First Hearing of Leda

The streets of Redmane Castle were relatively wide, flanked by weapon racks and various military supplies. The wind blowing towards Frieren carried a hint of gunpowder, a clear sign of the astonishing quantity of equipment stockpiled around, making it seem like a super military fortress.

And it was a fact. The entire structure was built atop a high cliff, isolated, with only a single bridge connecting it to the outside world. It was truly one of the world's rare, naturally defensible terrains—easy to defend, difficult to attack. Basically, it was always Redmane Castle's troops sallying forth to attack others. Its geographical location meant it was almost immune to siege warfare.

Of course, that was excluding demigods.

Frieren stood on the central avenue, taking a moment to measure it with her eyes and steps. Simultaneously, she released her mana perception, enveloping the entire area, not missing a single nook or cranny.

"If the goal were to destroy it, it would actually be simple. Just output full power towards the foundation. However, finding the right angle would be difficult."

"So it would still devolve into a war of breaking down the castle walls. That is the key to victory."

Because Redmane Castle was a rare specimen, she couldn't help but compare it to Leyndell, the Royal Capital. Sooner or later, she would have to attack that number one city in the world on the Altus Plateau. It wouldn't do not to ponder strategy.

As she was thinking, a round figure walked over. It was the enthusiastic Alexander.

"How are you? Are your wounds all recovered?"

"I'm fine."

"By the way, I've taken care of General O'Neil's remains. He was a hero rarely seen, worthy of a grand burial with full honors."

The Warrior Jar patted his belly, producing a series of muffled thuds.

Out of politeness, Frieren controlled the expression that almost broke on her face. Inside him were the minced remains of O'Neil. Just a short while ago, he was a living person she could converse with normally, yet after death, he was handled in such a manner. Even if it was a local custom, she found it repulsive. She respected and blessed it, but she did not understand.

It was said that the custom of placing a hero's remains in a Warrior Jar to be transported to the Erdtree was established by Marika. Why would the dignified Eternal Queen pay special attention to this? Perhaps there was a story behind it.

In any case, O'Neil died a worthy death.

"When Radahn dies, I will collect his flesh chunks too. Of course, Frieren, you as well."

"...Thank you, Alexander. That gives me even more reason to win."

"A hero's remains might allow this jar-body of mine to hold on for longer," he said, touching the cracks on his surface.

Repair.

Seeing this, Frieren casually cast a spell, causing the cracks to mend slightly. In her own world, there were countless such minor, life-hack spells. Although the rules were different here and the effect would be greatly diminished, it was better than nothing. Moreover, she had simultaneously used a wisp of golden grace.

Alexander picked at the gradually closing cracks and thanked her repeatedly, saying excitedly, "The strength is returning! I can be of more help!"

Frieren, unable to cope with his excessive enthusiasm, waved goodbye.

At this time, the city grew even more lively. Because as the gates opened, the elite Southern Army troops, who were as a rule responsible for bringing up the rear, also arrived. This included, but was not limited to, Trolls, Magma Wyrms, Grafted Scions, and Dragon Communionists. Each was larger than the last, becoming the center of attention the moment they entered. They moved with great care to avoid breaking any pots and jars. Nevertheless, everyone welcomed them, having already witnessed their prowess from a distance during the recent joint operation.

"I can't believe the Southern Army has trained such a formidable force. It's a complete transformation."

"We've been in Caelid all this time and had no idea so much had changed outside!"

"It's almost over, our mission to clear the rot."

"We can be completely at ease. The current Southern Army is stronger than the Redmane Army, both in scale and quality."

"I can still fight!"

People couldn't help but start comparing themselves to each other—a natural human tendency, especially in an army that revered strength. They naturally gravitated towards the strong.

Frieren took the opportunity to ask a few soldiers about their future plans. Some had decided to return to a life of freedom, some wanted to be mercenaries, some wanted to go home, but the majority were inclined to continue fighting, to live up to the honor of a warrior.

And they presented a very realistic difficulty: After fighting Scarlet Rot for so many years, they knew nothing else but to continue being soldiers.

"Your Majesty, will you be recruiting here?" a Redmane knight asked. "Actually, I for one would like to fulfill General Radahn's unrealized ambition: to conquer Leyndell."

"This matter is of great importance. I need to consider more opinions."

"Then you should ask the officers. Commander Freyja is resting over there."

Mm.

Hearing this, Frieren entered the castle training grounds, where she saw a woman in gladiator-like attire with a faceplate helmet sitting on a wine barrel. She had an impression of this person; she was a rare expert within the Redmane Army, much stronger than an ordinary elite knight, perhaps capable of fighting a common hero.

Unexpectedly, Freyja was talking with Blaidd. Seeing this, the silver-haired girl's gaze sharpened, because this bodyguard was not the talkative type. Ranni must be behind this, directing him. She approached them proactively. Noticing her, the two greeted her respectively.

Blaidd touched the pocket of his doublet and said, "What a coincidence. I was just talking with Lady Freyja about the Haligtree Army."

"I would like to hear the details."

As a fellow demigod sorcerer, Frieren had of course noticed that the Ranni doll had just relayed a message to her silly sworn brother. Therefore, the topic must be important; otherwise, it wouldn't be worth a private chat. So, she might as well follow up on it.

Freyja replied, "Actually, during my travels in Caelid, I was helped by members of the Order of the Golden Needle."

"...The Academy's intelligence has mentioned them. If I recall correctly, they are Miquella's personal guards?"

"Correct. I met the First Needle Knight: Leda. She is a formidable expert, first-class in both incantations and swordsmanship. It is said she is currently searching for her lord, Miquella."

"Searching?" Hearing this, Frieren shook her head. "The Lands Between is so large, why come specifically to Caelid? Leda was being vague; she must have received some kind of guidance."

"Huh?"

Freyja scratched her head, unable to figure it out. A normal local's thinking wouldn't connect the land of Scarlet Rot with the most mysterious demigod; they were worlds apart. But once the speculation was voiced, it felt as though there might be some connection.

Then, under further questioning, she continued to recount her brief encounter back then, which held no important intelligence. In fact, Freyja didn't even understand why Blaidd the Half-Wolf and Frieren the New Lord of Souls were so focused on it, able to make deductions from just a few words.

"In short, the Needle Knights were active in Caelid, but left no obvious traces, as if they often disappeared."

"That's the characteristic of a tracker," Blaidd asserted. "On the surface, their movements are a mystery, but in reality, they are gradually closing in on their target."

Having often done similar missions, he had the right to speak.

"They must be tracking news of the Empyrean Miquella. He is in Caelid."

The others didn't dare to agree with Frieren's leap-of-faith conclusion. Right now, evidence and clues were too scarce to support such a judgment, but the direction of the speculation was probably correct.

Freyja replied, "I have some friendly relations with Leda. I'll find her again later."

"I'll be counting on you."

After this casual mention, Frieren ended the topic. From her behavior, one could tell Freyja wasn't a particularly meticulous person; she wouldn't have observed too many details about the Order of the Golden Needle. Moreover, according to her memory, it had been several years; the intelligence was likely outdated.

Furthermore, this personal guard of the Haligtree Army was probably on a secret mission; they would certainly have to cover their tracks. So Frieren didn't expect to hear anything significant; ultimately, it was up to her.

"As long as the commotion raised in Caelid is big enough, that Order of the Golden Needle will reveal themselves. This place has already attracted a lot of attention."

Blaidd nodded. So far, wherever this new sovereign went, there was no shortage of big news. Even if one were in the far north, they would notice.

The two both indicated they were going to rest for a while. Freyja also had things to do; she had to prepare for the upcoming Combat Festival with the Redmane officers. A great battle was imminent, and everyone felt a sense of tension, especially for them, the subordinates of General Starscourge.

A pair of old friends stood by the castle wall. The surroundings were quiet, perfect for exchanging intelligence.

Blaidd took out the Ranni doll.

"Perhaps my worries are correct. Miquella has actually been making moves for a while now. Frieren, with your arrival, his pieces have become more active, but they are hidden very deeply."

"You two should be considered rivals, right? But as far as I know, Miquella has no chosen king..."

"No. As a child, my brother Radahn greatly admired him."

"?"

Unlike the information circulating in the Lands Between, this sudden new piece of news slightly stunned Frieren. She had thought it would be Godwyn paired with Miquella; after all, the great prince and the pure empyrean were quite suitable. However, was not Ranni's direct account of family matters more reliable than those wild histories of the Lands Between? Back then, the Lunar Princess had, after all, lived with Radagon in the Royal Capital.

"So you think Miquella leans towards choosing Radahn?" The silver-haired girl spread her hands.

"Then he's already out of the running, because General Starscourge is sure to die. Even without me, he is destined to perish from the rot."

"What if you think about the cause of it all?"

"Indeed, it is strange."

It was well known that Radahn's condition was caused by Malenia, and the Valkyrie, hailed as "Miquella's Blade," was most likely acting under orders. This conclusion was a consensus between the two of them. But then again, could it be that the method of choosing a king was to kill the king-candidate? The more one pondered, the less sense it made. There were too many strange things, impossible to sort out.

But both agreed on one point: when the stars began to move again, many plans could then be put into action, and they would naturally reveal their tracks. At that time, they would surely be able to seize the clues.

Ranni advised, "In short, just keep an eye out. I will investigate for you and share intelligence."

Immediately, the doll waved its hand, indicating it was about to go dormant.

Frieren nodded. If possible, she did indeed need the power of Unalloyed Law. Purification and spirit-type magic were always rare; she would collect as much as she could, especially since the Lands Between had a large amount of contamination in urgent need of clearing. In her own world, she also had to prepare various resistances against curses. Anyway, there was always a shortage. She hoped Miquella's power had some wonderful use.

Next, she and Blaidd remained where they were, meditating and resting. Time passed minute by minute, just waiting for Castellan Jerren to complete the final preparations...

Dong!

The bell tolled, its sound echoing high above. The wind on the cliff howled even more fiercely.

The entire Redmane Castle came alive. People gathered around the lift platform, on high alert.

"Let's go over too."

After waving to Blaidd, the silver-haired girl strode over. Before the high platform, numerous experts were gathered. Not only were there those she had met before, but also some new faces she was seeing for the first time. Everyone had come from all corners of the land, but for one goal: the Combat Festival. Or perhaps, they hoped to achieve fame and glory. Who wouldn't yearn for a hearty battle with the one hailed as the strongest demigod?

At this level, no one feared death; they only sought battle.

Frieren's arrival naturally drew attention. The crowd automatically parted to make way. After this brief period of rest, her equipment had been fully repaired. She wore her circlet, with scarlet flowers adorning her two ponytails. Her silver breastplate and fauld were as good as new, and her surrounding mage robe had been modified to be lighter. She was fully prepared.

This Combat Festival would probably be truly different. For the first time, it welcomed a demigod-level challenger, a fellow shardbearer. A world-altering battle was destined to occur. It wasn't just the possibility of Radahn's fall, but more likely, two Great Runes would be gathered. A historic moment for the entire Lands Between was about to arrive.

"Everyone—"

"You have gathered here for General Starscourge's farewell. Thank you all for your efforts. Do you hear the roars from the dunes? Do you smell the blood in the air? Along the way, you must have also witnessed Caelid's special welcoming ceremony. Just standing here is already remarkable, but you have an even greater goal: to achieve the objective of the Combat Festival, which has been held for millennia."

"The Redmane Army wishes to give the General a magnificent end, and you all have various goals, such as fame, or unsealing the stars, whatever they may be."

"Put it into practice with courage and battle. Prepare yourselves."

Castellan Jerren pointed from afar towards the dunes, from which came waves of shrieks and roars.

Everyone's heart jolted. That was right, that was the aura of the strongest demigod. He had sensed it instinctively.

Frieren's perception was the clearest. She could distinguish the energy of gravity magic accumulating; they had recognized each other's demigod-level mana. Good, his fighting spirit was high. Apart from madness, he showed not the slightest hint of weakness.

That was for the best. Fighting a half-dead enemy would have no reference value.

"That is all. You who have fully grasped the danger are now ready, yes? You will either be immortalized in history as part of a legend, or you will become one of those chewed-on corpses on the beach."

"The time for hesitation has passed. Now—all challengers, proceed to the dunes."

With Jerren's command, the rattling chains of the lift arrived. The crowd exchanged glances and then stepped on. They would fight with all their might.

Leading the way, naturally, was Frieren. Following closely behind were Blaidd the Half-Wolf, Lionel the Lionhearted, Iron Fist Alexander, Great Horned Tragoth and the Old Man, Millicent, and a host of other powerful challengers. During the battle against the Goddess of Rot, everyone had witnessed their teammates' strength. Their morale was sky-high.

The moment she stepped onto the dunes, she smelled an even thicker scent of blood. The coastline was endless, waves crashed, the sky was dark, sand and stones flew. The ground was dotted with countless corpses and arrows of exaggeratedly large size.

Arrows?

A roar like a greeting sounded. On the horizon stood a red-haired giant of a man in full golden armor. His figure was tall and straight, as if holding up the heavens. He drew his bow like a full moon. He aimed at the sky, his trajectory reaching its apex.

"What a greeting, giving people no time to prepare at all." Frieren took out two staves.

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