Suddenly, Frieren curiously raised her hand and asked, "So, how many heads does the Dragonlord actually have? Or can he regenerate them?"
"They can't regenerate. Some totems depict five heads, others four; it's a point of contention." Melina was the first to answer, adding, "I've shown you the texts on the Ancient Dragons. If you remember the illustrations of Placidusax in them, you should have noticed this."
The implication was that a certain hedonist only knew the thrill of battle and read far too little.
Having forgotten, Frieren had no choice but to use her imagination, picturing a monster with heads spread out like the five fingers of a hand. It was a visually striking image; she really wanted to fight it.
Melina didn't elaborate further, because there were countless speculations and hypotheses about the Dragonlord's retreat, a whole plethora of them. For example, some proposed that "the fifth head was a god," and its departure prompted an internal war among the Ancient Dragons...
Who knows?
The history of the sky city, Farum Azula, is far too ancient. To this day, even the reason for its ruinous state is a matter of great debate. The locals who know its history are completely baffled, so it's pointless to explain it to an outsider like Frieren.
She just needed to keep an eye out for her; it was a Finger Maiden's duty.
"He only has two heads left now, and I'm certain he's covered in wounds, but that's not the point. You two should focus on the next objective."
Rellana continued, "A long time ago, I saw Bayle the Dread Dragon from afar. He was perched atop what looked like a spiked mountain, roaring in all directions. Lightning had scorched the mountain black, causing magma to flow, and it was perpetually shrouded in thunderstorms. He wore two of the Dragonlord's heads on his body, the ultimate medal."
"As a price, his wings were torn asunder, and only half of one thigh remained intact... yet his imposing aura was not the least bit diminished."
"Bayle wields red lightning on par with the Ancient Dragons, as well as super-heated magma, which is why that mountain constantly emits black smoke. The sky city dispatched the Ancient Dragon Crusesax to guard it, but he actually went to follow Bayle. His official duty was to guard, but in reality, he intercepted a great number of draconic challengers. The fact that Bayle could win his loyalty shows he's far stronger than a typical Ancient Dragon, even while crippled and grievously wounded."
"Over the years, countless draconic challengers have attempted to face him. Our Crusade Army once sent gifted individuals to answer the call, but without exception, none have ever returned."
"The scout teams we occasionally send out return, if they're lucky, with horrific burns..."
Even the dignified Twin Moon Knight recounted this with a lingering fear in her heart.
A dragon's racial advantage means they are inherently stronger than ordinary people, and at the highest levels, they are even more formidable. Although Bayle lacks the stone scales of an Ancient Dragon, leaning more towards the life form of a wyvern, he should absolutely not be underestimated for it.
Ultimately, he only lost to the Dragonlord, and he isn't even dead yet. Challenging a sovereign in the Lands Between has always been a battle to the death; to survive is a testament to one's strength.
Very tricky.
Melina advised hesitantly, "Perhaps we should put the request on hold for now, gather more intelligence, and in the meantime accumulate Runes to strengthen ourselves first."
Hearing this, Frieren didn't answer immediately, her face pensive.
Rellana agreed, "In my view, a powerhouse like Bayle possesses an indomitable spirit, a tenacious physique, and skills honed through years of slaughter... He is a being with the makings of a king. One clash is all it takes to understand that he is far more terrifying than an ordinary Demigod. You give off that same aura, Lord of Cinder."
"But your physical body can't keep up with your true combat strength at all. It's too fragile. You should be wary of this shortcoming."
Frieren herself was, of course, aware of this, and knew the reason even better. Yet she couldn't resolve it, because its essence was a dangerous equilibrium of various different powers; she couldn't rashly alter her body's attributes.
The silver-haired girl graciously nodded.
The good intentions were appreciated.
Seeing her fighting spirit undiminished, the two knew they couldn't dissuade her. In fact, an opponent of kingly caliber made her even more expectant. So be it. In the Lands Between, advising a sovereign to avoid battle was truly discourteous. A native of this land would have already lost their temper.
"Mother will definitely be fine. Besides, didn't those Ancient Dragons say they would help? For instance, by providing the power of Dragon Communion?"
"...I've already told you, I can't use that stuff."
"This time, an Ancient Dragon priest is personally in charge, not some half-baked inheritor. Perhaps he can even help you improve your physical condition."
"You're right. We can find Crusesax first."
The Mimic Tear's words sparked an idea in Frieren's mind. Right, she really should consult a professional.
Otherwise, just looking at the vast system of Dragon Communion without being able to use it was maddening. The reason some enemies currently mistook her for having a strong physique was essentially because she relied on magic reinforcement to brute-force her toughness and resistances. In high-stakes, life-or-death battles, it would be difficult to rely on such tricks.
Fine then.
If the Dragon Communion ritual is successful, it will also strengthen the forces of the Southern Army. One move, multiple gains.
And to be honest, her collector's obsession was flaring up. It wasn't just Dragon Communion; if she had the chance, she wouldn't be against trying out the Frenzied Flame. In short, she would embrace it all; nothing could be missed.
She exchanged a look with Melina, her mind made up.
"Since you're going to Spiked Mountain, there's one place that's hard to avoid: Valleybottom Forest. It's an ashen land scorched by the pollution of the Frenzied Flame, filled with bizarre mental attacks. Piercing screams are often heard from it, and over the years, scout teams have gone in and never returned. You must be extremely careful."
As a local, Rellana knew a lot. Speaking of this, she simply invited the three to sit down for a meal, chatting as they drank.
"There's no point in talking more. You should look at the intel reports. There's actually very little, just remember the general idea."
A soldier brought a large pile of scrolls, mostly intelligence regarding Spiked Mountain and Valleybottom Forest. Upon seeing them, Melina immediately began to read, her eyes scanning ten lines at a glance but committing everything to memory.
She still had to rely on herself.
When it came to reading, Frieren was only interested in things like magic; she couldn't be bothered with obscure factual reports.
She then truthfully relayed the attitude of the main Carian Royal Family.
"...By the way, here's a letter for you from Ranni and Rennala." The silver-haired girl pushed a thick letter across the table. "Also, regardless of which faction you choose, I will not retaliate against the Carian Royal Family."
"Thank you. Actually, I've contacted Messmer during this time and told him the situation. He's also very conflicted about the current Golden Dynasty."
That Son of Defilement was also wavering. The major events in the Lands Between would take some time to digest.
She broke the seal on the letter, her brow gradually smoothing out.
Seeing the familiar handwriting again, she couldn't help but smile, her face filled with nostalgia.
On a whim, Rellana handed some of the opened letters to Frieren, saying, "You're not an outsider anyway, take a look. It's nothing more than some things from our childhood, quite amusing..."
A cursory glance confirmed they were mostly just idle chatter.
There were no court intrigues, grand conquests, or earth-shattering events, just a calm reminiscence of the past.
Frieren had seen too many kings, nobles, generals, and ministers. Few were as harmonious as the Carian Royal Family. It was clear that even after being separated for so many years, they could still rekindle their affection. They truly were a family, valuing sentiment and loyalty.
The two exchanged a smile, a tacit understanding between them, feeling much closer than their previous meeting. They already shared the resonant atmosphere of warriors. Now that their familial connection was confirmed, there was no more distance. In fact, for Rellana, she had long since approved of Ranni's partner. She had witnessed her strength, a solid kingly tier, enough to support the Carian Royal Family. Now, with her family's recommendation, she lowered her guard even further, even sensing a kind of reliance in it.
The royal family that had struggled for so many years was revitalized in her hands. She, on the other hand, had been completely unaware during the academy faction's usurpation of power. Deeply ashamed, she resolved to compensate her sister later. For now, all she could do was provide intelligence support.
If her guest didn't look so eager to depart immediately, she would have held a grand banquet to boost the morale of the Castle Ensis garrison. But alas, one couldn't hold back a sovereign's expedition; she belonged to the battlefield.
Frieren, for her part, hadn't thought too much about it. She just needed to confirm the Twin Moon Knight's intentions were not hostile; otherwise, another fight would be a bit of a hassle.
As for how to overcome Messmer? Intuition told her the breakthrough wouldn't be found in this couple's domestic drama, but rather in what attitude Melina would use to persuade her unfamiliar elder brother.
Let nature take its course.
At worst, they could settle it with a fight later. Anyway, she was increasingly realizing that in the Lands Between, no amount of eloquence was better than the fact that everyone was more or less connected. They were far from the point of fighting to the death.
"Also, the afflicted person you asked me to help shelter has had their condition stabilized. It's enough to last until you find a specialist doctor for them."
"Thank you very much," Melina said graciously.
"Don't mention it. I also can't stand the Hornsent's methods. According to rumors, the Lord of Frenzied Flame in Valleybottom Forest, Midra, was also created by them. Truly vicious."
"Since he's called the Lord of Frenzied Flame, his power must be terrifying. Frieren, you must be especially careful. It targets both mental and fire-based energies... it's very specific." She spoke with pointed meaning.
The silver-haired girl responded with a carefree hum, equally aware of the danger.
If that fellow seized the opportunity to ignite the Old God and the First Flame together, it would be difficult to handle. A bit troublesome indeed.
Risk and opportunity coexisted.
Although Frieren knew the Lord of Frenzied Flame's mechanics might be tailored against her, she would never avoid a fight. The map was very clear; to get to Spiked Mountain, one couldn't avoid Valleybottom Forest. Even if she forced her way through by finding small paths or flying, what if she was heavily wounded in a fierce battle with Bayle and then ambushed from Valleybottom Forest?
She hadn't forgotten that the Outer Gods were always watching covetously, especially the Frenzied Flame, which loves to bewitch kingly Tarnished. Rather than waiting for the Frenzied Flame's pawn to come knocking and be caught off guard, it was better to take the initiative and purge the threat, a decision she had made when she first came to the Land of Shadow.
The four people at the table confirmed their strategy and then fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts and busying themselves with their own affairs.
They ate and drank their fill.
By the time Frieren and the Mimic Tear finished discussing the events of the past period, Rellana had finished reading the letters, and Melina had committed the main intelligence to memory... They saw the eager anticipation in each other's eyes.
The Land of Shadow was about to become turbulent again for a while.
The host rose and gestured, "Let me see you off part of the way. After leaving the castle and heading east, you can reach Valleybottom Forest."
The trio graciously followed.
Looking at this small team, Rellana finally felt a bit more at ease. She now saw them as her own people, so naturally, she didn't want any unexpected risks. Otherwise, if Ranni also developed some kind of lovesickness, it would be too tragic.
In the eyes of the world, the Moon Princess was iron-hearted, but in her letters, she expressed a reliance on, trust in, and concern for Frieren between the lines. Only family could see that she had truly given her heart to someone. Once in love, one gained weaknesses, but of course, one also gained more motivation to become stronger.
Outside the castle gate.
The garrisoned Carian soldiers saluted in unison, their formation neat, their expressions solemn. After this farewell, it would be some time before they met again, and they didn't know how the situation in the Land of Shadow would change, or how they would get along.
At this moment, at least, they offered their heartfelt respect to the Lord of Cinder in farewell.
At this moment, they were not on the road on the Shadow Keep side, but on the great bridge side, from which they could see a low-lying plain. The reason they took this route was because their guide had instructed: "reach the foot of Spiked Mountain. But you're worried about Valleybottom Forest in between, right? You can fly down and eliminate the danger first."
"For now, bypass the Finger Ruins and Cerulean Coast you encounter along the way. Don't be too eager to explore. I estimate there are still members of your follower squad along the river line. My ocular scouts have detected one member, Thiollier. Also, if you're looking for Bayle, you can ask Igon. He's a dragon-hunter, also active in that area."
Hearing this, Frieren looked thoughtful, then had a sudden realization, remembering what Leda had mentioned about her comrades exploring separately.
"That should be right."
"Although your and Miquella's stances are different, interacting with the follower squad will also be convenient for your investigation. So, have you finally made your decision?" Rellana made a final confirmation.
The silver-haired girl nodded and summoned her spirit steed.
The Mimic Tear merged with her to rest, while Melina sat sidesaddle behind her.
After waving goodbye, the horse's hooves clattered, kicking up dust, like an arrow released from a bowstring.
Rellana remained where she was, watching them for a long time. The trio departed with the same imposing momentum as when they arrived, forever forging ahead. Who knew how many regions of the Lands Between they had set foot in before this? They had even ascended the Altus Plateau before.
She felt a kind of envy in her heart. How free they were. When the barrier of the Land of Shadow was lifted, would they finally get a rare rest?
No.
At that time, the Carian Royal Family will be unified and must rally under the banner of the Lord of Cinder to attack Leyndell, launching the "March of Coronation" to decide the new era for the Lands Between. There would be no peace.
"Have the other followers of Miquella been found?"
"My lady, we've only confirmed that they are moving about everywhere, investigating separately. We haven't been able to pinpoint their exact locations. But they are roughly on the Gravesite Plain side. I estimate it won't be long before they head to the Shadow Keep. If they want to investigate, they can't avoid Sir Messmer's Specimen Storehouse."
"Remind him to be careful. And by the way, don't be too surprised if there's a big commotion in Valleybottom Forest and Spiked Mountain next..."
Rellana gazed in the direction the two had departed, a lone rider kicking up a cloud of dust.
A truly kingly bearing.
In Frieren, she truly saw the shadow of the Godfrey of old, just as the First Lord had campaigned in all directions, ultimately unifying the Lands Between under the banner of the Erdtree. That was a good era, when Grace's blessing nourished the land. Even Marika's betrayal wouldn't make her deny that wonderful time, but all things must come to an end.
"Your Highness, do you think Her Majesty's healing magic, combined with the Order of the Stars, can save the Lands Between?" Chief Knight Muriel approached gracefully, watching the departure with her.
"I don't know. In truth, people's limited vision can never see the distant future. They just believe in the leader of the moment."
"Indeed. She is someone worthy of trust."
"Today, the Lord of Cinder's campaign will reshape the world, just as the First Lord's did back then."
The master and servant both looked towards a single direction in the sky, blocked by the many layers of the shadow's veil, but they both knew it was the direction of the Erdtree. Even the most magnificent things must have an end; eternal is not forever.
Shadow Altus Highway.
Leda glanced back at Castle Ensis in the distance, as if sensing something. That sovereign, who never lacked for major events wherever she went, had probably just left.
It was thanks to the commotion Frieren stirred up earlier that she had it so easy.
But the truly challenging part of her work was just beginning.
The main force of the Crusade Army's elite occupied the Shadow Keep, the most powerful force in this sealed land. In terms of army quality, numbers, and organization, they were top-tier, enough to be compared with the Royal Capital army.
"I need your help, Sir Ansbach, Lady Freyja."
"Don't worry, the Redmanes have never been afraid of a challenge."
"This old man knows a thing or two about infiltration."
"...Just leave letters for the rest. Let them move freely for now. Everyone knows they have to pass through the Shadow Keep anyway. We don't need to rush straight there either. Let's first scout the perimeter of their camp to get a feel for their deployment."
The three, all at least of Hero-level strength, were bold and skilled. Even a Crusade Army stronghold was not impossible to infiltrate. This plain would take some time to explore. With Dane having arrived earlier, they would gather intelligence together first. The Specimen Storehouse could wait.
Ansbach murmured, "Lady Frieren's target is the southeast side. She'll likely meet Thiollier. With her personality, she'll probably look out for him. I heard there's also a dragon-hunter named Igon there."
"Begging your pardon, but neither of those two seems capable of group activities. One is obsessive, the other is a ditz..." Freyja made her blunt assessment.
"Have a little patience with our comrades. There will always be a time when they're useful. I think everyone in the follower squad gets along just fine." Leda smoothed things over, "Lord Miquella will embrace all."
Although she didn't trust a single one of them, maintaining a superficial harmony in the team was very important. The entire squad, herself included, were just pawns for Lord Miquella, to contribute to the final ceremony of his ascension to godhood.
This reckless Redmane warrior was still completely unaware. However, Freyja had always been quite receptive to the concept of a pure Order. Charm or no charm, it wouldn't affect her choice. Ansbach, on the other hand, was worth being wary of.
He is very strong.
And with the intelligence collected by the Mohgwyn Dynasty over many years, as well as his own knowledge, he was not only an indispensable talent but also deep and unfathomable, making Leda quite vigilant.
The three, each with their own ulterior motives, set off once more.
At the top of the Shadow Keep, a carrier pigeon flew in through a skylight with the latest intelligence. A red-scaled snake flicked its tongue, snatched the letter, and then placed it in Messmer the Impaler's large hand.
"So restless."
He had been mentally preparing for the meeting with his sister, drafting a whole speech in his head, only for her to turn around and run off somewhere else. A waste of effort. He probably wouldn't see her for a while. Fine, less trouble for him.
His immediate priority was to stabilize the Crusade Army's morale while strengthening the blockade on the Spiral Tower, where the last remnants of the Hornsent had gathered. But Messmer was actually very worried. After all, Valleybottom Forest and Spiked Mountain were places of near-certain death. The Crusade Army had tried to explore them over the years, but their efforts always ended in vain.
Placing a fortress for the Hornsent there was considered more than enough.
"Frieren, you dare take Melina to such a dangerous place. You'd better return in one piece."
He murmured towards the east, a flicker of serpentine fire in his eyes.
On the other side.
Aboard her horse, Melina took out a map, crossing off the places they already knew and writing notes for some key areas. Unfortunately, there was a large blank spot for the valley bottom.
It was an intelligence vacuum; the details were completely unknown.
"...So, according to you, we're ignoring these underground labyrinths for now?" How rare. A sudden change of heart?
"Right." Frieren tightened the reins, speaking without turning her head. "The closer we get to Valleybottom Forest, the louder a voice roars. It's dangerous, which means we've come to the right place. The will of the Frenzied Flame Outer God is stirring."
Hearing her say this, even Melina felt a trace of unease. Last time, the consequence was that her partner had to fall into a deep slumber. Wouldn't this time be even more dangerous? Although she had likely taken some defensive measures, their effectiveness was uncertain. The Land of Shadow was truly filled with peril.
One could never be too careful when facing the Frenzied Flame, let alone the notoriously infamous Lord of Frenzied Flame.
"Whoa!"
Suddenly, Torrent stopped in his tracks. Ahead of them was a person wearing a white mask and a white cloak, sitting on a rock. Out of courtesy, Frieren dismounted, while Melina remained on the horse, on guard. The person was a bit strange. Who would dare to zone out in the wilderness? And there was a strong medicinal smell in the air, probably concocting something.
"Hello, Thiollier. My name is Frieren."
"Hello to you too, Your Excellency Tarnished. I've heard Lady Leda mention that there are other followers besides myself. In that case..."
"No need for such formality. Is there any way we can help each other? After all, we're members of the same squad."
"...I'm sorry, I don't have many skills. I'm not strong, nor am I smart... It's embarrassing to admit it, but I was born this way. The only thing I'm good at is related to poison. I'm sorry."
No, I bet there's one thing you really need. I'll be right back.
Whoosh!
The silver-haired girl strode into the Site of Grace and disappeared, leaving the two behind to stare at each other.
Thiollier seemed embarrassed and turned his head away. As for Melina, although she was a bit puzzled, she was used to it. Just now, Frieren had glanced down at the ground, a habit that always seemed to give her some kind of revelation, leading to precise actions. It was probably some special ability from outside the Lands Between.
A moment later.
The silver-haired girl returned and handed over a pot filled with a thick, black paste.
"Mr. Moore asked me to give this to you. He heard it can be used to make a very special concoction. Could I ask for your help?"
"Thank you. That's right, it can make something wonderful."
Before the words were out of his mouth, Thiollier took out various bottles and jars and began to mix, his distillation and stirring work flowing like water.
Frieren waited patiently, and Melina beside her was also at ease. Since the silver one chose to wait, there must be no problem. It made one wonder what special potion was worthy of such attention.
After a good half-day.
Thiollier solemnly handed over a small bottle, instructing, "This is a secret medicine that can make even an Ancient Dragon fall into a deep slumber. It will surely guide you into a peaceful sleep, until forever."
"...I'm not interested in sleeping, but the Ancient Dragon metaphor is interesting."
____
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