The group passed through the north-south line of the Weeping Peninsula.
Beyond the Walking Mausoleum field, the terrain opened up dramatically, dropping sharply into the distance. A vast, lush lowland plain stretched out before them, a verdant expanse teeming with life.
"How beautiful," Frieren murmured, gazing into the distance. It wasn't the grandeur of the landscape that moved her – she'd seen plenty of that – but the vibrant scene of burgeoning life, a fervent energy washing over them.
This world held too many desolate sights that left one uneasy; witnessing nature in its normal, thriving state was a rare pleasure.
Their party itself added to the lively atmosphere. People from nearby small settlements, having heard the news, gradually joined them, along with some individuals from the reclaimed southern territories traveling north to glimpse their new ruler.
It seemed the southern front on the Weeping Peninsula was progressing smoothly. With the skills of the Black Knife Assassins and the Farron Undead Legion, capturing monster strongholds and bringing back spoils wouldn't take long. In contrast, Frieren's own mission involved a much longer route, most of her time spent traversing the vastness of the Lands Between.
Frieren turned and asked, "That plain ahead seems to have traces of magic. What was it used for before?"
"I heard the Academy of Magic stationed a garrison there to imprison someone," a villager replied. "Judging by the distance, it's indeed not far from an Evergaol."
"Imprison who?"
"I don't know, but there are poisonous pools there."
Hearing this, the silver-haired girl frowned slightly. Why is it always something like a poison swamp? Just hearing about it gave her a headache. But it also suggested a high-value target must be involved; otherwise, the Academy wouldn't bother paying attention.
"...And ruins of some water facilities?"
"Yes. A long, long time ago, a large area of farmland was established on the plains of the Weeping Peninsula, yielding abundant harvests. Which civilization built it is unknown, perhaps just the residents acting on their own?"
The productive potential of the south was surprisingly high, certainly better than the tales of desolation suggested. She had to admit, just as the local nobles claimed, the Shattering war had limited impact on these remote areas. As long as the lingering demi-humans, Those Who Live in Death, and crazed hollows were dealt with, production could surely resume.
After a while longer, they finally reached a high plateau. Several magic circles reacted nearby – it was unmistakably a prison, an Evergaol.
They had arrived.
A civilian warned, "Lady Frieren, you must be careful. Even through the seal, this one often releases waves of pressure to drive everyone away."
"That's right, it's always causing chaos! Makes the monsters run wild too."
Clearly, the locals had been tormented for years. Of course, it was still better than being eaten alive by demi-humans. It was evident the sealed individual was deeply resentful, never ceasing their training, still dreaming of the day they could display their might once more.
One should approach such a formidable being, unweathered by the passage of time, with caution. They were invariably individuals of iron will, tempered through countless trials.
Naturally, Frieren also recalled the messages left by players:
[I like this move set, it's pretty cool. Feels great to fight, really satisfying combat.]
[Watch out for the ranged freeze attack.]
[Movement speed isn't high, but it will pursue. If a combo connects, you might get stun-locked on wakeup. So annoying, got wrecked by the boss.]
[Observe carefully, dodge sideways. Don't stay too far away either.]
[Feels better designed than those Zamor guys on the mountaintops. Must be a boss configuration, no wonder it's called an Ancient Hero of the Giant War. Shame the stats are too low.]
[Drops Radagon's Soreseal upon defeat.]
[That's useless.]
Besides these, there were replays of various death scenes. From these, Frieren had essentially deduced the opponent's attack patterns. Not fast, but steady and deliberate. It posed a challenge.
She then took out a Stonesword Key. She had hardly collected any herself; the nobles had presented them voluntarily. Proof that having connections was convenient, saving her the trouble of tedious gathering.
Activating the seal, her vision abruptly changed upon entering.
Frieren immediately locked onto a figure sitting cross-legged with their back to her. Pale, with long flowing hair, the figure was tall and slender, possessing a powerful aesthetic, lines like sculpted art. Then, they stood up, holding a curved greatsword.
A simple movement, yet filled with oppressive force. A cold wind suddenly swept through the gaol, carrying the ghostly roars of ancient battlefields, surging like thunder.
Krak!
The sharp sword scraped across the ground, dragging a trail of sparks before pointing directly at the silver-haired girl.
"...I heard that when a sealed prisoner refuses to fall into degeneracy and die, but the gaol needs to be vacated, someone is sent for the execution. Are you perhaps an executioner from the Golden Order?"
"For an executioner, you are quite strong. To condescend to come here yourself?"
Though the Ancient Hero of Zamor had envisioned several possible endings over the long years, she hadn't expected her life to be ended by such a powerful individual. Well, perhaps it was a fitting conclusion to her long journey.
However, Frieren simply shook her head. Now it was the sealed one's turn to be puzzled. No hostility?
"In a sense, I am an enemy of the Golden Order. Therefore, I'm seeking allies. I heard you might be one."
"Name your price."
"Work for me for a hundred years, and I will release you."
"A rather generous offer. But you're mistaken. What I demand is that you display great power. Otherwise, your end will simply be another prison."
With that, the Ancient Hero of Zamor grinned, radiating a surging aura of might.
Her opponent was not to be outdone. An even vaster power spilled across the gaol's seal, spreading in all directions. In a way, the seal was already broken; she could easily escape now. But she wouldn't. Instead, she was filled with curiosity.
When did such a powerhouse appear in the world? There was no need to ask aloud. Enough talk. Let blades speak for themselves.
Swoosh!
In the blink of an eye, the greatsword swept horizontally, powerful and fierce, a full-force charge. Frieren, however, dodged effortlessly, simultaneously thrusting out a sword of magic at an incredibly tricky angle.
Aiming for the chest plate, at the precise moment when the old force was spent, and the new had yet to rise.
Suddenly, the very tip of her magic sword frosted over—
Frieren's eyebrow twitched as she dodged back, increasing the distance. As the Ancient Hero of Zamor continued to unleash her power, an icy gale swirled around her, so cold that even magic itself seemed to freeze, protecting its master.
The players didn't mention this. So, it's unique content? Good. That makes her worth recruiting.
"...You seem to be Tarnished? Then you'll face more rejection than most, and need even greater strength. Let me witness it."
The hero, now thoroughly intrigued, threw open her arms, embracing the frosty sky as snowflakes gathered around her form.
Ice Storm!
Boiling blood fueled the coldest power, whipping up a fierce winter wind within the warmth of the Weeping Peninsula. No longer constrained by the gaol, the resonance of their magic easily surpassed the seal, releasing freely. This was an invitation.
"Since you desire it so, very well. I also wanted to test the power of my new staff. Try to hold on."
Frieren raised the Demi-Human Queen's Staff.
Unlike before, where there was always a slight disconnect with the magic of this world, it now flowed unimpeded. Moreover, she chose Glintstone Sorcery, intending to settle this with the power native to this land.
Just as the Ancient Hero of Zamor braced for a frontal assault, instinct screamed. Something's wrong. Why isn't the sorceress attacking directly? Following her gut feeling, she snapped her head upwards. Above the raging ice storm, stars glittered.
Their undeniable power announced their presence, catching her completely off guard.
She needed to close the distance with the caster now. But Frieren's incantation was too fast. The light of glintstone was already falling.
____
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