The afternoon.
Wiegel and his party, who had rushed there without rest, were startled to see a familiar figure in the main hall of the Association Branch:
Frieren, in her sorcerer's robe, had two vibrant scarlet flowers on her ponytail, seemingly on the verge of blooming, subtly unable to contain themselves.
She wore light silver armor covering her torso, shoulders, and waist, clearly prepared for battle.
She had been seen in a similar configuration during her journey through the Labyrinth Kingdom, but she was even more serious this time.
She looked at her dust-covered guard squad.
"It's good that you've returned; it saves me the trouble of chasing you. Based on the worst-case scenario, I suspected a Septenary Sage was hidden among the visitors, but it seems not."
"Madam President, what are your insights regarding these bodies?"
Wiegel and his group carefully put the bodies down. If it were only the branch personnel, they would have kept their distance and sought a quiet place for study to avoid any hidden traps.
But at this moment, the safest place was beside Frieren; her judgment would be the most reliable.
The surrounding people dispersed and set up a cordon.
The branch had virtually become a crime scene, but no one minded. The matter was too important to quibble over trivialities.
An extremely precise Mental Power Perception swept over, and the mana presence fully entered her mind. However, there was no rush to draw conclusions; the key lay in the residual fragments of special magic.
A hidden and sinister illusory fluctuation caught her attention.
Frieren unhesitatingly unleashed a Mental Attack Magic: Ancient God's Gaze, but unfortunately, the opponent escaped quickly, only grazed slightly.
She could only let it go.
"About three months ago, the shadow of Paradise Magic was already laid within them, gradually infiltrating and taking control. They didn't even meet the caster; it was remote operation. This minimized detection and kept it covert."
"Although it takes a long time and consumes a lot of mana, the Demon Race isn't short on time. It's just a matter of casting a wide net to cultivate pawns."
"They were chosen to test me."
Frieren's low voice made hearts tighten. These guys were indeed hunting.
Despicable.
Wiegel quickly pressed, "Then, what information of yours was probed? Will there be consequences?"
"Everyone here is smart; how could you not guess? It's not important at all. If they come, we fight. Win the fight, it's that simple."
Her secret of slumber couldn't be kept hidden. Just the Prophet's Magic was enough to deduce most of it, and this latest probing confirmed it, so the Demon Race wouldn't give up such a good opportunity.
They would come knocking sooner or later, but there's no sense in guarding against thieves for a thousand days.
Could that disrupt her rhythm? Make the elves live in panic every day? No matter, if they want to fight, then fight.
Frieren had prepared for this a long time ago.
Hearing this answer, everyone felt a little relieved. No matter what information the Demon Race had probed, the Ancient Mage had ample power to sharpen her blade. It wasn't as if she hadn't killed these guys before; it was just another time.
The silver-haired girl, with her aggressive aura, had been prepared to face a Septenary Sage, but now, a hint of disappointment rose in her eyes after her inspection.
Too bad it didn't come.
It was rare for someone to regret the absence of a strong enemy like her.
Those who knew Frieren understood that she truly intended to fight a fierce battle this time. She hadn't brought her inseparable disciple, Flamme, who usually accompanied her during outside activities. She left in a hurry, and to fight with her full strength, she couldn't guarantee Flamme's protection, which is why she went to the battlefield alone.
Had the pursuit squad returned even a step later, the Ancient Mage would have set out to intercept.
"President, what do we do now?" Wiegel asked.
"Write a report to reflect the situation to headquarters, then business as usual. We can't live in constant dread, can we? We'll continue as normal."
"Nothing else?"
"No, just strengthen the guard."
Her sense of calm bewildered everyone. "You're targeted by a Septenary Sage, how can you be so nonchalant?"
But thinking about it, there was really no other way. Whether their area was chaotic or not largely depended on the performance of the front lines. If they could stop the Demon Race, it would naturally be a great joy. Otherwise, if the infiltration couldn't be prevented, a battle in the rear was inevitable sooner or later.
It was incredibly difficult to guard against one or multiple top-tier experts fighting deep in their rear.
"In that case, let's clean up the scene," Wiegel suggested. "Madam President, please return to the Elf Village and have everyone take precautions."
"Of course."
Both parties departed, each burdened with important tasks, leaving no room for idle talk.
They had learned each other's styles during their exploration of the Labyrinth Kingdom; they weren't the hesitant type. Wiegel knew very well that Frieren was a person full of plans and schedules; she would likely go into slumber when needed, and a mere crisis wouldn't bother her in the slightest.
She, in turn, understood that this seasoned commander would rebuild the Northwind Fortress as a front line, but its actual utility would be limited, as it couldn't stop Curse Magic.
But Frieren wouldn't speak disheartening words; she only gave a brief reminder before leaving.
Meanwhile, at the Northern Front.
The flames of war gradually extinguished, and thick smoke dissipated, replaced by a "golden vein" traversing the land.
Upon closer inspection, they were vividly lifelike humanoid statues, their expressions showing struggle, fear, and resentment, a myriad of human emotions, all frozen in a specific moment. There were thousands at a glance, extending across the entire front line; the statue cluster was as vast as the battlefield was wide.
They shimmered under the sun, their light reflecting upon Macht of the Golden Land. He merely brushed dust from his cloak and remained seated.
Beside him was Grausam, resting with his eyes closed.
He watched his manipulative colleague warily. Had he not received orders to protect him, he truly wouldn't have wanted to interact.
The reason he came to the front line with him was that this distance was the limit for controlling puppets. However, Grausam was relatively fragile and needed Macht, who possessed both a warrior's keenness and powerful magic, to guard him.
Suddenly, the Miracle Illusionist opened his eyes.
"Cough, cough!"
Blood flowed from Grausam's mouth and nose, nearly choking him. Yet, his expression remained unshaken. A few deep breaths and he recovered, his state as normal.
"That's rare. Could you have suffered a loss in the domain of Mental Magic?"
"A small mishap. I was too eager. I wanted to see more of the target with residual mental power, but she caught my weakness... It's fine. At least I confirmed the prophecy was correct: Frieren often goes into slumber."
"If she possesses unknown Mental Magic, then she's an incompatible enemy for me, just like for you."
"No matter. I can protect your minds. The remaining damage will be wrought by your strongest curse, Goldenization Magic (Diagold)."
"Why 'you all'?"
Macht, sensing the presence, turned his head.
A Demon Race squad slowly approached. All were highly skilled warriors and mages, and among them were even faces familiar to Macht, at least somewhat renowned. Leading them was an elderly warrior, even by Demon Race standards, one of their Generals, Liwalai.
Grausam said blandly, "The Prophet helped us assemble an exaggerated lineup."
"As an old-timer, long journeys tire me. It'd be best if there's a strong enough opponent, otherwise, I'll have come for nothing."
Liwalai weighed his battle-axe, looking around.
He was disappointed. What was left besides the endless golden sculptures? The battlefield was empty after the rampage of the two Septenary Sages. The Human Allied Forces wouldn't launch a new offensive anytime soon.
"When the time is right, go to a distant place." Grausam gazed south. "Await the next prophecy, then depart for the Central Continent."
"Who is the target?"
"Frieren, Honorary President of the Magic Association and Guardian of the Elf Race."
"I hear she's skilled in swordsmanship, proficient in weapon skills, a battle mage like Macht. A good opponent."
Liwalai grinned, though it was unclear if it was out of joy, a hollow smile filled with bloodlust.
"No, we won't confront her directly."
"What?"
"It's confirmed that Frieren has a weakness: slumber. If we strike at that time, we can easily eliminate the Demon Race's greatest enemy. She hinders the progress of both the Magic Association and the Elf Race; she must be killed."
"I am the Demon Race's strongest warrior. How can I participate in such a dishonorable scheme?"
"An order is an order."
Grausam's voice was devoid of emotion, yet full of oppressive power. Should Liwalai make an excessive move, he wouldn't hesitate to use Mental Magic.
Although his magic was disliked by all sides, it was guaranteed to be effective, causing Liwalai to huff and cease arguing.
The other Demon Race members naturally had no objections; killing was all that mattered.
Even if the journey was long, it didn't matter. There would be plenty of opportunities to clear out small villages along the way, a delightful indulgence, and they could penetrate deep into human territory once the time was ripe.
"Fine, perhaps going to the Central Continent will help me understand humans better."
"Macht, don't harbor such thoughts any longer."
"Grausam, you possess magic that manipulates minds, yet you're unwilling to study humans more?"
"..."
"If that's the case, how can illusions be powerful? So, your Paradise Magic has risks; I believe you will weaken, and I have a premonition that by understanding human hearts, my Goldenization Magic (Diagold) will advance further."
He stood and departed. The Miracle Illusionist no longer needed protection, and he himself needed to seek answers to his inner questions before the mission arrived:
Can humans and the Demon Race truly understand each other?
After a long gaze at his retreating back, Grausam turned and said:
"Disperse. Just stay in the front-line area and await the Prophet's orders."
The Demon Race members left without a word, disappearing into the golden horizon just as silently as they had arrived.
Central Region.
Elf Village Plaza, General Meeting.
At the very center, Frieren presided. Having just finished a long speech, she lightly coughed, drawing back the attention of some elves who were trembling with fear.
"That's the situation. Sooner or later, I will encounter an attack on the level of a Septenary Sage."
"If I were the strategist, I would certainly prepare a setup with at least one top-tier mage, one top-tier warrior, and ideally some versatile individuals. So, the enemy's high-tier combat strength will definitely be plural. You must fully understand the danger and be prepared."
She surveyed the tense atmosphere, many faces showing fear.
It was no wonder.
After all, this subsequent expanding group of awakened elves had all been besieged by the Demon Race in the North, forced from their homes, and carried deep psychological scars.
"Don't worry, I won't just spread panic without offering solutions. Now, I have one—"
Frieren raised a land deed.
"I've asked the Labyrinth Kingdom to prepare a settlement area. It's surrounded by mountains, has complex roads, and is located in the vast hinterland behind the Southern Nations' gateway. The climate is suitable; it's a place to live. I have some influence in the Labyrinth Kingdom, and with the Association Branch stationed there, it can facilitate things."
"Those who wish to leave should sign and take a certificate, then depart immediately without delay."
"Those who wish to stay should live as usual. Besides my promise to protect you with all my might, I can offer nothing else."
However, there was silence.
Many elves were terrified, yet they had no intention of leaving.
She waited patiently. Everyone whispered amongst themselves but remained resolute. Some even had increasingly firm gazes. What was going on?
The silver-haired girl looked perplexed, spreading her hands as she asked, "Speak freely, what's your choice?"
"The world is vast, but home is just one. Hide? We've hidden again and again, where else can we hide? Elves should unite and firmly defend this hard-won home."
"I don't want to leave my homeland again."
"I've lived enough. If I must die, I will die in my hometown."
"For years, we've deployed barriers, trained in magic and weapon skills, and built defenses. Was it all just to run away one day? That would leave me with a lifelong shadow of weakness."
"We're not leaving."
"Even if we say disheartening words, it won't be too late to run later..."
Although the elves' answers weren't without hesitation, they generally didn't want to wander anymore and intended to stay.
Should they abandon the sense of home they had finally found? Absolutely not; they wouldn't forgive themselves.
Looking around, the town was flourishing. With so many friends and family together, splitting up again would be too painful.
It turned out they weren't completely obtuse; they had simply lacked socialization in the past.
As their numbers grew, the elves spontaneously developed a sense of centripetal force, identity, and collective atmosphere—something indefinable, but they were unwilling to easily separate.
So be it.
After a moment of thought, Frieren smiled and said clearly, "Alright, I will at least stake my life to buy you a chance to escape. Even if I die, I will not let the Elf Race suffer extinction-level losses."
"Wait." Suddenly, Milia Asser beside her quietly asked, "What if you're in slumber at that time? How will you make a decision?"
"Asser, if you give the signal for me to stake my life, I will. Every time I go into slumber, I place my life in your hands."
"That's so heavy. Even if it's true, you're not allowed to say it."
The silver-haired girl waved to the crowd.
"That's all. Since you've made your decision, don't regret it. We will face this challenge together. I believe that as long as everyone does their part and gives their all, the Demon Race won't break us. Don't take it to heart; live your lives as usual. Also, the settlement plan remains valid long-term; feel free to contact Asser at any time regarding it."
"—Meeting adjourned."
Hearing this, the Village Elder gradually ushered people away. There was no difference as everyone returned to their homes. As for him, he only handled minor details; in truth, Frieren had long been the true leader of the clan.
The elves departed with complex expressions. Though the atmosphere was tense, it would eventually return to normal.
A race known for its carefree and relaxed nature wouldn't be overly stressed. One good sleep would fix half of it, and another day would fix the other half.
Then everything would eventually return to normal.
"Flamme, stay. I have something to tell you."
The red-haired girl turned back, discreetly, and nodded solemnly to the two childhood friends standing side by side.
Night, at home.
Flamme sat on a living room chair, legs together, hands pressed on her knees, her face serious.
The atmosphere felt off. Was there some major announcement today? Especially Frieren, the head of the household, sitting in the main seat in contemplation, made her nervous. It was rare to see her master ponder a decision for so long.
However, the true indicator was the optimistic Sister Asser.
"Ta-da! Let me introduce you to our final safeguard, a super-secret weapon that will give you a pleasant surprise!"
She held up a wine bottle she never parted with.
The bottle had originally been covered with black cloth, but now, unveiled, it revealed a tentacle submerged in liquid, subtly twitching in the moonlight, full of vitality.
Such potent magic!
Even with a fleeting glance, Flamme felt an intensely corrupting aura, her eyes stinging.
Then Milia Asser lightly traced a Rune of Mental Stability on her forehead, and the mad thoughts instantly vanished. There was no mistaking it: it was a corrupted mana signature similar to her master's, but of a different nature. As usual, it was a mishmash of inexplicable things.
At the same time, the silver-haired girl waved her hand to erect a concealing barrier, blocking all possible prying.
Frieren then explained, "This tentacle is a trigger used to resonate with me, in turn generating a super-wide-range Dream Magic."
"It's effective even when I'm in slumber."
"Furthermore, it has the highest priority, capable of overriding and interrupting other magical effects, making everyone in the entire town dream. It's equivalent to a mental-level status pause, allowing everyone to resolve attack incidents within the dream."
"But there's a cost: it can easily make people confuse dreams and reality, leading to madness."
"The Rune of Mental Stability that Asser gave you is compatible with very few people; it cannot be widely distributed."
"Once forced dream entry is activated, you and Asser will be the only ones able to move freely within it. The goal is to awaken me, who will be in slumber, and together kill the invaders."
She laid out all the safeguards.
If absolutely necessary, she could activate the dream to detonate it with them.
Although there were too many uncontrollable factors in the dream, its essence was to seal Frieren away, yet it was most suitable for that situation.
Risks and opportunities coexisted. Furthermore, thinking a step back, could they accept the result of heavy losses for the Elf Race? They had just managed to produce new elven births, rekindling the hope of continuation and proliferation. How terrifying would the consequences be if that was interrupted?
If they fell below the minimum viable population for reproduction, all would be lost. The remaining elves would only witness their dwindling numbers over long ages.
Worse than death.
She didn't know if her other emotionally blunted and indifferent kin would suffer.
But she, an elf whose emotions were growing increasingly rich, would definitely suffer, and there was even a risk of being seized by an Ancient God's weakness and going mad. In the long run, it would also be death. And not a good death; it would bring disaster to the world.
The survival of the Elf Village was too deeply involved.
Frieren weighed the pros and cons and preferred this radical method, which she also informed her companions of.
"I understand, Master, Sister Asser. I will keep the secret and remain on guard here."
"What nonsense is that? You two keys should be separated."
"Huh?"
"If Milia Asser activates the dream but can't break the deadlock for a long time, then you'll have to take over. Failing that, you can call for aid, like asking Serie for help. But if both of you enter the dream at the same time, that would be truly bad; the risk is too great."
"Is Master trying to send me away?" Flamme immediately sensed the implication.
The silver-haired girl took out a letter.
After receiving and opening it, it was indeed from headquarters, another routine mage examination. Rather than an examination, it was more like going through the process for conferment, but the journey was long.
This made Flamme choke up. It was true it had been delayed too long. She had mentioned in a previous conversation that she needed to be more proactive in gaining experience outside; she couldn't go back on her word.
It both sent her away from danger and preserved a key.
"Alright."
Finally, the red-haired girl nodded in agreement. After much thought, this was the safest option and suitable for her own magical development.
Ultimately, it was an internal crisis of the Elf Race; an outsider didn't need to interfere too much. As long as her two masters and sister didn't speak up, Flamme wouldn't be considered involved in the event and wouldn't need to intervene.
"Now is not the time for you to confront a Septenary Sage. On the contrary, I need to protect you from them. It's better if you keep your distance."
Frieren spoke earnestly.
Then she saw Flamme pout defiantly and look at Milia Asser.
As if saying: Why can she do it but I can't?
The latter, feeling the gaze, glared back, and the two began a silent stare-down. One ultimately wanted to stay, the other felt she alone was sufficient. Their back-and-forth made the silver-haired girl smile involuntarily.
"Don't worry, this drunkard isn't as weak as she appears, and she's the most suitable combatant for the dream."
"What do you mean?"
"It's best not to know. Flamme, just depart quickly. Take the letter I've prepared for Serie; it's an exchange of magical insights, and convey my regards to her."
Since she had been given marching orders, she could only agree.
It's better to go quickly and return quickly. Surely the Demon Race won't time their attack precisely for that, right?
Bedroom.
Frieren, now in her sleepwear, lay down with a sigh, simultaneously channeling mana for a final check. She reinforced the house's barrier to its maximum, intending to activate it the moment Milia Asser left.
"You plan to intentionally go into slumber to expose a weakness and lure the Demon Race?"
"Yes. Otherwise, constantly waiting isn't a solution. It's best to give them a reason to act, or they'll keep procrastinating."
"Just make sure you calculate it well."
Although she said that, Milia Asser remained uneasy. Even a Septenary Sage's hand had reached this far; who knew what kind of scene an attack would be?
She needed to block one wave with her kin to create an opportunity, and of course, there was another helper:
"Mimic Tear, you certainly seem carefree."
Hearing this, the replicate tilted its head, still looking utterly unconcerned. Even if the sky fell, it wouldn't be its problem. It simply needed to diligently protect; anything else was beyond its scope of thought.
After glancing at the room, the Mimic Tear silently walked towards the town entrance; that was where it belonged.
"I'm leaving too. Be careful."
"Milia Asser, you're calmer than I imagined. Not in an indifferent way, but with a kind of confidence. You're even looking forward to it, aren't you?"
"You read people so accurately." She turned and grinned, "I feel the Elf Village is becoming more and more worth protecting. I've also found some causes worth dedicating myself to. It'll be easier once the threats are dealt with."
"See you."
Since her childhood friend had enough spirit, Frieren had nothing to worry about.
After Milia Asser closed the door and left, the entire house's barrier completely sealed, becoming stronger than ever before.
-
Unfortunately, two of our stories were removed... so I created a new account to post them: MikuDayo.
-
I'm counting on your support <3 the director was very sad and scared by what happened...
When you join, you get instant access to:
✅ Over 40 advanced chapters of ALL stories!
✅ Exclusive content and updates!
Your support unlocks bonuses for the entire community. Our goals are still active:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone
🚀 55 MEMBERS = +5 extra chapters of ALL STORIES!
Secure your spot with the discount and get access to everything right now:
👻 patreon.com/Walnutchan