied than the last, baring their teeth as they surrounded the scene, eyeing the lone silver-haired girl covetously. Together with the Cleanrot Knight, they formed an encirclement.
"Looks like things are about to get messy. Hopefully, it won't make that general leave."
Crack! Suddenly, Frieren thrust her staff into the ground. In an instant, a shockwave erupted from top to bottom, overturning everything within a hundred-meter radius.
Rock Blaster.
Magic used for mining became an excellent terrain-destroying tool in the hands of a powerful sorcerer. The collapsing rubble and soil buried several rot creatures in a single pass.
Skulls.
Their resilient bodies still struggled.
But they could only watch as a wisp of white light rose into the sky—Crystal Release, full coverage, each fragment capable of shattering stone.
Whether it was shallowly buried monsters or those exposed, all without exception suffered fatal damage.
When the ground collapsed, those still standing were effectively flying. At this moment, Frieren stood atop a gravity sphere, looking down at the caved-in earth slope, attacking any monster from above, never missing.
Swoosh!
The halo once again flew into the sky, accurately sniping the silver-haired girl.
However, Thops's Barrier actually made it spin in place, maintaining its rotation as it flew back towards its caster, arriving in an instant.
The Cleanrot Knight hadn't anticipated this move at all. Its heavily injured body couldn't dodge in time. It was hit without any suspense.
With a crackling sound, its corrupted body shattered.
Even in its final moment, it maintained its stance, its broken sword pointing at the slowly descending enemy.
The body, inevitably recycled by Scarlet Rot, returned to the polluted land, becoming part of something that was neither plant nor animal. What a pity. Such a steadfast knight had still become a breeding ground for Scarlet Rot. Was this truly a release? Frieren picked up the weapon dropped on the ground.
[Cleanrot Knight's Sickle (Halo Scythe)]
[A battle scythe wielded by the Cleanrot Knights who fought alongside Malenia, "Miquella's Blade".]
[A weapon wielded by the commanders of the Knights.]
[A semi-circular halo blade, possessing holy attribute attack power.]
There was also a broken sword. Searching around, some Haligtree Army equipment indeed remained. One could imagine how fierce the battle had been back then, with both sides leaving behind a large amount of supplies and equipment.
When she finished collecting, the Swamp of Aeonia, which had been boiling, also finally calmed down. But Frieren didn't think it would stay quiet for good.
Merely gathering strength.
Melina asserted, "It looks like the Haligtree General you're looking for is in this area. But be prepared; perhaps the Goddess of Rot has taken a liking to your aptitude and wants to create a new agent."
"You think so? Shouldn't we be irreconcilable?"
"Because you've demonstrated extraordinary adaptability to rot, and compared to Malenia, you accept and use it more frequently; the benefits of infection are very high."
"Then she'll be wasting her efforts."
Frieren shrugged. No one knew her own body was already lively enough; there was no room for anyone else.
Just as the two were discussing, a tall man holding a military banner walked over from not far away. His face was weathered, his gaze like a torch. Although his body was stained with Scarlet Rot, he didn't exude that frenzied atmosphere.
He glanced at the Cleanrot Knight's corpse and sighed, "Even if this is the end, it's still a release. Thank you, Tarnished."
"A mere trifle."
"...Looking at you, have I encountered a new, noble sovereign?"
Previously, Frieren's appearance would indeed make people think she was an ordinary Tarnished, especially with the demi-human characteristic of her long ears, looking just like any roadside commoner.
As long as she didn't actively release her magical aura, others wouldn't even notice.
This time was different.
The silver-haired girl, having just experienced a nonchalant battle, possessed an imposing aura. Terrifying mana surged heavenward, and even the radiance of an Elden Ring fragment could be faintly perceived. Correct, possessing a Great Rune was proof enough of many things.
And looking at this magnificent armor—exquisitely crafted, priceless, and perfectly coordinated—it represented a custom-made piece.
The circlet on her head wasn't something one could wear casually either; it had a strong Southern artisan style, and some of the gemstone carvings even bore Caria's style...
"Is there something wrong with my face?"
Frieren only regarded the crown as a small piece of equipment providing some resistance, and the Academy of Raya Lucaria had previously added decorations to it. Little did she know it was full of profound meaning, every detail meticulously considered.
In the eyes of someone who truly understood the royalty of the Lands Between, her identity was obvious.
The characteristics on her body directly represented the sovereign who ruled Limgrave and Liurnia.
"I never thought such drastic changes would occur in this swamp during these years I've been here. I probably know why those Bloody Fingers and rot creatures have become active—it's because you're stirring up trouble."
"Somewhat."
"My name is O'Neil, one of the Haligtree Generals. What business does Your Majesty have?"
"My name is Frieren. I've come for the Unalloyed Gold Needle."
The silver-haired girl's tone was very ordinary, as if she were just retrieving a collectible she was sure to obtain. Once she set her mind on something, she would definitely get it. Hearing this, the old general raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself, She's come for me. It won't be easy to send a shardbearer away.
He simultaneously sensed a large army rushing in this direction from afar, most likely belonging to this extraordinary new shardbearer.
Truthfully, O'Neil really wanted to inquire about what such a legendary figure had experienced, to ask about the situation in the Lands Between, but he still focused on the main point:
"How much do you know about the Unalloyed Gold Needle?"
"I only know it can suppress Scarlet Rot... Could it be that the effect it presents is like your current state?"
"Correct."
The old general generously pulled open his tunic. A long, thin golden needle was conspicuously inserted into his chest, also piercing the skin infected with Scarlet Rot, firmly locking down its erosive spread.
Once pulled out, the consequences would undoubtedly be dire; this was self-evident.
Frieren scratched her head and muttered, "I thought it was a consumable item. So it has to be kept inserted in the body. Fortunately, we didn't fight; otherwise, with my style, it would have been hard not to destroy the Unalloyed Gold Needle."
"But it's also very difficult now. For you, removing the Golden Needle is equivalent to death, right?!"
Her honesty also earned O'Neil's sincere reply:
"Death? True death doesn't exist in the Lands Between. I am satisfied with my life. Staying in the Lake of Rot was merely to eliminate monsters and prevent their spread."
"You are an outstanding warrior."
"Your Majesty, when I saw you, I understood what kind of person you are. Even if my old eyes deceive me, the nobles and people of Limgrave and Liurnia wouldn't all be mistaken together. You must be a great sovereign." Then he gestured to his temple. "Besides, who has the courage to wear the Flower of Aeonia on their head? It seems you've also researched a method to purify rot, so I am willing to entrust the Golden Needle to you."
"It's convenient talking to someone knowledgeable. That's right, I actually need the Unalloyed Gold Needle to save someone..."
Frieren explained the ins and outs regarding Millicent.
Of course, she also included some things about herself, such as demonstrating the power to absorb and digest Scarlet Rot.
Truly!
O'Neil, suddenly receiving a wealth of information, was shocked. Someone had actually researched such a crude method, using their own body as a dilution medium to forcibly accommodate the contamination.
Respectable yet terrifying. What kind of body could achieve such a feat?
His vigilance lessened considerably.
The old general, who had campaigned far and wide with the Haligtree Army, had seen half of the top experts in the Lands Between, including no shortage of shardbearers ruling their own domains. Among them all, he had to admit Frieren's spirit was extraordinary; she was a Tarnished possessing the qualities of a king. "Hearing Your Majesty say that if Millicent is successfully treated, new research breakthroughs against Scarlet Rot can be created?"
"I don't guarantee it, because it's most likely an isolated case. There are too many variables in research; her success may not be replicable. Besides, it hasn't succeeded yet."
When it came to matters of magic, Frieren was very rigorous, always speaking the truth.
"Do you not suspect why Millicent has such strong resistance to Scarlet Rot?" O'Neil said thoughtfully.
"Why is that?"
"A red-haired swordswoman with a severed arm, afflicted with Scarlet Rot, and also sought after by the Kindred of Rot... She is too similar to Lady Malenia, whom I serve. My intuition tells me there is a connection between them."
"That's simple. Go see for yourself, then decide whether to give the Unalloyed Gold Needle."
"No, I cannot leave the swamp."
O'Neil slightly pulled out the Golden Needle. Merely a sliver of contact caused a terrifying leakage of rot energy.
Ultimately, it could only suppress. His body had been hollowed out over many years. Part of the reason he could move freely was that the swamp provided energy, essentially making him part of the rot ecosystem.
Retribution.
The old general who had resisted Scarlet Rot for many years had instead been assimilated by it.
"What a disgusting god."
As Frieren's voice sounded, the surface of the Lake of Rot seemed to become somewhat more active, as if some monster was about to emerge to retaliate.
Meanwhile, the Southern Army had also arrived. Seeing Her Majesty was fine, they engaged the rot creatures at the periphery. For a time, blades flashed and swords clashed, a clamor that made it impossible to speak peacefully.
Moreover, both knew Millicent couldn't wait much longer; otherwise, all hope would be lost.
"I've decided." O'Neil said firmly, "Rather than leaving the Unalloyed Gold Needle to a decaying body, it's better to give it to a young, strong new owner."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I trust Your Majesty. You are a comrade worthy of entrustment."
"I will deliver it quickly."
"My only regret is that I don't have time to tell you about the legends that have occurred during these long years... Once the Unalloyed Gold Needle leaves my body, I can at most use my final life force to resist the erosion of rot. Unfortunately, the Outer God is very active. What I will ultimately become, no one knows."
Frieren had intended to suggest further discussion, but O'Neil's mind was made up, he faced death with equanimity.
Having wandered for too long in the farthest place from the Haligtree, he longed for his soul to return to his homeland. Finally, there was a chance for a straightforward release.
It wasn't necessarily that her words were so moving; the old general was just tired. Yet he couldn't let go, delaying the removal of the Golden Needle because O'Neil still harbored a concern:
"If I turn into a monster, I'll be relying on you."
"Of course."
"Before that, deliver the needle quickly. That Millicent is likely related to Malenia's people. Consider it my duty fulfilled."
Since it was a promise from a shardbearer, he had no more reservations.
Click!
O'Neil gripped the end of the Unalloyed Gold Needle firmly and pulled it out, but it brought with it a surge of scarlet rot energy—evil, immense, boundless.
The entire Swamp of Aeonia began to boil, as if it had been waiting for this moment all along.
He struggled to hand the Golden Needle to Frieren.
"Don't worry about me. I've adapted quite a bit to dealing with Scarlet Rot; holding on for a while is no problem. You should go quickly, Your Majesty. Return before I lose control."
"I'm counting on you."
"That's what I should be saying. For a warrior's last battle to be against a shardbearer is also a kind of honor."
"I will tell Millicent of your help."
As soon as her words fell, Frieren summoned Torrent, grabbed the reins, mounted, and galloped towards the Church of the Plague at full speed, a lone rider vanishing like dust.
Spirit Steed!
O'Neil, having seen this legendary mount, was slightly taken aback. It seemed Marika and Miquella had both had contact with it. He hadn't expected the beast, hailed as one that chooses kings, to submit to this person. Truly strange. There had been too many surprises today, igniting a spark of fervor in him.
"It's probably time to say goodbye. Indeed, a good time."
Then, he sat cross-legged on the ground, leaning on his military banner, doing his utmost to suppress the active Scarlet Rot within his body.
Immediately, O'Neil discovered a terrifying trend: the gaze from the Goddess of Rot was growing stronger, focusing on him. He feared she was looking for a target to possess...
Damn it, I've caused her trouble again.
On the other side, the Southern Army soldiers busy exterminating rot creatures at the edge of the lake felt a jolt in their hearts, an inexplicable palpitation that was suffocating.
Edgar's gaze was fixed on the very center of the swamp.
"No matter what happens next, we must hold out until Her Majesty returns."
"As you command."
Meanwhile, Frieren had already arrived back at the Church of the Plague.
Compared to before, the erosive, polluting power permeating the surroundings was somewhat denser. Looking up, a red cloud floated in mid-air, the wind howling as if in rage, unwilling to see its chosen vessel suppressed.
She weighed the Unalloyed Gold Needle in her hand. A pity, there was no time to study it carefully; she had to act quickly.
With this thought, Frieren walked towards Millicent. The latter was still asleep and wouldn't wake up for a while, which made inserting the needle convenient.
Suddenly, the soil beneath her feet surged!
As the silver-haired girl dodged, a group of shrimp-like Kindred of Rot appeared, countless arms extending from the ground to envelop the sleeping girl, forcibly dragging her away.
They would absolutely not allow the object of their faith to be harmed; such was their stance from the perspective of Scarlet Rot.
Immediately after, similar Kindred of Rot emerged from various places in the church, eyeing her covetously.
Each of them carried a large amount of rot, emanating from their bodies, veritable super sources of infection flaunting themselves everywhere, not seeking to kill, but to delay, very purposefully.
"It's the Pestilent Swarm! Don't fight them head-on, be careful of contamination... A pity, if only I could help."
"Melina, this won't take long."
Gravity Well!
Frieren preemptively threw out a Collapsing Stars gravity well. The outermost Kindred of Rot attempting to join the fray were all sucked in, then collided with her rapid-fire Comet barrage, annihilating these enemies who intended to surround and harass her in the first instance.
Amidst rumbling explosions, Glintstone sorcery easily obliterated the targets. The fragile kindred monsters had no power to resist, their ranks forcibly broken.
Thus, the small group dragging Millicent lost its support.
They watched helplessly as the silver-haired girl ignored them, first cutting off their reinforcements, prioritizing the extermination of those further away who could easily escape.
Silk threads!
Suddenly, a large number of white threads covered the surroundings, comparable to spear thrusts under the powerful projectile force.
Moonveil danced, severing them all. However, Frieren found her blade firmly stuck; these threads possessed top-tier toughness, extensibility, and adhesiveness, making them difficult to break free from.
The Pestilent Swarm let out joyous laughter.
But the next moment, they weren't laughing anymore, because the silver-haired girl simply ignored the threads. With a sudden exertion of force, she pulled all the threads taut and swung her blade. The ends, though stuck to various parts of the church, were easily ripped free, as if she had toppled a church with the strength of one hand.
Sword energy, released along with shattered stone and dust, swept through, sending flesh and blood flying.
A single encounter, and all were annihilated.
Exquisite swordsmanship, without harming Millicent, bisected all the kindred surrounding her, with no superfluous movements.
The surviving swarm in the distance still wanted to retrieve her, but Frieren was one step ahead, picking up the red-haired girl, and the next moment, raising her staff.
Crystal Release, full-coverage, omnidirectional, for one round.
With her at the center, dense crystal shards were embedded everywhere, leaving no foothold for the enemy. In an instant, the cliff face of the Church of the Plague was covered by a layer of crystal ore, reflecting the sunlight, gleaming brilliantly, each shard sharp and deadly.
Frieren was developing this magic based on the standards of Seath the Scaleless, with a primary focus on offense.
All clear.
The mere Pestilent Swarm was but a small ripple, unable to stop her. To be cautious, she conducted a large-scale mana perception scan; no new enemies were currently detected.
"Since that's the case, let's hurry."
After putting Millicent down, she raised the Unalloyed Gold Needle and pierced it into the corrupted flesh.
Sure enough, upon contact, the part originally emanating Scarlet Rot stopped eroding and even showed signs of dilution, completely locking that moment, significantly prolonging the process of rot transformation.
As a researcher, she certainly wouldn't miss the chance to observe. The silver-haired girl carefully examined and even took notes.
Simultaneously, she didn't forget a round of healing magic to accelerate recovery. After some treatment, Millicent no longer cried out in pain but slept with a soothed expression.
"The effect is good. If only it could be mass-produced."
Melina shook her head and said, "This is the masterpiece of Empyrean Miquella; it was originally very rare. After his disappearance, it became a unique item. After all, it contains the power of Unalloyed Law; ordinary power cannot suppress Scarlet Rot."
"What a pity."
"Perhaps Miquella is a gentle demigod like you. You both strive for the well-being of all races. If you meet in the future, you will surely have much in common to talk about."
"Indeed, I am very interested in the person who created the Haligtree paradise."
As she was speaking, the girl in Frieren's arms coughed up a mouthful of blood, and then her breathing became much smoother. The power from the Unalloyed Gold Needle gradually spread throughout her body, and she rapidly improved. There should be no need to worry; she trusted the will of a true swordswoman.
She hazily opened her eyes and whispered, "Thank you..."
"Rest well for now."
Frieren placed Millicent behind a rock and covered her with the felt blanket again, then looked towards the Lake of Rot.
Boom!
A pillar of crimson light ascended from the center of the swamp, stirring the winds and clouds, the heavens roaring. Some mighty power was about to descend.
The silver-haired girl stood on the cliff, solemnly gazing into the distance. Beneath the firmament, obscured by Scarlet Rot, within that boiling lake water, an Aeonian Flower actually bloomed—more accurately, the flower released by Malenia, Blade of Miquella, in days past had reappeared in the world.
The Outer God representing the will of rot could no longer tolerate repeated failures.
_____
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