It's the second day of the training battle. Since they had been busy until late last night, and the townspeople celebrated afterward, everyone, as expected, slept in to recover. It wasn't until noon that the streets gradually became lively again.
At Millia's house.
The clamor of carriages outside the window woke Flamme. She subconsciously sat up from bed, rubbing her eyes.
The other bed was empty; indeed, the Drunken Elf had rolled onto the floor and continued to snore loudly, a hint of intoxication still on her face.
Between the two beds, a table and chairs were placed. Frieren sat there, poring over a magic book, completely unfazed by her childhood friend's restless sleeping posture, ignoring it entirely.
She nodded at the sleepy-eyed red-haired maiden.
"Master, you're up early too. So, you didn't sleep at all last night again? Because of that special magic?"
"Yes, power always comes with a price."
"Can't it be resolved? Otherwise, wouldn't it be strange to rely entirely on Master's magic for sleep?"
"It's fine, it's a minor matter. It can be left alone. Besides, this mechanism isn't entirely a price, it's the result of my choice to bear it. It's reasonable and safe."
Frieren's physical body was highly integrated with an Ancient God, essentially dividing into two types of dreams:
Magic Dream: Experiences in different worlds, where it's not even certain if it's a dream or reality. This is the Soul World she normally experiences.
Natural Dream: This dream is actually judged as "the Ancient God dreaming," automatically leading her to Yahar'gul, and the process is uncontrollable, making the risk too high.
The best way not to dream is not to sleep.
With her physical and mental strength at this level, she could indeed go her entire life without sleeping.
Moreover, it wasn't as if she never rested. For example, Magic Dreams substituted the feeling of rest from sleep. Every time Frieren woke up, her experience was exactly like a good night's sleep. How could that not be considered satisfying sleep?
Hearing this, Flamme grew even more curious.
She had been interested in the Yahar'gul legends Master told at dinner before. Suddenly, an idea sparked. They were all stories of dreams…
"Good morning, everyone." Millia stretched.
"I dreamt of so much wine."
"Alright, hurry up and get ready, everyone. We've decided to slightly repair the areas that collapsed from yesterday's tremors, and also plan the new areas of the town in advance. And we need to recharge the barrier once. Go once you're well-rested."
The two answered in unison, temporarily putting their thoughts aside.
Important matters first; after all, she was partly responsible for breaking things yesterday. Better deal with it quickly, then handle the Association…
They walked to the dining room and found breakfast already prepared by Frieren.
The aroma was enticing, and the food was kept warm.
It turned out that while the two were sound asleep, catching up on sleep, she had gotten up early, without the slightest hesitation, and prepared breakfast all over again. So, the three of them could once again sit at the table and enjoy a hearty meal.
"Your cooking has improved." Millia took a big bite of a sandwich and mumbled, "The brand I bought…"
"I always wanted to ask one thing: how do you run a business when your life is so indulgent?"
"Just like you entrust most of your research to your disciple, the main operations are handled by professionals."
"Is it safe?"
"As long as I master the brewing technique, and manage marketing and transport. As for storage, that's even easier; just collect the money and keep it safe. After all, the main credit comes from our Lady Frieren, the Grand Sorcerer's source."
"That's good. This endeavor you found not only helps Elf Town but also keeps you from being too idle. Even your wine scent…"
"Of course," the Village Chief said, "Elves only become passionate when they find a purpose."
The two exchanged words, discussing the situation.
Although it had been a few days since her return, Frieren hadn't even had the chance to chat casually with a local resident. Only then did she gradually realize how many changes had occurred in the town, and that secrets would easily leak.
She silently drew a conclusion in her heart.
To put it extremely, kidnapping an Elf and interrogating them would reveal everything. She often stayed home and didn't move much, so it was basically traceable.
Before, Frieren could confidently survey everyone with a single glance of her perception, identifying everyone.
Now, communication inside and outside the town was frequent, and some Elves traveled back and forth constantly.
It couldn't be hidden.
But seeing Flamme and Millia's active maintenance efforts, she didn't expose it. No one really thought it could be kept hidden forever.
It was just about providing cover and delaying things for as long as possible. Ultimately, it came down to the Elf race's own strengthening.
"Your business should continue, expand as much as you can. We have one more reason to protect our home."
"Of course. As for safety, you don't need to worry. No matter how long you slumber, you'll be sleeping in Elf Town, and I and Flamme will be here."
"Not necessarily in the future."
The red-haired maiden's sudden statement drew two questioning gazes.
"Master, I mentioned before that there were many Association requests, and they actually asked me to meet President Serie to assess my Sorcerer title. But I refused. Firstly, I didn't think it was important, and secondly, I had some missions to undertake."
"But now the town has a stronger barrier, and I believe I should contribute more. Even if I'm not in a hurry for that title, I'll take on more commissioned work."
"So my time here will definitely be less."
Flamme's voice grew softer and softer, tinged with shame, as she looked hesitantly at the two elders before her.
In her eyes, they were no different from family. After all, they had spent her childhood together; she had grown up in the Northern Pass and Elf Town, two homes.
"Don't make that face."
Frieren shook her head, then said solemnly, "I'm very happy you spoke up and made a choice. Otherwise, I would have had to push you out myself. Flamme, now that you can stand on your own, you should go out and explore. I fully support you, and it once again proves your great insight and intelligence."
"The Elves' homeland must ultimately be protected by their own hands. We welcome your help, but you must not be confined here."
Her attitude was clear: act freely.
Anyway, with the barrier and the Water Mirror Demon, it was enough. Why always be on guard like against thieves?
"I'm here."
Offering warmth and comfort wasn't Millia's style. She simply replied and continued eating heartily, feeling no burden from the increased responsibility.
Hadn't she been protecting it alone when this child wasn't around?
Back then, Frieren had forced her to learn a lot of magic to protect the village for her long-slumbering childhood friend. Now, the village had become a town, and the few hundred weak Elves had more strong individuals. Times had changed.
"I understand, Master, Sister Millia. I will definitely work even harder at the Association."
The three exchanged smiles and continued their meal.
At this moment, Flamme was deeply moved, feeling a sense of family, perhaps gaining another place where she felt a sense of belonging.
Association Branch.
Wiegel, delayed by the loud disturbances from Elf Town, arrived late.
He greeted his deputy, saying, "These old bones rely on sleep to replenish energy, but Lady Frieren is so restless. It's truly her; we could even hear it in the Northern Pass."
"It seems the President is busy with research."
"Indeed. She has very important matters at hand right now, so it's inconvenient to disturb her. Other minor matters should be set aside."
Wiegel was already sending messages on his way back, covering for someone who had gone too far.
Even upon returning here, he didn't forget to publicize this, because he somewhat guessed that Frieren was in a situation where it was inconvenient for her to escape, so he simply pushed back all her appointments, which was even simpler.
"What about the people from Headquarters?"
"They left in a hurry last night, traveling through the night. It seems something urgent came up."
"Strange. They said their invitation for the President to give a lecture was sudden, and their departure after the failed invitation was also sudden. Could there be a problem on the front lines?" As a Commander, he was most concerned about the war situation. "But if a large-scale Demon Race invasion occurred, we would have received news…"
"Report! A letter from the Association Headquarters."
Hearing the news, everyone in the hall stiffened slightly.
Had something unexpected and serious truly happened?
What was it?
The letter bore the Association's emblem, sent from Magic City, which was the headquarters where Magic Progenitor Serie resided. Logically, it should not have been under threat.
Wiegel carefully and meticulously opened and read the letter, his brows furrowing even tighter.
The onlookers held their breath.
If something serious happened, could they, located in the central part of the continent, help at all? The only help they could offer would probably be to do their utmost to ask Frieren for assistance. So, what level of crisis would be significant enough for that?
"A routine communication. It's a personal letter from Lord Leiman, conveying President Serie's invitation to Flamme and greetings to Frieren."
Everyone nodded silently. Very normal.
There was also a hint of pride. They had produced a talented junior here who was appreciated even by the Magic Progenitor…
Wait.
"Commander, did the letter not mention anyone from Headquarters?"
"No. It's impossible that they forgot. In Headquarters' perception, these people don't exist."
"Could there have been a problem with the liaison or something?"
"No time to wait! Royal Guard, follow me. Those remaining, immediately send someone to notify President Frieren. Tell her those people are problematic. She must be extra careful."
No sooner had he spoken than Wiegel whistled, and warhorses galloped to meet him. He grabbed the reins and sped off at full tilt, with the Royal Guard following in succession.
"We move too."
=
The flames of war were raging. In this extraordinary period, a group of Sorcerers of unknown origin and without reliable endorsement had gone to the sensitive Elf Town. It was too strange; it absolutely couldn't be explained by coincidence or negligence.
They blamed themselves for easily letting them in. Although all credentials were complete, it was too late to dwell on it now.
They had to do their best to remedy the situation and immediately strengthen their vigilance, just in case.
On the other side.
Wiegel, galloping on his horse, gritted his teeth, filled with regret, and lamented:
"I'm so sorry, President Frieren…"
"Commander, please don't blame yourself. We're taking the fastest route, and those imposters left at dawn, so they can't be far. We can intercept them."
The group rode through hills, narrow paths, and forests.
Taking the main road was too slow. Today, they wouldn't take the usual path; this was their only chance to catch up.
The pursuit team rode in silence, speeding at full tilt. Fortunately, the main road wasn't busy, and it was easy to spot a carriage. That's right, it was the one the people from Headquarters had taken.
Zap!
Wiegel shot an arrow in mid-air that struck the horse's thigh. The force wasn't enough to incapacitate it, but it was sufficient to make it stumble and fall.
"What's going on?! Enemies!"
The Sorcerers and officials inside immediately exited the carriage. They saw themselves surrounded by a large, fully armed Royal Guard with spears like a forest and arrows aimed.
"Don't move. At this range, you can't cast many spells. Think clearly, you're not Battle Mages."
"We'll fight you for Lord Demon King!"
Before the officials could react, one Sorcerer waved his staff. In an instant, arrows and spears pierced his body, but he still unleashed a sweeping flame attack, scorching ordinary people into charcoal while repelling the pursuers.
His body seemed devoid of pain; as long as he could move, he could continue casting spells.
Including this person, the other two Sorcerers also counter-attacked, enduring their injuries without fear, their eyes filled only with emptiness.
However, what awaited them was a tight shield wall. At close range, the Royal Guard coordinated tightly to form a human wall, firmly blocking a round of firepower, remaining as steady as Mount Tai.
Sweeping All Directions!
From behind the shield wall, Wiegel's agile figure leaped out, swinging his longsword with great force, splattering blood.
A blow full of rage combined with the distance advantage maximized his battle results. Moreover, these Sorcerers were clearly under hypnosis, their movements sluggish. To a top warrior, they were as slow as turtles.
Thus, 3 more bodies lay on the ground.
"Just for your blasphemous words just now, you deserve execution. Of course, you were probably truly mentally controlled."
The Royal Guard Captain asserted, "It's a very clever method, both subtle and thorough…"
"Are you suggesting it's the Paradise Magic of Grausam the Miracle?"
"Previous intelligence mentioned that his Illusory Magic isn't about complete control, but about guiding targets into an environment of fervent belief, or willingness to believe. So it's more efficient, subtle, and extremely lethal. It must be true. Unbelievable, this small place has the favor of a Septenary Sage."
Wiegel looked at the trembling officials. However, the latter began bleeding from seven orifices, their vitality rapidly draining.
A soldier immediately stepped forward to administer Urgent Heal.
At least one or two survivors must be secured. If they couldn't find out what happened to them before they died, they couldn't guarantee that another batch of Paradise Magic victims wouldn't appear next time.
A moment later, he shook his head.
"I'm very sorry, Commander, but they had ritual arrays implanted long ago. Once triggered, they would die. It was calculated long ago."
"Don't blame yourself. Take all the bodies. Return to the Association Headquarters immediately for an autopsy."
Wiegel spurred his horse forward again, his brow deeply furrowed, his heart pounding. Even his mount of many years let out a restless whinny, clearly sensing its battle-hardened comrade's tension.
He couldn't help but worry; being targeted by a Septenary Sage was no small matter.
Too bad.
A caster possessing Curse Magic could stand against an army alone; no matter what, they would cause widespread devastation.
It was obvious they were after Frieren. As the de facto top combat force with fighting spirit in the Magic Association, she was a significant threat to the Demon Race, whom they wished to dispose of quickly, not to mention her repeated thwarting of their schemes.
This place would likely be drenched in blood.
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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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