"Frieren."
Calling her by name, Ranni grabbed the silver-haired girl's collar and pulled her slightly closer, their faces almost at zero distance.
However, her Majesty remained dazed, as if she understood something yet also understood nothing.
Ranni couldn't help but glare at her. Did she have to be the one to take the initiative?
Frieren, finally coming to her senses, slowly cupped the doll's cheeks. She gently pressed her lips against the lips of that soulful face. There was no physical sensation, yet their hearts resonated as never before.
They gazed at each other for a long time.
"Are you alright?" Frieren gently combed her partner's slightly messy hair. "Ranni, we can reshape a physical body to house your soul right now."
"The great battle is imminent; let us not do such extraneous things. It is good to leave a little anticipation."
She couldn't help but touch her lips. So this was how it felt.
Even in soul form, the rhythm in her heart was unavoidable; she felt incredibly at ease.
When had she suddenly become so nervous? Perhaps the series of upheavals made Ranni eager for a safe haven. Or perhaps their feelings had reached this step. Maybe this kiss should have happened back at the Spiral Tower, but it was saved for now.
"Thank you."
"There is no need to be so polite given our relationship. Anytime is fine, as long as it makes you feel a bit more comfortable."
"Don't speak as if I am casual about this. This is a restatement of our oath; it is very sacred."
Ranni grasped the Dark Moon Ring on Frieren's hand, and the latter nodded hurriedly. Among the companions she had met so far, Her Highness the Lunar Princess was one of the few who were cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Only slowly did one witness her emotionally rich side.
Discovering a side she had never experienced before was also a kind of joy.
"Tanith must have sworn such an oath with Brother Rykard as well, but it is a pity they could not walk to the end... No, she has already died for love. That is the ending."
"Your Majesty, if you were to die in battle, I would likely find it hard to live on alone. Both this heart of mine and in a realistic sense."
"So, of course, I will win."
"I didn't mention the word 'win.' I am worried about you. If you burn out using the Soul of Cinder Incarnation like last time, do you intend to leave me alone to watch over the Lands Between?"
"It doesn't matter anymore. My physical constitution is much better than back then."
Frieren was not speaking empty words. In fact, relying solely on the massive amount of Runes provided by the King of Promise at that time, she had strengthened herself significantly.
Not to mention she had just obtained a new Great Rune and a module conducive to fusion.
And she hadn't exchanged the Remembrance yet.
The rewards from the Remembrance would strengthen her further. At worst, she would optimize her capture route, defeating the Haligtree Twins first to obtain Malenia's Great Rune. Heading to the battlefield with five Great Runes would be enough to support a round of full liberation.
This liberation would not be limited to the Soul of Cinder Incarnation; it could even be the Ancient God, or even a multi-account fusion form.
Frieren was naturally clear about her own physical condition; a prolonged illness makes a doctor of anyone, and she had plenty of ideas to solve it. To ensure victory in this battle, she naturally had to prepare as fully as possible.
Suddenly, Ranni took her hand and walked out of the Grand Library.
The wind from the attic tower blew across their cheeks. The two sat on the edge of the railing, overlooking the area below, and gazing further at the distant continent.
The view opened up wide.
"A long time ago, when I was a child, we used to pass the time like this too."
Ranni leaned on Frieren's shoulder, a look of nostalgia on her face, but more than that, regret for what was gone forever.
Farewell, my two brothers.
Caria and the Golden Lineage belonged to the same royal class; their destinies and the landscape of the Lands Between were bound together in sorrow and joy. The Shattering War had likewise deeply affected them, but everything was finally about to draw to a close.
"Are you not nervous? The war that has lasted five thousand years is about to end. The First Lord will also participate, bringing his invincible Crucible Knights."
"And I am certain there are strong enemies inside the Erdtree."
"Can we change the world? Frieren, will it ultimately be prosperity or decline?"
She was nervous.
On the surface, Ranni seemed light as the wind, but as the stakes continued to increase, she was like a gambler watching the chips on the table grow larger and larger. It was impossible for a person not to imagine the consequences of losing. Besides, winning or losing could not describe such a massive shift in eras.
The fate of the common lives in the Lands Between was to be decided by them.
These were not arrogant words. The God who controlled the Order and the Lord who controlled the power bore heavy responsibilities; an ordinary heart could not bear it.
Frieren smiled and patted Ranni's head, causing the latter to pout but not resist. Her King had a big heart as always; it seemed nothing could move her.
"Change your way of thinking. Leave it all to me. Just trust me."
The silver-haired girl's clear declaration melted into the wind, echoing over Liurnia of the Lakes. This was a promise.
"You seem very skilled at this."
"Although it might sound a bit arrogant, I have fought battles that decided the fate of the world several times. I cannot say I accomplished it alone, but I have certainly been nervous about the responsibility. I adapted to it. It is your first time, so feel free to entrust it to me."
Ranni smiled with relief. "I believe in you. I know. Those things are things only you could do, and you succeeded."
"I wouldn't call it success. At most, I stopped everything from falling into failure."
If Frieren could successfully fuse different powers and ascend to a brand-new realm, exerting a power where one plus one was not just two but a qualitative change, she could certainly repair the First Flame world and the dream world.
They could also live in an era of abundance.
The ever-extending journey was also her process of searching for a method, and today she finally saw hope.
Victory was certain.
Not just for herself, but also for companions like the Fire Keeper and the Doll, who were still waiting for salvation in the darkness. She couldn't drag it out too long.
Sensing Frieren's heavy responsibility, Ranni held her hand.
"In that case, you must also remember one thing: I will always be worrying about you, so do not take risks lightly. Do the rest with a free hand. You have more experience than I do; you can certainly create magnificent feats."
"Next, I will go to the Roundtable Hold. After all, there is intelligence saying Sir Gideon Ofnir's spies are contacting the Royal Capital..."
"I will stay at the Magic Academy for now to handle some trivial matters."
"Let's do that."
"Actually, I have always felt an unease coming from inside the Erdtree. Thinking back carefully, many of Father Radagon's actions in the past had strange aspects. I want to carefully cross-reference memories and ancient texts with Mother. There must be details we overlooked. I hope I can help you."
"Okay. I might go to the Altus Plateau to operate for a bit later, and then to the Snowfield."
"Remember to call me when you go to the Snowfield. My power is suitable for that place."
Finally, Ranni gently kissed Frieren's cheek. The latter nodded seriously, then bade farewell, jumping straight down from the attic of the Grand Library tower.
Truly an impatient person.
Once she decided on an action, her King's style was swift and decisive.
Roundtable Hold, inside the Two Fingers' chamber.
With the help of the Finger Reader, Frieren exchanged a Remembrance once again. The harvest was better than imagined.
First was the magic she was most concerned about, the fire-attribute rancor that Rykard had once used. It also contained the power of blasphemy mixed within. Its attack power and mechanics were usable; at least it wasn't just for show.
[Sorcery: Rykard's Rancor]
[The terrible power of Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy.]
[Releases searing spirits that leave a trail of delayed explosions in their wake.]
[These are the spirits of heroes who met a violent end.]
[They had an audience with the Lord and were welcomed, only to be devoured, sinking into the Great Serpent's body to become the Lord's kin.]
Sure enough, recruiting Recusants was also part of the conspiracy. Either they helped do the work and had their labor exploited, or, if they had some strength, they were devoured to become part of Rykard. How insidious.
Good riddance.
Frieren had no good feelings for this sort of trash. After fusing with the Great Serpent, he had long lost his humanity.
However, the magic was indeed remarkable. It had a certain compatibility with her soul magic. Possessing both soul and fire damage, it was no worse than the Sorcery: Ancient Death Rancor. They could be cast together; multiple elements and attributes were enough to keep enemies running for their lives.
It was a pity there weren't many player messages commenting on it. The key was comparison, and the other reward was too strong.
She took out a long sword that was scarlet throughout.
She had heard of it long ago and seen it in various messages. It was a universally recognized powerful weapon, appearing even more frequently than the Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear.
Speaking of which, Mohg's weapon had basically been shelved. Useful as it was, she really couldn't adapt to a giant long spear.
The sword, however, was very familiar.
Frieren held the Blasphemous Blade and swung it a few times. The feel was good. Benefiting from a slightly thinner and longer edge than the Dark Moon Greatsword, it was even more agile and smooth to use, though its appearance was a bit horrifying.
Flesh and blood were wrapped around it, emitting wails and cursing all things.
It certainly fit the background. After all, the Lands Between didn't lack similar eerie abilities, and having good looks as well counted as lucky.
[Blasphemous Blade]
[Sacred sword of Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy.]
[Remains of the countless heroes he has devoured writhe upon the surface of this blade.]
[Now they share the same blood, bound together as family.]
[Restore HP upon defeating an enemy.]
Just as Frieren had felt during the battle, if hit by it, a portion of HP would likely be stolen. Moreover, the impact of the flames was significant; it could provide a staggering effect at medium range.
In the hands of someone who understood swordsmanship, the threat was even greater. Unfortunately, Rykard had gone mad long ago and hadn't fully utilized even the basic Ash of War capabilities.
The Blasphemous Blade he had painstakingly forged was now Frieren's new treasure.
[Unique Skill: Taker's Flames]
[Raise the sacred sword aloft to bathe it in blasphemous flames, then slash down to launch a forward blast. The flames steal HP from those they touch.]
Just looking at the description combined with various stats and mechanics, Frieren knew it was the premier choice for Tarnished. Perhaps some targeted changes were needed for battles against strong enemies, but for map clearing and exploration, it was absolutely dominant. The sense of security from HP recovery and distance were combined into one.
Perfect.
Not to mention there were many means to boost fire damage, and enemies weak to fire were a dime a dozen.
Even though she already had so many powerful weapons in her hand, she had to admit the Blasphemous Blade was one of the best, ranking at the top. Combined with relevant buffs, it possessed both versatility and power.
No wonder there were so many messages mentioning it before. It had a great reputation:
[Not a BOSS I like, so I just Blasphemed directly.]
[Difficulty dropped. Just spam the Weapon Skill. Full of security.]
[It's one thing for this fire to have range, but it actually has impact force too. The stagger effect is good; I can watch small mobs rush up, get beaten to death, and then I suck their blood. Solved in one combo.]
[The Electric Wheelchair is here.]
[Combine it with the Dread Talisman from the Shadow map and it's even stronger. Seemed like a nerf to impact, but actually a pure buff. I like it.]
[Only you can give me the experience of clearing the map at full HP.]
[Blasphemous Blade plus Incantations. The stat allocation fits perfectly too. Taking care of everything together.]
[Ran all the way to the Volcano just for it. Used the Serpent-Hunter to lower the difficulty and kill Rykard, then used the Wheelchair dropped by Rykard to lower the difficulty further. Now I'm playing happily.]
[The Volcano also has a shield poke artifact.]
[How is this Volcano barren? You people of the Lands Between don't understand. In the eyes of the Tarnished, it's full of treasures.]
[Already forgot how to roll. Meeting an enemy means a Taker's Flames.]
The unanimous praise for the Blasphemous Blade was unexpected. Although it wasn't such a critical weapon for Frieren, the mechanics were indeed extraordinary. She should try it more often to increase her margin for error.
First, upgrade it.
With this thought, Frieren went to the blacksmith she hadn't seen in a long time. "Mr. Hewg, help me upgrade all these weapons."
He said, "You've finally come back for a visit," and began forging.
It was better not to disturb Old Man Hewg at this time. He was immersed in the quenching of various high-tier Smithing Stones and wouldn't pay attention to people for a while.
The Soul Cinder King had suddenly become generous with Smithing Stones; he had to test his craft properly.
"Roderika, you look well too."
Frieren handed over the Spirit Ashes she had collected so far. The girl in the red hood accepted them with a smile and skillfully began spirit tuning. With a sufficient supply of Grave Gloveworts, the strength of these spirits would rise significantly.
"During the time you weren't here, the Roundtable Hold became deserted too. Even Sir Gideon Ofnir travels often."
"He went on a long trip?"
Since knowing this conspirator, the impression he gave was one of causing trouble without leaving his house. Once he went out, it must be to cause even bigger trouble. It wasn't simple.
The silver-haired girl expanded her perception slightly. Sure enough, she didn't find Sir Gideon Ofnir.
Roderika murmured, "You probably don't know, but after learning that you killed the Mother of Fingers, His Excellency was very angry. He felt it was treasonous... Looking at that attitude, he probably doesn't want to see you either. I hope your situation doesn't evolve into something irreversible."
She advised while tuning the spirits.
Frieren smiled and patted Roderika's head, lessening the worry between the latter's brows.
Little did she know, the person opposite her was already prepared to kill Ofnir. Both sides had long been guarding against each other. Tearing off the mask meant it was time to fight.
One denied the Order of the Fingers; one upheld the Order of the Fingers.
It had nothing to do with preferences, only a difference in stance.
A mage at the Demigod level had chosen the opposing side. It wasn't a huge matter, but not small either. If they met on the battlefield later, he had to be dealt with. But the numerous magics Ofnir mastered needed to be watched out for...
"Ouch!"
Roderika suddenly covered her head. The slender hand that was stroking her had gradually applied force; clearly so small, yet it felt like it could claw through her skull.
Frieren apologized immediately and casually gave some Grave Gloveworts as an apology.
The two coincided in avoiding the topic, chatting quietly while waiting for Hewg's forging.
"You're finally back, Lady Frieren."
Rogier walked over from the hall, greeting her warmly as always.
"It has indeed been a long time." Frieren asked curiously, "How is the pursuit of Fia by you and D going?"
"Not smoothly. We were blocked at the roots of the underground space and couldn't get through."
"Seems it's not optimistic."
"Exactly. Both D and I were injured and are still recuperating. Right now, he should be with Nepheli..."
Just as Rogier was speaking, the two subjects of discussion walked over to say hello. Everyone exchanged smiles. It felt like a long time since they had all gathered together. Clearly, they all belonged to the Roundtable, yet they were always rushing about.
This tranquility was both a rare leisure and a prelude.
The winds were rising and the clouds surging in the Lands Between. The Roundtable Hold seemed independent of the turmoil, acting as a paradise, but sooner or later it would be swept in. Besides, the Tarnished had always been in the game.
"Frieren, your weapons are all forged."
Hewg handed over all the weapons, saying meaningfully, "Everyone is rallying around you. Think carefully about it. Where should the future Roundtable Hold go?"
"I am not qualified enough."
"Stop saying things like that. It was Sir Gideon Ofnir who actively abandoned the unity of the Roundtable. He left and won't be coming back."
Hearing this, everyone was slightly stunned. At first, they couldn't believe it.
But an old timer and serious man like Hewg wouldn't speak nonsense casually; he definitely had grounds.
While they were pondering, the Finger Reader also walked over slowly on her cane.
"It really is lively today. Is it a holiday?" She looked around and said, "One thing is certain. When Your Majesty possesses the complete Elden Ring, the mission of Lord Two Fingers will end, and the Roundtable's journey will likely draw to a close. What do you want to do?"
"There will be plenty of time to think later. Even continuing activities like adventurers is fine, just like what the Roundtable did underground."
Rogier nodded.
Back then, the exploration of the Eternal City by him, D, and Nepheli had been very smooth. Although there was no lack of dangerous situations, they had stumbled through to success, accumulating valuable experience. Cooperation with Limgrave wasn't bad.
"I am just giving a reminder. In short, you must be prepared for Sir Gideon Ofnir's departure."
"The Roundtable Hold will not be extinguished. This place will always be useful."
Frieren looked emotionally at the center of the hall. Everyone's gazes converged there as well. Unknowingly, this journey had come within sight of the finish line.
Truly rare.
To have walked all this way was already extremely difficult.
A considerable number of people had actually prepared themselves to fight forever, stepping into an eternal battlefield, or to face a Hollowed ending amidst constant setbacks. Now, however, they saw the hope of a terminus and even had to think about the future.
In the past, this was simply an extravagant hope, something they didn't dare to imagine. But Frieren was realizing every impossibility.
They were about to become free, no longer having the mission of the Tarnished but enjoying this land. What was important was enjoying prosperity and abundance, not facing ruin.
"The Roundtable's urgent task is to deal with that fellow Fia."
As someone once cursed by her, D would naturally not let it go, especially with the clues about the Deathborn.
The matter was grave.
Regardless of who ruled the Lands Between, the chronic illness of the Deathborn was something that couldn't be ignored; it was something that had to be cleaned up.
Frieren actively took it upon herself. "As it happens, I am also doing some cleanup work. Tell me all the intelligence you explored to the end, Rogier. I will handle the rest."
"Before, we even met a Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella..."
The exploration duo shared their intelligence in full detail. According to them, as underground development advanced, some monsters were moving closer to the Deeproot Depths.
They were actually avoiding the spearhead.
Although the underground space possessed natural advantages—easy to defend and hard to attack—do not forget that the local powers, the Eternal City and the Ancestral Followers, had completely defected to the Soul Cinder King's banner. They obeyed Frieren's unified dispatch, cooperating with the underground expansion.
So, while progress was slow, clearing out some leftover enemies was no problem.
Even the powerful Dragonkin Soldiers gave up their dormancy and moved toward the Deeproot direction, not wanting to attract too many subjugators.
Additionally.
According to intelligence, Godwyn indeed lay at the bottom of the Deeproots, and the Prince of Death and the Death Dragon showed signs of restlessness. The situation was unpredictable.
Rogier guessed, "It might be that the Golden Dynasty wants to activate new combat power. For them, even if Godwyn is dead, that body can re-exert power. It is feasible in magic. Not to mention, Fortissax the Lichdragon and Yhorm the Giant could all be dug over in passing."
"It is possible. I also heard that Godefroy's Evergaol has opened."
Frieren hadn't specifically deployed an intelligence agency, but thanks to the sheer size of her force, with spies spread to high places, there was no lack of basic rumors and news.
The Golden Dynasty was expanding its armaments.
They didn't think that the First Lord, the Grace-Given King, and the Crucible Knights alone were enough. The more, the better.
The Deeproot Depths beneath the Royal Capital were a good choice.
"...That is all. Fia's location should be in the direction of the Deeproots, and the Mending Rune might be born there. It is critical, Frieren. You must obtain it first. If it falls into the hands of the Golden Dynasty, it will be difficult if they forcibly mend the Elden Ring."
"It's not that easy. The conditions required are many, but thank you for your reminder."
Ordinary people weren't clear that steps like Destined Death and the Forge of the Giants were also needed, but the Mending Rune remained important. It was a collectible that shouldn't be missed.
"I should set off."
Frieren's style had always been to leave as soon as she spoke. The others were used to it and waved goodbye one after another.
It had to be admitted that the Deeproot Depths were not a combat tier they could intervene in. It was more reassuring to leave it to the Soul Cinder King.
After turning around, the silver-haired girl vanished into the light of the Roundtable Hold.
The people left behind looked at each other, each with their own thoughts, but without exception, there was an added touch of nervousness.
Roderika asked cautiously, "So, His Excellency and Frieren have broken ties?"
The duo nodded.
Nepheli spoke even more unforgivingly. "That guy isn't a good person. He's already obsessed with believing in the philosophy of the Fingers. He should be throwing his lot in with the Golden Dynasty camp. In his view, maintaining the status quo is best. At the very least, Frieren cannot be allowed to succeed."
"I didn't expect it. Our Roundtable Hold has ended up with deaths and scattering just like this." Hewg huffed coldly. He spoke a bit more today, feeling slightly emotional.
"I believe the Roundtable Hold will continue. The Tarnished still have other goals, or they can simply be adventurers."
"Rogier, you think quite far ahead."
He waved his hand at his old friend D, who was dull as always, and spoke optimistically:
"It won't be long. In Frieren's eyes, there is a will determined to resolve matters. Her decision also represents half the resources of the Lands Between. The day the army approaches the Royal Capital is not far off."
The hearts of everyone at the Roundtable Hold tightened. If one were to speak of luck, they counted as independent of the factions, not having completely sunk in.
But the good times wouldn't last much longer.
____
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