At the Elf Village.
As expected, Milia Asser, arriving at the entrance, saw the Water Mirror Demon kneeling on the ground in meditation.
"After several years, I've really adapted a bit."
She mumbled, swaying the wine gourd in her hand. Despite having a new guardian taking over, she still unconsciously strolled to the entrance; it was simply habit, fluid and natural.
However, if Milia Asser were truly left idle, her active nature wouldn't permit it, unlike Frieren. Even the replica could endure boredom.
The Water Mirror Demon sat motionless, hands on its lap, like a statue. Vines and fresh flowers even grew on its body, and a few sparrows chirped.
Yet, none of it affected her tightly closed eyes, showing no sign of life.
Impressive.
Indeed, no one was better suited to guard the Elf Settlement.
Ostensibly oblivious to the outside world, her highly specialized Mana Sensing was actually more potent than the five senses, expanding to encompass an entire city's range. Moreover, the scan was incredibly subtle; Milia Asser, having lived within its range for so long, no longer noticed it.
Concealing oneself, detecting others, and then preemptively striking—that was the purpose of Mana Sensing.
A few passing elf children didn't forget to greet her; though they never received a reply, everyone knew she was the one protecting their home. Of course, there was also the original of the replica, the "Sleeping Sister" Frieren, who was often absent.
They freely left the village to play; the Elf Settlement was no longer as cautious as before.
"Sister Asser, why are you up so early today?"
Flamme, dragging a wild boar, looked curious, as if the sun had risen from the west. On closer inspection, Milia Asser was still tipsy, unchanged. She probably just wandered over unintentionally.
"I drank less yesterday, so I woke up early. I just came to check. You don't know, do you? Sometimes I clean up the Water Mirror Demon a bit."
"Like what?"
Milia Asser cast a Cleaning Magic spell, causing the vines around the Water Mirror Demon to fall away.
The White Elf remained perfectly still, unfazed.
But after the magic, a fragrant scent wafted, attracting more birds, who chirped and circled. They were no longer afraid of people, and enthusiastically circled, making the caster flustered.
"Stay away! I'm most afraid you'll drop something on me!"
She dodged left and right, as if dancing.
Flamme covered her mouth, chuckling, knowing that Asser usually didn't work much. Frieren had entrusted her with care, yet she often forgot.
"By the way, you're often active in the city. What's the situation outside? How's the war?"
"Mostly good news. After all, the Central Lands have formed a coalition army and reached the front lines. However, the Demon Race has also increased their forces, and after we pushed them back a bit, we've fallen into a stalemate. It seems we'll have to continue a prolonged war."
"Such unrest. Never mind, as long as they don't reach the Elf Village."
"Let's hope so."
"Those demons will never give up trying to exterminate us. In their eyes, elves are the only beings with the talent and lifespan qualified to share dominion over the world…"
"But you guys are too lazy to even leave your homes."
"So, for no reason, we have a ridiculous mortal enemy, unilaterally declared. How disgusting."
Milia Asser drank in indignation.
Even twice thwarting the Demon Race's grand conspiracies didn't change the overarching confrontation between the two sides. If anything, it likely stirred greater vigilance among the Demon Race's high command, and an attack would be brewing sooner or later.
So she should be more vigilant.
However, as long as the front lines weren't too close, there was no need to be constantly on edge. Conversely, if there were signs of the Demon Race attacking again, they'd need to be 100% alert.
After all, Frieren had entrusted the final safeguard to her. A token only a childhood friend could understand and use, it was impossible to mimic.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, the Water Mirror Demon snapped open its eyes and stood up, its sharp gaze looking far into the distance.
Milia Asser spat out a mouthful of wine, asking confusedly, "Wait, is there something going on?!"
"Don't worry, Sister Asser." The red-haired girl waved her hand. "If it were the Demon Race, it definitely wouldn't just have this reaction. And if the visitors were Great Mages or Great Demon-level, they wouldn't be so restrained, so it's fine."
"You're right about that."
"The Water Mirror Demon inherited much of its master's power, and its sensing range is immense. It's just hard to tell who it detected first."
Though she said this, Flamme wasn't worried.
Not to mention the Elf Village's combat strength was far greater than before, she herself could handle some difficulties. Ever since the trip to the Grave of the Demon King, she had continued her diligent training, improving her strength further.
Besides, Milia Asser wasn't someone to shriek in fear when she truly fought; she was perfectly capable of holding her own.
Thus, Flamme didn't think the approaching party posed any danger.
"Hey, who's coming?" The drunken elf circled the Water Mirror Demon.
It was the two humans' turn to be curious. Did elves have unique intuition?
"They have a strong purpose, as if they're here to confirm Frieren's status, like a thief casing a place. The next step…"
"What a pity. This replica is just a blockhead, it doesn't communicate. In the future, in similar situations, we'll only be able to guess based on its reactions?"
"It's already good. Better than waiting for enemies to stealthily invade. I think there are very few concealment spells that can truly fool it."
"Indeed, if it were Frieren, I'd believe it, but how much has it inherited from the original?"
"They are guests from the Magic Association."
A moment later, once the party entered her Mana Sensing range, Flamme immediately concluded. Within her sight were several personnel led by Weiss. She had seen them often at Northwind Fortress; they were old acquaintances, so their visit wasn't unexpected. In fact, it was surprising they hadn't visited in so long.
Perhaps it was because of the persistent rumors of the master's reclusive lifestyle, creating an atmosphere that kept people at a distance.
But why the sudden visit today? Was it for Association business?
This could be difficult.
In contrast, Milia Asser was still looking around, amplifying her Mana Sensing with all her might but finding nothing. The gap was quite large, and she wasn't skilled at it to begin with; she was completely blind.
However, she had the authority to activate the village barrier—no, to be precise, the village barrier from before the expansion, augmented with Mana Sensing.
As long as it wasn't the Demon Race, that was good news.
"They're probably here for Association business, looking for master." Flamme propped her chin, her large eyes darting around.
"…More and more mages are gathering at the front lines, and many are coming to seek guidance."
Considering the general situation, it made sense: a large number of mages hoped for inspiration from an elder of the Age of Gods.
Milia Asser said sternly, "Such a small matter isn't worth waking Frieren for. Her Dream Enlightenment Magic is the most important thing, even the most crucial secret of our entire Elf Race. We cannot disturb her."
"Yes, and we absolutely cannot expose the master's weakness of often being in slumber."
"Correction, that's not a weakness, it's a trap. Forcibly disturbing her is seeking death. But that's not important; we must keep it a secret."
The two exchanged a glance, then looked at the Water Mirror Demon. There was an alternative plan here.
In the Elf Forest, the Association party walked along a shaded path, looking left and right.
Most people imagined it as a dense, primitive forest, yet beneath their feet were well-trodden dirt paths leading deep into it. There were even signposts, so there was no fear of getting lost.
The residents were very welcoming to visitors.
According to some traveling merchants, "Elves aren't as reclusive as before. I thought they were xenophobic, but they're actually just lazy." Their words were true.
Compared to the Demon Race's extremism, the Elf Race, also long-lived, was peaceful and tranquil, actively integrating into the world.
There were even uniquely designed bird nests by the roadside. They were likely children's handicrafts, diverse in form and full of ingenuity.
No trace of monsters was found within the Mana Sensing range. According to reports over the years, the number of monsters in the Elf Forest had decreased again, basically purged, effectively becoming a large safe zone, reducing the defensive pressure on Northwind Fortress.
The one who felt this most clearly was Commander Weiss. He mumbled as he walked, "Even at my age, I feel significant changes in the long-lived races."
His deputy smiled and said, "Perhaps it's President Serie who has changed, becoming more proactive than before."
"No, it's her beloved disciple who changed her."
"Why?"
"If not for Flamme, Lady Frieren would probably have lived in the forest for her entire life, accumulating a vast amount of magic, but never passing it on to the world. She doesn't actually care whether a magic can spread far and wide; she simply enjoys the pleasure of research itself."
"No wonder. That's why the President's lectures are always so profound and mysterious."
The mages nodded.
Although Frieren's theories were famously complex, what was incomprehensible at the time always sparked inspiration later, yielding profound benefits.
To many court officials, it was a crucial part of strengthening human combat capabilities, especially with the fierce battles on the front lines currently.
It would be best to have her impart more of her experience.
"I think the President doesn't like to take center stage for tasks; lecturing is purely for her interest," someone said.
"Indeed, but one always has responsibilities once they reach a certain position."
"Commander, will she refuse?"
"We've prepared a condition Frieren absolutely cannot refuse: magic books."
"It's nothing. All nations have abundant resources; a few magic books as compensation are just a drop in the ocean."
A win-win.
If it sparks inspiration and leads to the research of other magic, wouldn't it also advance magical progress? Why not?
Indeed, Frieren was relatively easy to deal with. This honorary President was notable for teaching everything, committed to popularizing magic.
Meanwhile, President Serie took an elite approach, selecting mages with top-tier talent and nurturing them.
Their tacit cooperation allowed the number of mages to grow daily; otherwise, humanity's previous combat strength wouldn't even be able to sustain a stalemate.
Some time later.
The Magic Association visitors arrived at a logging camp.
Wagons were frequently transporting goods, and piles of timber were being sent to the city. Furthermore, there were even traces of Plant Magic, making the entire logging area grow at an accelerated rate.
The busy elves nodded greetings, and after a basic acknowledgment, ignored them.
"Further on is the town, isn't it?" Wien mumbled. "Thanks to their timber, the price of materials in the city has dropped significantly... So, they used magic. No wonder it's so fast."
"Considering the scale of human effort, forestry alone should be enough for them to live quite well. They must be prosperous."
Indeed, the town had expanded a bit more than rumored.
Before they even arrived, houses already rose from the green horizon: red-tiled roofs and sunny walls, mostly tall, with brick and stone structures mixed with wooden cabins.
They complemented each other, blending into the forest, like a secluded paradise far from the hustle and bustle.
Thanks to magic technology and income from forestry and hunting, the sparsely populated town rapidly developed, appearing quite prosperous.
Every household had the leisure and elegance to tend to large gardens. In contrast to its inner splendor, it had a simple large gate.
A series of arching lychee trees formed a gateway standing in the middle of the road, without any named sign.
Elves never felt their homes needed names, nor did they care what outsiders called them. In a society of absolute acquaintances who knew each other, there was no need for yard numbers.
As expected, someone was there to greet them.
One was the familiar face of Flamme, often seen, who waved a cheerful greeting from afar, radiating youthful vitality.
The other was an elf with her arms crossed and smelling of alcohol.
On the surface, they appeared unremarkable, but there were traces of recently used large-scale Mana, and their aura was extraordinary. Both were at least Great Mage level; as a deterrent, it was more than sufficient.
Considering the Demon Race viewed elves as thorns in their side, caution was not excessive.
"Apologies for intruding." Wien stepped forward first to greet them. "Lady Flamme, may I ask who this is…?"
"Let me introduce you to Miss Milia Asser. She's master's closest friend. In terms of trust and entrusted duties, she's even above me."
"She's just incredibly lazy."
"We are here to invite Lady Frieren to give an open lecture at the branch."
Having frequented social events, he subtly sensed the two intended to refuse but were too polite to say so directly. Had something inconvenient occurred? Had they arrived at the wrong time? Yet, he also had a mission.
He couldn't force them, could he? Best not to make things unpleasant.
So Weiss turned his gaze to Milia Asser, who shook her head.
"The trip to the Grave of the Demon King allowed her to gain quite a lot of things, and she is currently immersed in research. She doesn't wish for anyone to disturb her, so no."
"Oh?"
Her words stunned everyone. Even Flamme raised an eyebrow, sighing inwardly. She had only told Sister Asser to refuse, but she didn't realize how direct and blunt elf expressions could be.
Her resolute attitude, instead, raised suspicion among the Association party.
It wasn't that they suspected a peerless powerful being had met with an accident; they simply felt something was strange. Why?
Flamme, who had a better relationship, intervened to smooth things over: "Although her temper is good, she gets very angry if disturbed during her research. Even I might get reprimanded, so it's best not to press her."
"The President also has inescapable responsibilities; she can't just do as she pleases," a mage said loudly. "She should reflect on this."
"Officials from headquarters already think the honorary President is too lax."
"Is that a threat?"
Milia Asser glared, immediately silencing the accompanying personnel.
"Spout such nonsense again, and the President's title means nothing. For minor matters, I can make decisions on Frieren's behalf; I have full authority during her research. Believe it or not, if I told her later, 'I resigned for you,' she'd just nod and might not even ask why."
Not only did she reply verbally, but she also unleashed a wisp of Mana pressure, rising and expanding, terrifying to behold.
Beside her, Flamme's heart stirred. Such a strange aura. When her master's slumber was threatened, she seemed capable of unleashing another kind of power.
Sister Asser had mentioned before being affected and falling asleep together…
Weiss chastised his subordinates while bowing slightly, "My apologies. I will strictly discipline them. May we please enter and speak?"
At this point, Asser had no choice but to relent.
She had heard about Weiss's deeds from her master and disciple; he could be trusted, at least he wasn't someone who would blab carelessly.
He was unaware, but his intuition was sharp. Not allowing his accompanying personnel to enter averted the risk of information leakage. By going in himself, leveraging their past interactions, he could lower their guard.
"I know you can be called Frieren's family. I will absolutely not inquire about private matters; I just hope to go inside and talk in detail."
"It's not good to leave people waiting outside. Come in."
Flamme chose to play the good cop.
She also didn't forget to release a wisp of pressure. Indeed, the accompanying party cautiously stepped inside and apologized to Milia Asser, finally convinced.
As expected of the largest Elf Settlement, with powerful individuals like clouds, all preferring to restrain their Mana.
Even in the morning, many people were already active, smiling brightly, filling the air with a lively atmosphere. They didn't give the impression of a transcendent, powerful race; they also had ordinary common folk, who were fragile.
So that's how it was.
Wien guessed that Milia Asser was the guardian entrusted by Frieren. No wonder she was so sensitive and vigilant.
After all, the Elf Village had suffered an attack once, and the members who joined later had also endured the Northern War's hardships, so vigilance was inevitable. Only time could heal them.
This guardian must be deeply trusted.
When dealing with outsiders, Flamme acted like the master's proxy, but as a human, her tenure wouldn't be long. Ultimately, there would be a confidante from her own race.
That was the obscure Milia Asser, whose status was transcendent.
He noticed that passing elves also greeted her one by one, with admiration in their eyes.
So she must be an elf of relatively high standing, and her power matched it. Her performance just now subtly surpassed
The two, led by their host, arrived at a tavern.
Seeing familiar visitors, the bartender smiled faintly and, as always, brought out the drinks they were sure to order.
"Lady Milia Asser, this is your favorite wine. For this guest, I'll recommend something. As for Lady Flamme, it's juice again, isn't it?"
"You can already drink, you know. Want to try some?"
"No, Master said drinking leads to mistakes. Don't be like you."
After their usual bickering, the two looked at Wien. The old man was patiently savoring his drink, but his eyes were full of inquiry.
He wasn't worried about Frieren's situation, but rather any potential impact the President might bring.
A Mage of the Divine Age carried immense weight; her charisma, influence, and strength were all exceptional, serving as a beacon for the Coalition Army of Kingdoms.
Even in her absence, she was the backbone, even determining humanity's deterrent power against the Demon Race.
After all, Serie might ignore you, but provoking Frieren would surely result in a Scarlet Rot Bloom.
"How is the President, actually?"
"If we truly followed her wishes, we should keep it completely secret." Milia Asser said profoundly, "In short, she's in an inconvenient state where she cannot appear, unable to perform official duties."
"Can you make an exception? As a wolf, I can't force anyone. If I knew some of the background, I could explain it back home, and everyone could be at peace, couldn't they?"
Wien's tone held a hint of plea, which made Flamme finally relent slightly.
"If we had to give a reason, we couldn't just casually reveal it, because the Demon Race has too many intelligence-gathering spells. It's best not even to mention it."
But then she changed her tone: "If we absolutely need an alternative, we do have one."
"What?"
As he pressed, the two girls exchanged glances, then finally nodded.
They only needed to protect the secret that Frieren needed to slumber and couldn't be easily interrupted. Using other plans to conceal it could also confuse things.
They believed using another alternative plan would serve as a smokescreen, allowing them to guard against the Demon Race in secret.
"Come to my place. Frieren and I are neighbors, so it's convenient."
"Alright, I'll defer to my host."
The experienced Wien could see Milia Asser's undisguised weariness and rejection, realizing the matter was troublesome.
Several times he almost ordered them to leave, but a glance at the red-haired girl made him hesitate.
Perhaps she represented the reclusive faction within the Elf Race, neither xenophobic nor amiable, simply disliking trivial matters.
But if you asked if they were busy? They were actually quite idle.
The vast majority of elves held this stance. The warriors and mages with good auras he had sensed upon arrival also had a similar disposition: self-preservation was enough, no need to intervene further.
Therefore, Frieren should represent the faction that actively engages with and is friendly towards humanity.
That's good.
The Elf Race wasn't as highly socialized as humans, with their factional struggles. So, although there were differing stances, it hadn't evolved into opposition. It was commendable that Milia Asser, as a close friend, was willing to understand and help, even enduring the disturbance.
She led the two towards the residential area.
"This time, I must thank you again, Lady Flamme. Without you as a bridge for communication, many things would be difficult, wouldn't they?"
"Not really. Actually, the Elf Race is generally easy to talk to and very patient; you can just persuade them a bit more."
"But their patience is based on being long-lived; humans can't afford to wait."
"I've always believed that everyone will gradually integrate into the world. The Demon Race is merely a catalyst. Magic is advancing, technology is developing, and regional restrictions are diminishing."
Milia Asser pushed the door open and immediately extended her hand, gesturing like an opera performer, displaying:
The Water Mirror Demon, introduced in this manner, scratched its head. It was now wearing a mage's robe, its skin dewy and indistinguishable from a normal person. Its face had a touch more coldness, but considering it was an elf, it made no difference.
The Disguise Magic was highly adaptable, so much so that the replica and the original were almost identical in appearance.
"Quite presentable."
Even with Flamme's understanding of her master, she found the appearance passable, enough to fool anyone.
Even lacking a bit of charisma, it wouldn't arouse suspicion. Who would dare suspect? After all, Frieren's image wasn't solely that of a generous and eloquent educator; she also possessed the killing intent to rout armies and the domineering authority of a decisive ruler of the Labyrinth Kingdom. Ordinary people would only be convinced.
Milia Asser patted the replica's shoulder, sighing:
"You truly resemble her, but you can only manage a brief appearance before those Association personnel. As for giving a lecture, forget it."
"What do you think, Sir Wien?"
At this point, he was conflicted. Honestly, if Flamme and Milia Asser had any poor reputation or behavior, one would suspect the individuals involved had met with harm. However, this overt disguise was truly unnerving.
"Alright. Let's make a brief appearance before those bureaucrats first, so I can report back."
"Those people feel strange to me."
"Strange how?"
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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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