Deepest part of Astel's Cave.
Ring!
The silver-haired girl, falling from a kilometer high, gracefully landed, arriving steadily with the anti-impact of gravity magic.
With Astel, Stars of Darkness's disturbance gone, gravity magic could be used normally. Not only that, a belated new notification appeared:
['Remembrance of Astel, Stars of Darkness'] appeared, yielding an unexpected harvest.
Even without using this Remembrance, she could still comprehend higher-tier gravity magic through it.
She could fully reconstruct it, perhaps even surpassing it.
However, now was not the time for research. Frieren, having returned to the main battlefield, spread out her psychic perception, searching for a trace of Sealing Magic she had previously discovered.
Over there!
Hurrying over, she found an inconspicuous cave. That ancient seal had just triggered its Abolish ritual.
She took out the Dark Moon Ring and examined it.
"It must be some deployment by the Carian Royal Family here, that it can be opened with the Moon Princess's token."
The silver-haired girl cautioned: "It looks like this is the end. You two be careful, there's likely power from the Two Fingers present."
"Mother, I can attack at any time and dismember that hidden scoundrel."
"Don't worry about us, go quickly so you don't waste time."
This journey through the underground world was reaching its end, but Melina urged caution, lest they stir up more trouble. They had only just achieved victory with great difficulty.
Frieren strode swiftly into the cave, walking along a slope until she reached an elevator.
Whoosh!
After she stepped onto it and triggered the ritual, the platform rapidly ascended. Though it had weathered much, it remained steadfast, awaiting the one destined to visit. Upon reaching the top, it opened onto a grassy area—the Moonlight Altar.
She had seen it on the Liurnia map.
It was only an inconspicuous mark without a clear road leading to it. It turned out to be connected by an elevator. Indeed, Caria and the Eternal City were inextricably linked.
She dared not delay, summoning Torrent to hasten her journey.
Moments later, a ruined church appeared on a distant hillside, emanating a strong mana signature, along with a dragon.
"Hah!"
"Adula, are you guarding Ranni?" she asked the Glintstone Dragon in the air.
The dragon landed and nodded respectfully. As a subordinate capable of free flight, it was the first to arrive, appearing somewhat travel-worn. Originally, it had been anxious, fearing more enemies.
But it had witnessed Astel, Stars of Darkness's demise, and then the Soul Cinder King rushing to the final confrontation. Truly, it had been a series of twists and turns; there was nothing to fear anymore.
Frieren advanced with peace of mind, finally stepping into a ruin.
Cathedral of Manus Celes.
What an unsettling name. Could it be the domain of some entity? Perhaps the Two Fingers? But that wasn't important now. She wasn't in the mood to investigate; she needed to confirm the situation first, or Melina and the Mimic Tear would also be getting impatient.
A quick sweep with her psychic perception revealed a hole in the corner of the church. Following the darkness, she leaped down.
Yo!
After landing on solid ground, the silver-haired girl continued along the cave. Finally, a glimmer of light appeared, revealing a scene of blood-red.
A gigantic, twisted Two Fingers stood erect, but it was dead, carved with centipede-like rings of wounds.
Beneath the corpse sat a blood-soaked witch, legs crossed. Her doll-like body was covered in wounds. Without her sorcerer's robe, Ranni appeared so petite and fragile, as if a gust of wind could topple her. But her true strength lay in her mind; her resolute will had overcome even death.
Her face was weary, looking as if she were sleeping or deep in thought. She didn't even lift her head when faced with an intruder. From her mana signature, she had reached her limit, utterly depleted.
So Frieren knelt slightly, observing Ranni's face.
"I've brought the Dark Moon Ring..."
"After much thought, it's probably best handled by you. According to the records, it should rightfully be returned to its owner."
The next moment, Frieren picked up Ranni's hand and placed the ring on her right ring finger. The gem seemed to grow brighter.
The doll's previously dim eyes trembled. She stared at this action, unsure how to react. Had the long-lost connection finally returned? This destined encounter was truly wondrous; it turned out she had met the right person all along.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, but who puts on a ring in a situation like this...?"
"Do you need my Healing Magic?"
"Yes, now that I've rested enough, I should tidy myself up a bit."
Moments later, Ranni, imbued with Sun Healing, put on her sorcerer's robe again, restoring her usual cool and mysterious appearance, only now with an added touch of approachability.
Her demeanor seemed subtly different, but Frieren never paid attention to such minutiae. It was likely the satisfaction of having avenged a great grievance. Settling a blood feud alone could change one's character, and from now on, the Moon Princess would be even more unreserved.
Seeing Ranni freed, Frieren was also very happy; after all, she was one of the first people Frieren had met.
"Was that huge commotion outside Astel?"
"Yes."
"Since you've come, it means you've won. To have defeated Astel, Stars of Darkness... that's remarkable. Your power grows ever stronger."
She mused for a moment, then murmured: "Will you be my King?"
"I don't know, but in everyone's eyes, we already are. In any case, we definitely need to reach the inside of the Erdtree."
Frieren's characteristically plain answer left a hint of regret in Ranni's heart. Indeed, Frieren's mind always seemed to bypass emotional considerations, completely oblivious, as if her species was naturally dull-witted.
No matter, there's still plenty of time.
Now, she felt only the relief of release. It was finally over; the hardships had come to an end.
There should have been many things to say, like celebrations and cheers, but when it came to her lips, only a long sigh remained. Then she looked directly at the silver-haired girl and said:
"Frieren, my path of countering the Two Fingers has come to an end..."
"From now on, my destiny is intertwined with yours. I will support your grand endeavor, and together, we shall witness the Elden Ring."
Ranni made up her mind.
For some reason, it felt as though this understanding had been obvious for a long time but had only just been articulated. Perhaps the two had forged an indissoluble bond at the Church of Elleh that night, leading to today's blossoming miracle.
"Of course, in my eyes, you are the best choice among all Empyreans."
"Aren't you curious about this moonlight and the altar? Come up and see. Although it's very high, it has always been a beautiful land of serene tranquility, consider it a long-overdue moment of leisure."
The blue-haired doll pointed the way, leading them to the surface.
They stood amidst the church ruins, with Flying Dragons circling nearby, letting out excited cries towards the sky.
Just then, meteor trails still streaked across the sky, their fiery brushstrokes the afterglow of Astel's fall. The entire lake region was clearly visible, symbolizing supreme martial achievements.
"It's lasting quite a while," Frieren exclaimed in wonder.
"Good, it's enough to make the entire Lands Between remember: a new great victory has emerged, surpassing even the War against the Giants and the Ancient Dragon War..."
It belonged to the Soul Cinder King, and the Soul Cinder King's covenant belonged to her.
"I have a sword to give you."
"What sword?"
Frieren, who had just been gazing at the sky with a weary expression, instantly perked up, her eyes gleaming with heightened interest.
Ranni held a blue greatsword in both hands, its wide blade slender and long, exuding a chilling, icy aura. It was clearly made of extraordinary material.
Ancient and powerful magic resided within it, also indicating its capacity to withstand larger-scale magic. Its reinforcement potential was equally high. Its weight felt acceptable in hand, and its size was within control.
Much prettier than a common greatsword.
And more wieldy than the Starscourge Greatsword; she wouldn't feel like swinging a pair of doors.
Frieren tried swinging it a few times; it was very convenient. In the end, even the Sword of Night and Flame, which she had found so useful until now, also came from the Carian Royal Family. It was practically as rich as Leyndell.
Weapon Skill activated!
She raised it high for an instant, then erupted with cold moonlight sword-arc waves, sweeping across and leaving a fan-shaped trail.
The nearby Glintstone Dragon was startled into a frantic scramble, leaping directly over the church and scrambling to the other side. It couldn't understand what Her Highness saw in this crazy collector; she had to fiddle with everything she encountered, completely disregarding the danger.
After a brief test, Frieren understood that this sword was suitable for both melee and ranged combat.
Moreover, the blade combined with the sword-arc provided double poise-breaking power, making it formidable. For instance, facing Astel with it could quickly achieve a guard break and allow for a critical hit.
Charging it made it even stronger, imbuing it with ice damage.
Of course, her other two greatswords could also work, but they weren't as well-suited, and their Weapon Skill compatibility was lacking. Comparing them, the new one was better. So, information about it:
['Dark Moon Greatsword']
['Said to be the Moon Greatsword gifted by successive Carian Queens to their consorts.']
['One of the "Legendary Armaments".']
['Ranni's symbol is the cold Dark Full Moon.']
['Thus, the gifted greatsword shall be the moonlight of the Dark Moon.']
Another object of profound significance, no less than the Dark Moon Ring. Adding the royal collection piece, the Sword of Night and Flame, to the mix, how much lavish investment had she received from the Liurnia faction for her current equipment?
"Well, that's very much your style."
Frieren felt the Dark Moon Greatsword in her hand was extraordinary. Although similar ones existed in other worlds, this particular one held more symbolic meaning.
It was a victory earned by two people journeying across half of The Lands Between, then assembled by it.
From the Church of Elleh to the Cathedral of Manus Celes.
Very far.
It was precisely because of the distance that the journey felt more profound. Moreover, she and Ranni were the second person Frieren had met after Melina. She had initially thought Ranni was just a passing character giving gifts, but they had journeyed together until now, even destined for future glory. It was truly fortunate.
"Thank you, Ranni, you've helped me a lot along this journey."
"Don't mention it. We each got what we needed, and my contribution wasn't more than what you've done for me."
The doll girl looked up at the sky. Above the clouds, traces of Sunlight Spear still remained. She recognized this move and knew even more what terrifying battle had occurred; it was the Soul Cinder King who had killed Astel, Stars of Darkness at great cost.
A clash between an Empyrean and the Two Fingers evolved into the downfall of a civilization-destroyer. The commotion was undeniably massive, and would shock the world.
"Since the Dark Moon Greatsword is said to be a weapon gifted to a consort, does Radagon also have one?"
"Father indeed has one."
Hearing this, Melina felt like rapping Frieren on the head. Why bring up such an awkward topic at such a crucial moment? She really knew how to make conversation.
"I'm increasingly curious to see it..."
"That's for sure. I also hope his disappearance was a ruse and he's actually still alive."
"Definitely."
"Maybe your name has already reached his ears... Speaking of which, how do you understand the concept of a consort within the God and King system?"
"Actually, I don't quite understand either, but one meaning should be to share the loneliness of long years, and to try to make each other less lonely. Because my species is long-lived, everyone always seeks more companionship."
"So you truly aren't a Demi-Human hybrid, but rather a special race from outside The Lands Between?"
"Yes, but I've long since been too lazy to explain it."
Frieren's face was calm; she had long since come to terms with it. Having been despised by everyone in other worlds, being treated merely as a Demi-Human or Tarnished in The Lands Between initially was considered good.
"You have too many things you're too lazy to explain."
The two exchanged smiles, feeling that today's conversation was much more amicable.
Originally, they communicated efficiently, hastily parting ways after deciding where to go and what to do tomorrow, always on a path of pursuit. Now, they finally had a rare moment of relaxation, looking at the meteor shower at the Moonlight Altar and speaking their minds freely.
"In my homeland, there's a meteor shower every half-century. People see it as a farewell, and it's considered very fortunate to witness one together."
"How frequent."
"Because most people are short-lived; they can only witness one in their lifetime."
"I see. Long, long ago in The Lands Between, before Marika's Eternal Dynasty was established, people with meager Rune energy also had short lives. But I only heard about it; when I was born, it was already the era when Destined Death was sealed."
"What kind of era do you wish for?"
Suddenly, Frieren posed a weighty question. Even if she herself remained calm and unperturbed, it didn't mean it could be easily answered; it was a choice of paths.
God and King have always chosen each other, to jointly rule The Lands Between.
Their status was not differentiated as superior or inferior, though in practice, one side certainly held an advantage. For example, Marika, who seemingly could banish Godfrey, was the dominant party, and the same applied to Radagon, but the next era might not be so.
Frieren was, to date, the most dominant monarch.
It was precisely because she had witnessed Frieren's journey that Ranni clearly understood her ally had not relied on Grace or used Great Runes for combat power.
All her power emanated from within herself, even mastering the great force of laws from outside The Lands Between.
Thus, the new deity couldn't easily control her; in other words, she held greater initiative. After ascending the throne together, it would be a dominance surpassing Godfrey and Radagon.
She held the dominant position.
To illustrate, if Frieren were to be dissatisfied with Ranni at this moment and they parted ways, people would advise, 'Let the Princess become Queen, and the Quasi-King choose another Empyrean,' rather than forcing them together. The decision would always be made by the party with greater influence.
At least before their grand endeavor was completed, the King's practical power surpassed that of a God.
The Moon Princess answered solemnly:
"My law is not Golden, but of stars and the moon, the law of the cold Night..."
"Current life and souls are tied to the law; I wish to be far from them. Those that can be clearly seen, felt,
believed, touched... I wish for possibility to become impossibility. Therefore, I will cast myself and the law away from this land."
With that, she earnestly looked at the silver-haired girl, leaving the decision to her, trusting Frieren's judgment, whose heart had always been resolute in the face of suffering.
"How complicated. Is it to return everyone's destiny, to embrace all?"
"Yes."
"I had a suspicion about that before. It's not bad, it just means The Lands Between will become a bit livelier."
"Even so, you will come with me, won't you? My only King."
"Of course."
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Unfortunately, two of our stories were removed... so I created a new account to post them: MikuDayo.
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I'm counting on your support <3 the director was very sad and scared by what happened...
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