Flamme instructed, "Everyone, rest up and stay alert. Wait for Master and the President."
"I also have some good news. The Imperial army stationed at the edge of the colorless mist will handle the perimeter cleanup, taking some of the pressure off us. This is the decisive battle."
Her announcement was uplifting.
Joy finally appeared on everyone's faces. It was almost over.
Berletania, mired in a demon disaster, was a hell on earth. No matter how magnificent the royal capital was, it was no place to linger. It was best to resolve this quickly before it festered into a greater catastrophe.
As Flamme's healing took effect, the sorcerers regained their strength one by one, even recovering from the fatigue accumulated over this period.
Vigorous energy was the best form of morale.
People weren't made of iron. After such a long, continuous campaign, they were bound to be tired. The replenishment came at just the right moment.
In addition, she distributed a large number of potions, bandages, and magical items, acting as a one-woman supply squad. She single-handedly restored their nearly collapsed organizational cohesion; otherwise, the consequences would have been hard to predict.
"You are truly reliable, no less so than my teammates on the demon front lines."
"Lehman, are you back on this mission as part of a rotation?"
"No, the Empire has taken over as the main offensive force. His Majesty intends to retake the northern territories and establish his prestige."
"No wonder they invited Master."
Connecting this to the overall situation, Flamme understood.
With the Seven Sages of Destruction greatly weakened, it was the perfect time to seize the advantage over the demon race. At the very least, they could re-establish a line of fortresses in the north. Pushing the buffer zone forward would create more space, which was better than the current situation.
Coincidentally, the powerful elven experts were actively entering the world to support the war. For the Empire, it was an opportunity that would not come again. Resolving the threat here had become a higher priority.
Once the army guarding against the demons marched north, a super-large-scale campaign would begin.
"ROAR!"
Suddenly, the demon dragon's roar outside carried a hint of sorrowful wailing, followed by a thunderous crash as it seemed to fall to the ground.
Just now, Frieren's magical reaction had erupted instantaneously. She had clearly unleashed some powerful magic that had thrown the enemy off balance. Even a demon that strong was left in a wretched state after just a few exchanges.
Everyone felt the shockwave brush past their faces.
If they were caught in a battle of this level, they would likely die without a complete corpse.
On the other side, old King Allant's breathing was growing fainter. Under Serie's fierce assault, his life was slowly fading away, and even his sword aura was no longer as sharp as before.
"To have held on this long, it seems Berletania's combat strength is not to be underestimated," Lehman lamented.
"No. Both Master and the President are holding back, so their efficiency is a bit slow."
"This is slow?!"
The others looked at each other, unable to believe Flamme's assessment. But the proof was irrefutable; the two Mages of the Mythical Era were completely crushing their opponents, with total control over the battle's rhythm.
They were never just considering a simple victory.
Rather, it was about comprehensive control of the entire situation. Since they were dynamically sensing the whole battlefield, they had to pay attention to every aspect.
"The ancient beast is getting more active."
Just as Flamme spoke, the ground below began to tremble violently, accompanied by a thunderous roar.
As the source of the demons, a being that gathered negative magical energy, it was now stirred by the battle, its fighting spirit soaring. It would not pass up this opportunity to hunt. Its voice held both the pain of being sealed and a thirst for revenge that sought to destroy everything.
Mana surged, and all the demons grew active.
A rustling sound filled the main hall of the city as demons emerged from the corners one after another, baring their fangs and claws as they pounced.
"Don't worry about them. Keep resting. I'll handle these."
Dozens of Spirit Princess's Crystal Swords gradually materialized beside Flamme, covering the area in a stream of light along with her attack magic. In an instant, they shot toward the assailants, sending flesh and blood flying.
Bang, bang, bang!
The demons, though seemingly ferocious, were utterly wiped out by her assault. They couldn't breach the line she had established with her power alone. They stared greedily at the humans, only to be blasted into a scattered, disorganized mess.
Her damage output alone nearly matched that of their entire squad. Was this a skill a young sorcerer could possess?
'Prodigy' was no longer sufficient to describe Flamme's extraordinary talent. She had now fully matured. All that remained was for her to continuously push the limits of humanity, reaching heights never recorded in history.
Everyone thought she was fighting with all her might, but in reality, she too was holding back and controlling the pace. After all, the real difficult battle was yet to come.
Perhaps because Berletania was rich in mana, everything felt comfortable.
The red-haired girl wielded her magic with ease, as if it were an extension of her own limbs. Since her body reached adulthood, her power had not stagnated; it was growing even faster. This battlefield was the perfect laboratory.
While Flamme fought inside the city, the battle outside was drawing to a close.
Gravity Spiral Pierce!
Frieren sent a spiral of gravity magic piercing through the demon dragon's head. Flesh and blood splattered as its vital point was instantly pulverized. The headless corpse crashed to the ground with a thud.
Before it could roll onto the nearby tower, she burned it to ash with Chaos Fire, leaving not a speck behind.
It was perfect for a finishing blow. Upon closer inspection, one would find that these demons were more akin to magical creatures. The manifestation of a flesh-and-blood body was merely external; once they lost their life force, they were easily destroyed completely.
Fortunately, no corrupting magic would be left behind.
Otherwise, Frieren would have to consider turning Berletania into a chaotic, ruined city.
After dealing with that, she turned to the other battlefield. Serie had already finished sealing the old
king. Now, she was slowly draining his life force with various continuous elemental damages, which seemed to be mixed
with a hint of a curse...
She never showed mercy to her enemies, acting cleanly and decisively. As long as the tongue was left, she could still ask
questions:
"Do you know how to kill the ancient beast?"
"It cannot be done. It is a phenomenon composed of negative magical energy. The concept of elimination does not apply to it. It will only be reborn
time and again from greed."
"A boring and clichéd mechanism. You have no idea how many wondrous magics exist in this world to be making such a rash
judgment. What a pity. I thought the king of that magical nation would be more knowledgeable. You're disappointed too, aren't you?
"
Serie wore a disdainful expression.
Frieren also nodded without hiding her feelings. It was indeed a bit boring.
The two expressed their disappointment with the answer, so the sealing barrier around Allant flashed with lightning, causing the latter
not only to grunt in pain but to be covered in wounds.
"Where is the magical nation's treasury?"
The question, asked in unison, made Serie and Frieren pause for a moment before they both smiled.
This was something they had to do without others knowing. To think they had the same idea—they had both adopted a bandit's mindset. No,
they were protecting precious magic that might otherwise be lost. For that, some special measures were necessary.
"Impossible. Do you think I'll let you have your way?"
However, the two Mages of the Mythical Era merely smiled, completely unconcerned by Allant's answer
.
A chill ran down his spine.
That look... it wasn't the look of someone questioning the living. When it came to all sorts of strange and sinister magic, the dead were probably more honest than the living.
"I want to collect every magic in the world. I cannot allow Berletania's techniques to disappear in this
disaster. What are your plans?"
Serie took the initiative to ask her junior. After all, Frieren wasn't as proactive as her in this regard; she likely had other objectives.
"To strengthen the elven race's combat power. And at the very least, not to let the Empire have it."
"You're right."
Since it didn't interfere with her collection of magic, Serie had no objection in principle to who used it. In this wide
world, only Frieren was qualified to share with her, and even decide the ownership and distribution of magic.
In other words, this batch of magic they obtained was not to be shared with the Empire.
It wasn't in line with the Founder of Magic's usual style, but Serie was willing to make a concession for Frieren.
She gave her junior a deep look.
"The elves have developed quite well already, yet your level of protection grows ever stronger. You worry too much
."
"It is because it has developed well that I'm afraid the town might shatter."
"Interesting. After the king's banquet, I will certainly pay a visit. I might as well just go back
with you then. I want to see what the elven village has become after all these years."
"You will like it."
Serie's gaze then returned to the enraged Allant as she said coldly, "I understand your
resolve, Frieren."
"Honestly, if you weren't filled with an aura of being loved and loving others, I'd truly suspect that this resolve
would turn into obsession, eventually making you the Demon King of the elves. You didn't know, did you? The Demon King also has a desire to understand
humanity, hoping to gain inspiration to evolve the demon race. But it only found a false love, and remains a monster.
"
The silver-haired girl paused for a moment, then smiled knowingly.
One is often blind to their own situation. Only with Serie's insight did she realize she'd had a touch of that obsession before.
But Frieren would not forget her persistence in salvation across several worlds of adventure, nor her companions.
Not even the erosion of an Ancient God could change her heart.
"You think that would become troublesome?"
"That would be a good thing, because then I could fight you to the death without any reservations."
Serie ended the topic.
"Allant, do you have any last words? I sincerely advise you to tell us the location of the treasury and the
key. It would save everyone a lot of trouble."
"In your dreams. Even if Berletania is destroyed, the demon technology we leave behind will still
conquer the world. You have no understanding of how terrifying the ancient beast is. You will be the first sacrifices."
The two exchanged a look, feeling only boredom. A moment later, Serie killed the old king with a single strike.
She touched her forehead and closed her eyes for a moment, then tossed Allant's body down from mid-air.
Just in case, Frieren added a blast of Chaos Fire, burning it to ashes.
The king who had brought the magical nation to a historical high had now fallen. He was both the one who brought prosperity and
the one who brought disaster. Infatuated with power, his end was only a matter of time.
"Any clues?"
"I know everything we need to. There are too many eyes and ears at the Association. Since this batch of technology is not for public release,
let's leave it with you for now. After this, I'll go with you to Elf Town."
"Let's do that."
Thinking about it, the small elven settlement was hiding several kinds of dangerous magic.
For instance, the Scarlet Rot plants and creatures that were constantly being cultivated, or soul-shaping that affects the physical body,
and matters related to Curse Magic...
Unlike the style of the Magic Association headquarters, which focused on safe, open technology, the magic operated under Frieren's hand tended to be undeveloped and extremely dangerous types, possibly even a bit evil.
Of course, her moral bottom line was much higher than that of Seath the Scaleless; her experiments were limited to herself and lab rats.
After dealing with the enemy, the two flew together toward the main city.
By now, the battle inside had just concluded. Flamme stood at the forefront, her body wreathed in magical enhancements, before her a field of cratered battle scars.
The others had also recovered and participated in the battle, cleaning up the smaller demons around.
"You're back!"
The arrival of the core figures brought everyone an immense sense of security. There was no stronger protective lineup to be found in the world.
Even after a major battle, Serie and Frieren were still in perfect condition, their spirits visibly at full strength. What they had just done was merely a warm-up. They were too strong. It was hard not to imagine that the Empire's high command had already made a decision: nation-annihilation.
Bringing these two Mages of the Mythical Era together was a nation-destroying configuration. On a grander scale, a direct assault on the Demon King's Castle wouldn't even be difficult.
It was a great honor for them to even participate.
Serie glanced around and said, "Thank you for your healing, Flamme. My disciples are a bit useless, and these Imperial sorcerers don't know how to coordinate very well. You all made me look bad compared to Frieren."
"Sorry~"
Everyone scratched their heads awkwardly, used to their master's sharp tongue and soft heart.
"I've already obtained the route to the seal below from the king's memories. Let's go take a look together."
She strode forward.
Everyone tacitly avoided asking about Allant's fate. Killing a king would inevitably have political repercussions. His death could only be attributed to the demon disaster, a fitting end after his fall from grace.
Serie waved her hand and blew apart the floor. The force was cleverly controlled, causing a chain reaction of explosions that continued to collapse, opening up a deep, dark passage.
A long, winding staircase descended endlessly at their feet.
She and Frieren walked at the front, stepping into the darkness without a backward glance, completely fearless.
Suddenly, the silver-haired girl turned her head and said, "It's dangerous down there. Those who are injured can stay up here, but everyone should be prepared to move."
"Understood."
Some people left as if granted amnesty.
It was clear that down below was no good place, but they couldn't just desert easily. Her words made things much easier.
Beside her, Serie rolled her eyes slightly, as if to reprimand Frieren for not being strict enough with them. On an occasion like this, they should be risking their lives to gain experience. But in the end, she didn't say anything, letting everyone choose for themselves.
Who could blame them when these two exuded such a sense of security? Whatever.
They couldn't help anyway. The only exception was Flamme, who followed closely behind. The child was used to grand scenes, having participated in the war against the Seven Sages of Destruction. She was qualified.
The group quickened their pace, reaching the bottom of the stairs. Before them, lush greenery gradually appeared, accompanied by the scent of fresh grass.
Unexpectedly, an ancient, dense forest existed underground. And in the depths of the forest, a colossal creature lay prostrate, its head like the hollowed-out trunk of a tree, gaping open. It just stayed there quietly, as still as a mountain.
The ancient beast.
It noticed the intruders, and instantly an oppressive might descended. A low, deep roar swept in all directions, accompanied by a rumbling of the earth.
The source of the demons was rising, vowing to vanquish the invaders.
The roar was mixed with wails and pain; this negative magical energy also made its host uncomfortable. But none of that mattered anymore. The moment Frieren saw the ancient beast, she decided it had to be eliminated today.
Absolutely no loose ends would be left.
Beside her, Serie thought the same, meeting the oppressive force with her magic at full power.
____
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