"I don't know, because most of my memories are sealed, and my power as well."
Melina couldn't help but cover her tattooed left eye.
"...I can feel it has great power, but I don't know how to use it. No, even if my memories were restored, it would probably just be a directive mission. I know nothing of the cause and effect."
"For example, if I had a mission that required a huge sacrifice, I would just have to do it. The deeper reasons for the sacrifice wouldn't need to be known."
Hearing this, Frieren's expression turned cold, a flash of anger in her eyes.
It wasn't directed at the witch, but at the power behind this. She hated this atmosphere full of conspiracy, especially when it targeted those around her.
"That's enough for now."
"More Larval Tears and more Great Runes are not feasible in the short term, but I will study the esoteric art of life carefully. This naturally requires time. Today's harvest has been great; at least I've figured out that the direction is viable."
There were too many hurdles in magical cultivation; verifying feasibility was half the success.
The only imperfection today was confirming that some kind of scheme existed concerning her proxy witch.
She trusted Melina very much. After spending so much time together, she could distinguish between genuine and false affection. She was only afraid that Melina might suddenly become a different person; that would be difficult to handle. She always felt there was a hidden danger...
Never mind.
When Torrent, the beast said to choose a king, pledged its loyalty, Frieren understood that her script was different from other Tarnished.
Since she had been targeted long ago, what was the use of worrying? Accept it openly. There was no need to fuss over it; in the journey of game magic, there was no need to exhaust oneself. Besides, strength was the reason for kingship.
She picked up several thick notebooks from the ground.
Most of them were about the esoteric art of life, enough to study for quite some time.
"What if you taught me Soul magic?" Melina had a flash of inspiration. "At least let me help you with something, and then we can study the esoteric art of life together."
"Worth a try."
"At least let me be able to use some incantations in a soul state, so you can get injured less."
Suddenly, Frieren looked directly into her eyes and smiled meaningfully. "You weren't this proactive before; you gave off an air of grim determination. This change is good. You won't be easily manipulated anymore."
"I..."
"...With that look in your eyes, I thought something had suddenly happened."
The two looked at each other and smiled, feeling a sense of ease. Although the experiment hadn't succeeded, the distance between their hearts was shortening. Otherwise, if they remained detached, there would be no tacit understanding to speak of.
"Finally, I want to try the resonance between Great Runes. I hear they have the power to repair the Elden Ring. Is it true or false?"
She proactively materialized Godrick's Great Rune, or rather, what was now called Frieren's Great Rune.
Om!
Fragments from the same Elden Ring connected their energies, instantly soaring to an exaggerated level. The entire library hummed, the foundations and even the building itself shaking violently. A corner of the world's foremost power was revealed.
It yearned to be reshaped into one. The stronger side had greater attraction. This Great Rune, which did not belong to the Shattering, was actually actively moving closer to the silver-haired girl.
Seeing this, Frieren quickly severed the connection.
With a loud rumble, it abruptly stopped; the energy tide from just now vanished.
On one hand, she had promised to leave the Great Rune to the Full Moon Queen. On the other hand, she felt this body couldn't accommodate it. It would only be safe to fuse it with the Astrologer account, but the stats weren't enough; it needed further strengthening.
Suddenly, a stream of Runes escaped from the amber and actively sought out Frieren, as if a belated gift of victory.
Melina exclaimed in surprise, "For years, the Full Moon Queen has stored all the Runes she collected in the amber. It can only be done by defeating her and then using a Great Rune to draw them out. This is the reserve of a demigod!"
"Since you don't mind, Rennala, I'll accept it. Melina, help me strengthen, as usual."
Hearing this, the witch immediately focused her mind and guided the Runes.
Whoosh!
As Frieren's magic power rose to another level, it indeed triggered a new MOD draw. As expected, only a large influx of demigod-level Runes could possibly change the module configuration.
[New MOD "Small Resource Map" refreshed. Can sense the location of different resources within a certain range.]
[A boon for completionists, prevents missing anything, guarantees you'll clear the map.]
The range depended on spiritual perception, but it was sufficient for her, saving a lot of effort. Actually, refreshing modules wouldn't be strong enough to directly change her strength; the key was to enhance the experience. This was too important; she was just worrying that Liurnia was too large and difficult to collect everything.
Don't underestimate how long the Carian Royal Family and the Academy of Magic had cultivated this land. In reality, numerous ruins and labyrinths had not been carefully investigated and awaited excavation.
Yet, they didn't know much about them either.
That was why Frieren was left with room to explore. Of course, as her administrative duties increased, she traveled less. Some monster respawn points and small labyrinths were left to the army, serving as training exercises for them.
With the small resource map, she could now judge whether it was suitable for her to tackle or to let the army handle.
By maintaining an appropriate standard and letting her subordinates grow stronger through continuous exploration, it might be possible to defeat the Royal Capital Army.
Very good.
With this, her control over Liurnia would be further enhanced.
Furthermore, she confirmed that the power of her Astrologer account had increased significantly; after all, these were Runes accumulated by a demigod. Actions in the Lands Between primarily relied on compatible power, and she was happy to do so. Anyway, her main body's power served as a safety net.
"The basic attributes are all allocated. Excluding your powers and techniques from outside the Lands Between, you're already an ordinary hero-level mage. How do you feel?"
"Everything is normal. Edgar and the others should have collected the documents by now. Let's go."
"That's good."
How could Melina not know that Frieren also hid many secrets? For example, that bottomless power often showed signs of conflict, practically using her own body as a vessel for different powers to achieve balance.
Torrent's judgment was truly unique; it had found a genius.
The Tarnished maintained a terrifying equilibrium within her body. Now, with the addition of a Great Rune, it was crazy enough. Too much debt doesn't crush a person, right?
If she hadn't always acted reliably, Melina would have long advised her to be more restrained. Fortunately, they coexisted peacefully.
"By the way, I almost forgot." Suddenly, the silver-haired girl turned to look at the apprentices and asked, "Do you want to step out of the library and take a look? For example, research with me?"
Although their voices were muddled and the syllables complex and unclear, the meaning was indeed conveyed.
As living beings, they naturally yearned for a wider space. Moreover, Frieren's aura was reassuring; she was trustworthy and should be able to heal the strange state of their bodies.
They even actively stood up. At first, their steps were unsteady, but then, step by step, they became more stable, following behind her together.
The library doors swung open. Bright sunlight shone on everyone.
Frieren waved and then strode forward with purpose. The other apprentices followed. Though in the Academy of Magic, it was their first time stepping into the Academy proper.
Five days after the Battle of the Church of Vows.
During this period, Frieren and her party were busy with nothing else but basically processing documents and making repairs.
The first official merchant caravan connecting Stormveil Castle and the Academy of Magic arrived, proving that large-scale circulation of goods was feasible, a first in millennia.
Similarly, a large number of civilians who actively sought refuge were also gathered. They could wait for the lake region to gradually recover, or they were allowed to go south. Anyway, with so much land and so few people now, they were a productive force wherever they went. It was all the same; they could do as they pleased.
Since civilian passage was so convenient, it was even easier for armies.
Every day, Frieren had to receive a new contingent of the Southern Army for an audience, discussing the current situation with these officers:
The Academy was basically repaired.
Its preservation was already somewhat better than Stormveil Castle, which had been poorly managed under Godrick. The wealthy Carian Royal Family had a strong foundation, and the academic faction had also been constantly consolidating it, so it had become a fortress on the spot.
The reason for continuously dispatching troops was because this had become the de facto primary front line; the area around the Grand Lift had to be firmly held.
"Isn't it too early to directly occupy the Grand Lift?" Frieren asked.
"It is indeed early, so we are only stationed in the area of the Church of Vows. We'll advance slowly with the rest."
"Alright."
"After all, according to your instructions, the immediate priority is to deal with the monsters in Liurnia. Otherwise, it will affect normal passage. This will be the army's work for some time to come."
"This strategy is correct. Proceed with caution."
According to reports, monsters called Royal Revenants were discovered during the march. It took quite an effort to deal with them. Even seasoned soldiers said those things were terrifying, their slaps like a fierce wind.
A pity. Hearing the news, Frieren was somewhat regretful she hadn't fought it; it clearly sounded like a difficult monster.
Facts proved that the idea of letting the army clear the surroundings was correct. Thanks to this, many villagers began to venture out, adding a touch of vitality.
Actually, she had also gone out these past few days. Using the "Small Resource Map," she strolled around the vicinity, not rushing to explore but first marking points and drawing maps to hand over to the army. This way, they could avoid some dangerous locations.
Small labyrinths could be left to them.
Challenging ones, of course, had to be reserved for herself; that was the fun of collecting.
"In addition, many people want to join the army." Edgar reported with a smile, "They had concerns before, but now they feel we are an army capable of repelling the Royal Capital."
"If you recruit too many incompetents, there won't be a second victory. You need to be selective."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
At the same time, Moongrum also made a suggestion: "I think the troops in the Liurnia region can be appropriately disbanded and reorganized into the Southern Army's system. Compared to General Edgar, we haven't fought for too many years and lack experience."
Frieren nodded. "You have a good eye. Let's do that. With Caria's strength, it should be possible to strengthen considerably."
She understood that Moongrum was actually proactively trying to win her trust, even at the cost of weakening the noble troops' system. Only by truly integrating into the new Shardbearer King's forces could they be considered on the same boat.
Truly considerate, saving her a round of probing.
Furthermore, the Carian Knights' strength, training, and command system integrated seamlessly, supplementing a major weakness: the severe lack of officer reserves.
Although Frieren didn't know much about military affairs, she could see that the army, having absorbed the strength of both regions, was growing stronger.
"Teacher Sellen, how are those mages performing? Are they willing to join?"
"Rest assured. Apart from the die-hard academic faction, many are actually willing to participate in this once-in-a-millennium war for kingship, especially since she is also a top-tier sorceress. In short, with a little training, they can become a fighting force."
"How are the apprentices?"
"They learn very quickly, no matter what I teach them. They have the potential to form a high-ranking mage corps. As long as you continue to heal and normalize them with Soul Healing, they will definitely become a great help."
Sellen, who had reopened her classroom and gained many students, was very satisfied, even more so than before.
After all, these beings created by the esoteric art of life were like blank slates, yet exceptionally talented. Their study of magic progressed by leaps and bounds. Both teacher and students felt a tacit understanding, improving day by day.
"Coincidentally, my Soul magic has also been perfected. I just need time to slowly wait for the targets to recover their mental strength."
Whenever she had free time, Frieren would activate Blessing's Boon.
Numerous dewdrops fell from the sky, accompanied by a refreshing fragrance that healed souls and reversed hollowing, refracting rainbow bridges in the sunlight.
A magnificent sight!
Such an iconic scene became the most yearned-for place in current Liurnia. Settlements spontaneously formed around the Academy of Magic.
Villagers, drawn by her fame, came with their families to be healed and then praised the Soul of Cinder King.
They had suffered too much from hollowing. Back then, just hearing that the pain and mutation process could be suppressed was considered incredible. Now that it was clear it could be cured, wasn't it comparable to the power of the Elden Ring?
No, that thing hadn't been active for a long time.
In that case, Her Majesty Frieren was the one possessing the foremost miraculous magic. The dewdrops she brought down could also save lives; naturally, she would become an object of worship for the blessed.
Consequently, the nobles also became more closely connected; after all, this kind of blessing was greater than any reward.
"The Royal Capital Army won't interfere with us again for a short while," Edgar said. "Because Volcano Manor is sending out small units to harass the Altus Plateau. The Grace-Given King is probably overwhelmed."
"We must seize the opportunity."
"Your Majesty should comprehensively collect the Academy's resources. For example, there should be many sorceries and staves here that you can use."
Frieren nodded, her unspoken meaning being that the rest of the busy work was left to them.
Research on the esoteric art of life creation was progressing very slowly. Forcing it wouldn't work either. She might as well take a break and see if there were other gains.
"Understood, I'll go look for collectibles."
Seeing the silver-haired girl rubbing her fists eagerly, Edgar was stunned. "Your Majesty, the Academy is now your domain. You don't need to personally go searching. I've already ordered them to hand over their treasures; this is standard procedure."
Sure enough, Frieren showed her disappointment openly. How could the process be skipped?
"Apprentice, you should go take a look quickly. There are many wondrous magics and items in the Academy. Even we can only collect them but not use them. You definitely can."
"See you later."
Since Teacher Sellen was suggesting it, she naturally had to try them out.
Everyone also expressed their anticipation. What would happen if an already top-tier sorceress advanced further? They weren't worried about incompatibility at all. Because any power seemed to be usable by Frieren, all-encompassing yet not conflicting in the slightest, Scarlet Rot being no exception.
She was too good at incorporating diverse elements. If the accumulated reserves of the Academy of Magic from millennia or even longer were concentrated in one person, it wouldn't be weaker than a Great Rune.
Academy Discussion Room.
The place, once ravaged by battle, was now tidied up, clean and neat.
The only disharmonious element was probably the stacks upon stacks of books, practically forming a backdrop. Throughout the Liurnia region, the interior design style seemed to be "piled high with books."
However, Frieren quite liked this atmosphere of being surrounded by knowledge.
As she looked around and arrived here, the long-waiting mages immediately greeted her with fawning expressions. According to them, they were "paying tribute to the new ruler of the Academy of Magic."
Quite the aristocratic display.
No matter what banner the mages flew, it was merely an attempt to curry favor. For example, some of the more cooperative academic faction members hoped to increase trust this way.
"I'm not interested in these convoluted matters, nor am I good at them. As long as you don't cause trouble, and everyone cooperates, that's enough." Frieren's words reassured them, and the atmosphere in the room eased slightly.
"Since Your Majesty is investigating Royal Consort Radagon, then this item will definitely be useful."
A mage knelt on one knee and respectfully presented:
[Radagon's Soreseal]
The first time she received a talisman with such a portrait-like appearance. It felt heavier than usual, exquisitely crafted, lifelike, and contained astonishing magic power. Very special. Ordinary people probably couldn't use it; it required considerable skill.
Frieren examined the talisman's surface like an archaeologist. There was dust in the crevices and the distinct dry smell of being stored in a treasure chest for a long time.
[A talisman made in the image of "Elden Lord" Radagon, one of the "legendary talismans"]
[Shortens the casting time of sorceries and incantations]
[It is said that when "Red-Haired" Radagon was the husband of Caria's Rennala, he studied sorcery]
[When he was Queen Marika's husband, he studied incantations—]
[A hero's goal is to become a perfect being]
Truthfully, shortening casting time was already irrelevant for Frieren's level. Demigod sorcerers had simplified their casting abilities to the extreme; only before reaching that stage would such talismans be needed.
In other words, it could no longer increase her own strength; at best, it was a collectible.
Compared to that, she was more interested in the related description. Don't underestimate those few dry lines of text; they actually confirmed an important matter: Radagon, when attacking the Academy of Magic, was not in his complete state.
Almost misjudged.
"Learned sorcery and incantations respectively through two marriages? Radagon indeed found the right people. There probably aren't more suitable reference subjects than them."
The second Elden Lord was very purposeful, his actions traceable, giving the impression of clear thinking, not the type to suddenly disappear... And this meant that he, who fought the Academy of Magic to a standstill back then, was an unenhanced version.
Just his warrior strength alone was so formidable. What would happen if he was augmented with sorcery and incantations? His strength would definitely skyrocket.
Many voices in the Lands Between questioned Radagon's strength based on his battle record, little knowing it was outdated. After two major enhancements, he absolutely possessed kingly combat power, and he definitely wouldn't die easily.
Frieren took a deep breath, a trace of apprehension rising on her face, believing they would be enemies in the future.
No particular basis, just pure intuition. A true powerhouse shouldn't die and disappear so anticlimactically; they would definitely become active again.
"Your Majesty, Royal Consort Radagon buried many secrets in the Academy; they are already untraceable." The mages discussed animatedly, "There should be a great secret in this, but unfortunately, we don't know either, and we're afraid of retaliation..."
"I'll investigate it myself. What else, like sorceries?"
"You seem to be researching gravity magic, probably to face Starscourge Radahn in the future. Coincidentally, there is an Alabaster Lord in the Academy who can teach related magic."
The mages grinned and presented a brand-new sorcery:
[Collapsing Stars]
[Can release a gravity orb; targets hit will be pulled towards oneself. Charging increases power.]
[A gravity technique learned by the young Radahn.]
[His teacher was an Alabaster Lord with stone skin.]
So, he shared the same teacher as Radahn; gravity magic was indeed special. Additionally, Frieren remembered a player mentioning before that the Meteorite Staff could amplify this category, but unfortunately, it was in Caelid.
Actually, the use of Collapsing Stars was already covered by the gravity Ashes of War she had modified; it had no special features, merely another fancy trick.
Ordinary mages had to make even variations into a "sorcery" to use, lacking the ability to learn by analogy, making some sorceries too homogenized and not very useful to her.
But she still decided to study it, after all, she would have to deal with Starscourge Radahn sooner or later.
"Your Majesty, there are also summonable Spirit Ashes that you like to collect."
The mages, having witnessed how powerful they became in Frieren's hands, were reluctant to give them up. But they couldn't hide them from this collector's eyes; they would be found sooner or later. It was better to hand them over obediently now, as support for the future king.
[Marionette Soldier Ashes]
[Ashes imbued with souls, can summon the spirits of 2 Marionette Soldiers.]
[Created to serve as attendants for sorcerers, equipped with long-handled scythes, can throw fire pots from the air.]
They can fly?
Even levitation counted as a mechanism; they could indeed have a place in the Spirit Ash legion.
The Academy of Raya Lucaria conquest taught her how useful the Spirit Calling Bell combined with Spirit Ashes was, so she had been collecting them. After her own magical modifications, monster Spirit Ashes that could be temporarily summoned even appeared.
For example, the lobster soldiers and Death Rite Bird that wreaked havoc in the Academy were of this type. More would need to be added later; they were specialized cannon fodder to be thrown onto the battlefield disposable.
Apart from these, there was nothing particularly special.
Merely imp heads, Golden Seeds, Living Jar Shards, and the like... about a dozen in total. Unless one was a completionist like Frieren, ordinary people might not always carry them; they spent more time gathering dust.
"Your Majesty, are you satisfied?" The mages had been observing Frieren's expression.
"Not bad. Since the Academy has this technology, why not create more Marionette Soldiers and Albinaurics to supplement our forces?"
"It's rather time-consuming..."
"Resources are sufficient. And useful talents should be treated well, shouldn't they? Past misunderstandings are not important."
"As you command, great and magnanimous Your Majesty."
Ultimately, they wanted to know if the new ruler would continue the purge; otherwise, they would likely be affected. Now, they had received a definite answer.
Seeing is believing. It turned out Frieren could be communicated with normally and was reasonable, her conduct very dignified. Compared to other demigods who were prone to erratic behavior, she was indeed the only reliable king to choose.
No wonder the Limgrave nobles had boarded her war chariot earlier than anyone else.
Since the die-hard academic faction had been dealt with, the rest could be utilized. And the mages were also considering whether they should participate more deeply in the new Shardbearer King's war.
The battlefield was also a place to test the effectiveness of magic; the Academy should not be absent from this battle.
______________
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