The fully armed contingent departed the Haight-controlled area, marching towards the southernmost Weeping Peninsula. The aura emanating from the group caused monsters to retreat from afar.
They had initially thought the soldiers might slow them down, but thanks to the lack of obstructions, their passage was actually smooth.
Marching with imposing momentum.
Frieren glanced back at the soldiers. The leading captain nodded respectfully towards her; they were indeed well-trained. Apart from slightly inferior equipment, their discipline rivaled that of Godrick's soldiers.
One benefit of the Erdtree system was the long 'shelf life' of its military forces; ordinary people tended to decline much faster.
As a result, the soldiers persisted longer, giving newly arrived Tarnished an impression of an "abundant martial tradition."
After all, the military resources retained by the Lands Between were still considerable.
Furthermore, the vast majority of power resided with the various demigods. Although some nobles claimed "they are all incomplete," Frieren wouldn't underestimate them. The Lords of Cinder she had fought were also supposedly incomplete, yet each proved stronger than the last when truly engaged.
The strong are unshakable.
Moreover, the demigods wielded the power of the Great Runes, incomparable once activated. And Godrick possessed one of the most important shards of the Elden Ring.
Therefore, she needed to prepare as much as possible.
In reality, the power she currently commanded could not be underestimated.
Once upon a time, she wandered the land alone with just her horse. Now, she led a large 'tour group' with an imposing aura. Among them was a hero-level combatant like the Black Knife Assassin, and even the Lords of Cinder, the Farron Undead Legion – even in their normal state, they numbered over a dozen, their combined presence sweeping across the land.
She wondered how many troops she could muster when the time came to raise the banner against the Erdtree and attack Stormveil Castle...
"Wait!"
With a gesture from the silver-haired girl, the entire procession halted, instantly assuming an alert stance.
Her constantly active magic sense alerted Frieren to a powerful presence nearby. The map showed a set of Waypoint Ruins ahead. Why would there be activity in ruins abandoned for so long?
Apart from the main roads, the transportation system in the Lands Between had mostly fallen into disuse.
Therefore, an unfamiliar presence usually meant enemies, and enemies often meant loot drops. As a Tarnished always dedicated to completionism, she naturally wouldn't pass this up; it was also a way to grow stronger.
My Auto-Loot is reacting; there must be treasure nearby.
"Conveniently, it's a waypoint. Rest here on the spot. You maintain guard duty; I'll look for any secret passages or basements."
"As you command."
They already knew their immediate superior's disposition. Since she enjoyed it, let her try. Better than some scum whose hobby was grafting.
Frieren wandered around the Waypoint Ruins for a bit.
Sure enough, she found traces of a basement. This demanded utmost concentration.
After the battle at Fort Haight, she understood these buildings could easily become restrictive. Combat in narrow spaces was troublesome, and large-scale destruction risked breaking fragile surroundings, so adopting a defensive posture was wise.
Her player view showed bloodstains, but most were replays of successful encounters. Thus, there was an enemy ahead, but not overwhelmingly strong. A few steps further revealed a very tall...
Pumpkin Head soldier?
Simultaneously, a health bar appeared at the bottom of her vision. It roared, its head clearly encased in pumpkin-shaped metal – quite heavy, likely possessing high defense.
"As a mage, I won't engage in a brute force contest. Let's finish this quickly."
Sensing a magical aura hidden behind a door beyond the monster, Frieren decided on a swift resolution.
Glintstone Pebble was unleashed like a meteor shower, weaving into a dense barrage.
Don't underestimate it just because it's the Astrologer's starting spell. In the hands of a master, its effectiveness is multiplied, especially since she excelled at modifying magic.
In reality, mages often relied on subjective, personalized spells or inflexible, function-specific types like "make plants grow faster" or "make cloth fragrant." These sounded conceptual at first listen but offered little room for development.
If anything, they constrained imagination.
The dazzling array of spells in 'games' broadened Frieren's horizons and taught her magical modification. Her current Glintstone Pebble, for example, was no longer the same thing.
The azure crystal shards flew forward, combining high speed, penetrating power, and explosive elements.
Boom!
How could the mere mortal flesh of a Pumpkin Head anticipate a mage unleashing such potent magic instantaneously? It immediately raised its weapon to block, but the crystal shards had already pierced its body, drawing blood.
It charged forward madly, attempting to close the distance.
However, the next moment, a Glintstone shard pierced its pumpkin-shaped metal helmet, even exploding from the inside out with a muffled thud.
The shockwave reverberated within the metal helmet; blood seeped from the edges and gaps.
Frieren had intentionally drilled the crystal shard inside before detonating it. It proved the helmet couldn't protect him. Even if not killed instantly, he would drown in his own blood.
The massive body collapsed with a crash.
An enemy of this level posed no challenge whatsoever. She hadn't moved an inch throughout the encounter. With Auto-Loot active, she didn't even need to pick anything up, stepping coolly over the corpse.
Nothing noteworthy here; this person must have been a guard. The important part lay beyond.
Creak~
Pushing open the door revealed a chamber filled with Glintstone crystals, their glimmering radiance illuminating the narrow basement. A few simple tables and chairs held some scrolls and books. Standing in the very center was a woman in blue sorcerer robes wearing a sculpted mask.
"I am Sellen. I sensed your Glintstone sorcery just now. Impressive technique... but with your strength, you likely have no need for it?"
"The more methods, the better. And I personally enjoy different kinds of magic."
"Excellent. And thank you for defeating my guard. It's rare to have a guest like you. What brings you here?"
"My name is Frieren, a Tarnished currently traveling..."
From the moment she entered, Frieren had switched to her player view, checking prompts. Most mentioned keywords like "sorcery teacher," clearly indicating an important NPC like Bernahl who offered quests and taught skills.
Perfect. Since arriving in the Lands Between, she hadn't received any systematic instruction. Finally, a chance to learn properly. Why not seize the opportunity?
Furthermore, the messages advised:
[Only Teacher Sellen tells us: Even if a student doesn't measure up, you can always come back. If you can't become Elden Lord, then don't. You are the kindest soul in the Lands Between.]
[Ahead lies fateful encounter, but one day it will turn to sorrow.]
[How many offer true sincerity to the Tarnished? Teacher Sellen is surely one of them.]
[The Witch is no saint, but she is my kind teacher.]
[Just a difference of allegiance. If I had to choose again, I'd still side with Sellen, and I'd prevent that Graven Mass ending.]
...Looks like this involves a tragedy. An old tradition. But no matter. Frieren, armed with various MODs and immense freedom, had plenty of experience averting tragedy. Achieving the perfect ending was a must.
Let's begin.
Like countless Tarnished before her, she spoke the fated words: "Teacher Sellen, I wish to learn sorcery from you."
____
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