Everyone Isn't That Fragile

Frieren quickly stepped out of the basement, waving her staff towards an open area.

Rock Sling!

In an instant, the earth churned and condensed into spheres, wrapped in purple-white mana, full of power. The more mana infused, the greater the quantity. This time, she summoned a full six before stopping, each comparable in size to a warhorse.

Spells cast by a demigod often underwent a qualitative change.

The next moment, she pointed from afar. The enhanced Rock Slings flew off, aiming at a nearby boulder, which they shattered on impact, sending stone fragments flying.

The gravitational acceleration created a large pit in the ground; as for the original standing rock, it was simply reduced to rubble.

"The power is quite good."

Even Frieren's exacting gaze had to admit the spell's performance was excellent, with strong plasticity. With careful research, it could surely form even more powerful rock spheres, perhaps even transforming into a rock shower.

Imagine them all pursuing a target together—what would that be like?

Moreover, she noticed it possessed a long-range targeting attribute, slightly inferior to Loretta's Greatbow, but this could be fully compensated by investing more mana.

Additionally, it had a deceptive delayed activation, not easily seen through.

Frieren, with great interest, cast it repeatedly, gradually mastering the knack of Rock Sling, from initially flying to the right of the target, to having controllable distance, speed, and direction.

Her own research was one aspect; brainstorming was equally important. The players should have new ideas.

[We sorcerers are too strong!]

[With this early-game artifact, child, you are invincible!]

[This is the power of Rock Sling plus the Meteorite Staff! Auto-tracking, immune to input reading, and it's a spell that can break stances! Plus, with the Arrow's Reach Talisman, its range is increased by another 65%!]

[Setting aside everything else, being able to break stances is already a huge win. Following up with a critical hit is just perfect. Our sorcerer mechanics are truly comprehensive!]

[Against targets with low poise, it's a guaranteed hit every time. I can't live without it anymore!]

[The Lake of Rot has many treasures!]

[Wait a minute, now that I think about it, could Radahn's move where he attacks with several rocks consecutively be Rock Sling? Just a bit larger in volume, but the actual principle is the same as what players use.]

[You only noticed now? After all, it's all gravity magic. But why don't us Tarnished get such grand scenes? I also want to swing my blade and stir up a rain of rubble!]

[It's not the first time you've seen the difference between buyer's show and seller's show, right?]

[Many spells in Caelid are related to General Starscourge. They've really put effort into building up his prestige.]

[Hehe, I will certainly not disappoint the General!]

[First time fighting him, anything to watch out for? This BOSS feels very tough.]

[Practice well, observe well. Also, don't count on your teammates in the combat festival; they're just along for the ride, not much use, purely making up numbers. You still have to beat him honestly yourself.]

[Can I not fight him?]

[Theoretically, you can skip the fight against General Starscourge, but it's related to unlocking the map for the Eternal Dynasty and Ranni's questline.]

[Now that you have Rock Sling and the Meteorite Staff, just face him head-on!]

Evidently, the players were full of praise for this early-game artifact. Frieren's test results indeed confirmed this. Multiple gravity-type spells opened a door to a whole new system for her; she could use this to deduce and delve into more magical variations.

The spellcasting system of the Lands Between was vast and profound, enough to study for quite some time, let alone the magic of a demigod.

Radahn's gravity techniques would only be stronger.

She couldn't help but glance up at the twinkling canopy of the sky. It was night, and the stars shone brilliantly, yet it was a sealed, fixed scene; no meteors had been seen for millennia.

A pity.

In reality, there were magnificent sights like meteor showers that lasted for half a century; such things were unseen in the Lands Between.

"Frieren, have you decided?" Blaidd walked over, holding the blue doll. The one speaking was clearly Ranni's consciousness. "Jerren has already returned to Redmane Castle to make final preparations. The festival is about to begin."

"I will see Radahn off on his journey. Also, thank you again to you and Blaidd for supporting Melina back then."

"Actually, her own power could have held out for some time. We were merely ensuring safety. That maiden has very strong aptitude."

"Ranni, do you think it's better for the stars to flow freely or to remain as they are?"

"Why do you ask?"

"If the consequences of unsealing the stars are truly severe, after the Eternal City is opened and your business there is concluded, I can try to seal them again, in Radahn's place."

Hearing this, Ranni and Blaidd were momentarily stunned. Melina, on the other hand, secretly nodded. She absolutely believed Frieren could seal the stars. If Radahn could do it, there was no reason she couldn't.

A guarantee from the strongest sorcerer in the Lands Between was likely to be effective, especially one renowned for her research.

It should be possible.

So far, Frieren had demonstrated compatibility with all forms of magic, and she could deduce each to a new realm; she was the most talented magical genius. Was it decreed that only General Starscourge could seal the stars? With her power, she could do it too. The only question was how long the research would take.

Ranni pondered for a moment before replying:

"If the stars are unsealed, more entities like the Black King, the White King, or Outer Gods will enter the Lands Between."

"The former bring new magic; the latter probably bring disaster. Actually, it's not about good or bad, just some more unpredictable guests."

"In my view, a complete Lands Between can meet these challenges."

As a native, she knew all too well. Millennia ago, Ranni had experienced an age when the stars flowed freely. It was more like an age when the Lands Between welcomed all external powers. Didn't it develop normally then? There was no need to make decisions for everyone.

She even leaned towards returning to a time when she could choose her own destiny, because locking the stars also locked many fates.

The prosperity of the Golden Dynasty was built on locking away many things, such as Destined Death.

But did things get better?

No.

Abundance was fleeting; the many evil consequences brought about by a series of seals were long-lasting. Measured on a timescale, that so-called brilliance was too brief. So, in reality, the disadvantages outweighed the advantages.

Ranni asserted, "Everyone is not that fragile."

Since the person involved had reached a conclusion, Frieren readily agreed, putting aside the thought of sealing for now.

"From the moment powers like mine—the Lord of Cinder and the Abyss—arrived, it signified that the seal was already weak. The Lands Between has probably been operating under a loosened seal for a long time. The key is for it to prosper on its own, unafraid of the influence of evil Outer Gods."

"It seems everyone is in agreement."

"By the way, Ranni, the treasure you're looking for in the Eternal City—is it the Fingerslayer Blade?" Frieren asked.

"..."

The doll-girl's first thought was to ask why her objective had been exposed. On second thought, directly asking for the source of the information would be somewhat impolite.

Unexpectedly, the other party then very frankly recounted her exploration of the Town of Sellia.

Indeed, Frieren was never the type to engage in conspiracies or startle people. She was remarkably generous and open, treating others with a sense of complete security, exuding a relaxed atmosphere amidst deceit and intrigue.

"Correct. I intend to use it to kill my Two Fingers. However, it won't be that easy; there's still a troublesome shadow beast."

"What are the specifics? Tell me more."

From beginning to end, Frieren had been very curious about the secretive Two Fingers faction. Waving the banner of the Greater Will yet having lost contact with their master? Intriguing.

Not to mention they held the so-called authentication and interpretation of Empyreans and shardbearers, their legitimacy supreme.

Worthy of attention.

It was said that even Goddess Marika was punished for shattering the Elden Ring. So, what backing did the Two Fingers truly have? For her, it was another enigma, one she would have to unravel sooner or later.

"Frieren, inquiring about such matters is tantamount to making an enemy of the Two Fingers."

If possible, Ranni didn't want to drag others into this; she could handle it herself.

"You know I don't care about such things. A faction known throughout the Lands Between to be hidden behind the scenes, waving the banner of the Greater Will, yet what they've actually done is entirely unknown—is this reasonable? I will investigate the Two Fingers sooner or later."

"So be it. They can't frighten an outsider Tarnished like you."

"So, speak freely. Don't worry about committing grave sins or betrayal. I am your accomplice and will not betray you, as long as you do not betray me."

"Alright."

Hearing this, a warmth spread through Ranni's heart. This was indeed Frieren's style: offering trust openly and honorably, unafraid of shouldering responsibility.

Had she never suffered betrayal or schemes? Surely she had. It was just that, in her view, one simply had to kill them back in revenge later; she didn't take it to heart at all.

Since that was the case, why not trust others frankly first?

Therefore, Frieren lacked the vigilance, unease, and anxiety prevalent in the Lands Between. Coupled with her unfathomable strength, she exuded a sense of security. No wonder everyone was willing to confide in her, even pledge allegiance.

"My plan is to obtain the Fingerslayer Blade and kill the Two Fingers who are hunting me..."

Ranni outlined her general plan.

Unexpectedly, the other party was completely unconcerned with the sanctity of the Greater Will's envoys. She had no such concept, merely seeing it as a matter of being hunted and counter-killing—perfectly ordinary.

Since the Two Fingers were hunting you, wasn't it natural for you to kill them?

In comparison, Frieren was more interested in finger-related magic. As expected of her.

"I understand." After listening, the silver-haired girl said with great solemnity, "I will kill Radahn and open the great road to the Eternal City."

"Thank you."

If it were anyone else making such a grand promise, she might have thought they were stretching the truth. But this one's style was well-known: as long as she was exploring the Lands Between, she was happy, unable to tolerate an entire underground world remaining sealed.

"Then I shall rest first. The doll needs to accumulate some mana for unforeseen needs."

Ranni believed the Lord of Blood would strike again.

She had to be secretly vigilant. She believed Frieren had thought of this too, but simply didn't care about conspiracies due to her "I can just fight two at once if worst comes to worst" attitude.

Then she herself would have to keep an eye out.

Blaidd bowed and then left the ruins of Sage's Town with the blue doll, brushing past Millicent who was approaching.

Strange.

As a demigod, Ranni once again felt a subtle bloodline resonance. Was its object this severed-arm swordswoman? A similar thing had occurred with Melina... It couldn't be dismissed as a mere illusion, could it? Or was it that everyone around Frieren was strange?

Unfortunately, she had no time to think deeply; her next step was to accumulate mana.

It was truly lively today, Frieren thought, observing the visitor. This small patch of ruins had practically become a reception hall. However, having just collected new magic and a staff, she was in a good mood.

"I went to that sage's shack you mentioned."

"Gowry wasn't there, was he?"

As she said it, she had already guessed, because Millicent's face was etched with disappointment, clearly having found it empty.

"That place had a nostalgic feeling... In short, I've gained a clearer sense of my own destiny: to embark on a journey across the Lands Between, to become stronger, to find the meaning of my existence."

"No, that won't do."

She hadn't expected the silver-haired girl to shake her head. She had thought Frieren would firmly support her; after all, their temperaments were quite similar.

"I've seen too many people embark on journeys for the sake of becoming stronger, for meaning, for destiny, and the like. Most of them come to no good end. What I mean is, Millicent, you need to find a more practical goal, for example, related to a specific person. Otherwise, sooner or later, you will become lost, waver."

"When that time comes, Scarlet Rot might take advantage of your weakness. Although I will find a way to cure you, you must first have a firm will yourself."

The red-haired maiden's eyes widened as if waking from a dream, then she began to ponder.

"Thank you. But why would you promise to cure me?"

"Firstly, for research. Secondly, I promised O'Neil I would take care of you, not just to the extent of handing over the Golden Needle. Since I decided to save someone, I will see it through to the end."

That's your style.

Seeing this familiar scene, Melina couldn't help but admire Frieren's vigorous energy. She was adept at finding others' troubles and solving them, as if with endless enthusiasm for clearing one task after another, never tiring of it. Even if no one said anything, she would proactively offer help.

Just like how she herself had clearly stated she didn't need a body, yet the other had always kept it in mind, researching it whenever there was an opportunity.

"Eager to help" seemed to describe Frieren's style. She loved the entire Lands Between, loved every person and every event she encountered.

Others were easily infected by her sincerity, which was met with sincerity in return.

Millicent nodded and murmured, "You're right. Overly vague goals won't work."

"Decided?"

"Actually, I feel the power in this body has been constantly increasing. The will of the Goddess of Rot that was vaguely present has been driven away. I am now in complete control of myself." She clenched her hand. "I've thought of a new goal: to surpass your swordsmanship."

"I can hardly be called a swordsman."

"Don't be ridiculous. You must have slain countless powerful enemies. You wield one blade, and there are also traces of dual-wielding. In my eyes, you are a top-tier swordmaster in the Lands Between."

Before her words faded, Millicent drew her blade, its sharp edge pointing at the silver-haired girl.

The undisguised invitation to battle made Frieren smile faintly. Consider it setting a goal for this new friend. And there was another reason:

"It just so happens I want to witness this sword style said to be capable of sealing rot."

Clang!

She summoned the heavy Grafted Blade Greatsword, which she planted in the ground like a shield. In her other hand was Moonveil.

Dual-wielding wasn't uncommon, but this mismatched combination of a large and a small blade was a first. However, no one who had witnessed the battle against the Goddess of Rot would underestimate this unaesthetic stance; rather, it represented the user's ultimate strength and skill.

A perfect blend of strength and grace, achievable by her alone.

Moreover, there was no trace of any systematic school or style in Frieren's movements, no discernible pattern, only the lethal swordsmanship honed through extreme practical combat.

Suddenly, she moved. With a lunging step, she swung Moonveil, unleashing its sword energy. Millicent, seeing this, dodged half a step.

The next moment, the silver-haired girl had already leaped, swinging down in an arc.

Lion's Claw!

The weapon used was still the Grafted Blade Greatsword, carrying a wind pressure sufficient to tear apart military formations. But the red-haired maiden, unmoved, met it with a horizontal slash, channeling the strength of her entire body through that single arm to strike precisely at the greatsword's point of imbalance.

With a crisp crack, sparks flew. A precise parry met the blow.

But the sheer force of it still made her body stoop.

_____

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