"Frieren."
While calling her name directly, Ranni grabbed the silver-haired girl's collar and pulled her slightly closer, their faces almost in zero-distance contact.
However, Her Majesty was still stunned, as if she understood something yet didn't fully grasp it.
Ranni couldn't help but glare at her. Do I have to take the initiative?
Only then did Frieren snap back to reality. She slowly cupped the doll's cheeks and gently touched her lips to the soul's face. There was no physical sensation, but their hearts had never resonated so deeply.
They gazed at each other for a long time.
"Are you okay?" Frieren gently smoothed her partner's slightly disheveled hair. "Ranni, we can reshape your physical body to house your soul right now."
"With the great war imminent, let's not do anything extraneous. Leaving some anticipation is fine too."
She couldn't help but touch her lips. So this is what it feels like.
Even in soul form, her heart couldn't help but race, filled with unparalleled peace.
When did she suddenly become so nervous? Probably because a series of events had made Ranni crave a safe harbor. Or perhaps their feelings had reached this point—maybe they should have shared this kiss back at the Spiral Tower, but it had waited until now.
"Thank you."
"No need to be so formal between us. Anytime, as long as it makes you feel more comfortable."
"Don't make it sound like I'm easy. This is reaffirming our vow—it's sacred."
Ranni grasped the Dark Moon ring on Frieren's hand, and the latter nodded promptly. Among all the companions she'd met so far, the Princess of the Moon was one of the few who was cold on the outside but warm within; it had taken time to see her rich emotional side.
Discovering unexperienced facets was a joy in itself.
"I suppose Tanith must have vowed the same with Brother Rykard, but sadly they didn't make it to the end... No, she has already died with him; that's their ending."
"Your Majesty, if you fall in battle, I probably won't survive alone either. Neither my heart nor in practical terms."
"So of course I'll win."
"I didn't mention winning or losing. I'm worried about you. If you burn yourself out like last time in your Soul of Cinder Incarnation, are you going to leave me alone to watch over the Lands Between?"
"It's fine. My body is much stronger now than it was then."
Frieren wasn't exaggerating. In fact, just the massive Rune reinforcement from the Promised Consort alone had boosted her significantly.
Not to mention the new Great Rune and fusion-favorable module she'd just acquired.
And she hadn't even exchanged the Remembrance yet.
The Remembrance's reward would further strengthen her. Worst case, she could optimize her route: defeat the Haligtree twins first to claim Malenia's Great Rune, then head to battle with five Great Runes, enough to support a full liberation.
This liberation wouldn't just be Soul of Cinder Incarnation—it could even be Ancient God form, or multi-account fusion.
Frieren was well aware of her body's condition; she'd become her own expert through long experience, with plenty of ideas to address issues. To ensure victory in this battle, full preparation was essential.
Suddenly, Ranni pulled her hand and led her out of the Grand Library.
The wind from the attic tower brushed their cheeks as they sat on the railing's edge, overlooking below and gazing toward the distant lands beyond the continent.
A sudden sense of openness.
"Long ago, when I was little, we used to pass the time like this."
Ranni leaned on Frieren's shoulder, her face nostalgic, but more so regretful—one that wouldn't return.
Farewell, brothers.
Caria and the Golden Lineage were both royal class, their fates intertwined with the Lands Between' structure. The Shattered War had deeply affected them too, but it was finally nearing its end.
"Aren't you nervous? The five-thousand-year war is about to conclude. The First Lord will participate too, with his invincible Crucible Knights."
"And I'm certain there are still strong enemies within the Erdtree."
"Can we change the world, Frieren? Prosperity or decline in the end?"
She was very nervous.
On the surface, Ranni seemed nonchalant, but as events escalated, like a gambler watching chips pile higher on the table, one couldn't help imagining defeat. Winning or losing didn't capture such a massive era shift.
The fate of the Lands Between' common people lay in their hands.
No arrogance—this was the grave duty of law-wielding gods and power-wielding kings; ordinary hearts couldn't bear it.
Frieren smiled brightly, stroking Ranni's head, making the latter pout but not resist. Her king was as big-hearted as ever, seemingly unmoved by anything.
"Think differently: leave it all to me. Just trust me."
The silver-haired girl's resounding declaration blended into the wind, echoing over Liurnia of the Lakes—a promise.
"You seem practiced at this."
"It might sound arrogant, but I've fought battles deciding world fates several times. I can't say I completed them alone, but I was certainly tense with responsibility. I've adapted; this is your first, so entrust it to me."
Ranni smiled in relief. "I trust you. I know—those are things only you can achieve, and you've succeeded."
"Not quite success—just preventing total failure."
If Frieren could successfully fuse different powers to ascend to a new realm, unleashing qualitative change beyond simple addition, she could surely mend the First Flame world and dream world.
They could live in an Age of Plenty.
Her ever-extending journey had been a search for methods; today, hope was in sight.
Certain victory.
Not just for herself, but for companions like the Fire Keeper and Doll Sister, waiting in darkness for salvation—no more delays.
Feeling Frieren's heavy responsibility, Ranni gripped her hand.
"Then remember one thing: I'm always worrying about you. Don't take needless risks. Do what you must; you have the experience to create great feats."
"Next, I'll head to the Roundtable Hold. After all, intel says Sir Gideon Ofnir's spies are contacting the Royal Capital..."
"I'll stay at the Academy first to handle some trivia."
"Agreed."
"Actually, I've always had unease from within the Erdtree. Thinking back, Father Radagon's actions were often strange. I'll cross-check memories and records with Mother—hopefully uncovering overlooked details to help you."
"Good. After that, I might move around Altus Plateau, then to the Consecrated Snowfield."
"Call me when you reach the snowfield; my powers suit it there."
Finally, Ranni gently kissed Frieren's cheek. The latter nodded solemnly, bid farewell, and descended directly from the Grand Library's attic tower.
Such an impatient person.
Once decided, her king acted with thunderous resolve.
Roundtable Hold, Two Fingers' chamber.
With Enia's help, Frieren exchanged the Remembrance again, yields better than expected.
First, the magic she cared most about: Rykard's flame-attribute rancor, laced with blasphemy, viable attack and mechanics—not mere decoration.
[Rykard's Rancor]
[The horrific power of Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy.]
[Releases charred rancor, triggering delayed chain explosions along its flight path.]
[These are the rancor of heroes who met untimely ends.]
[They were welcomed by the lord, only to be devoured, merging into the great serpent as kin.]
As expected, recruiting recusants was part of the scheme: endless labor or absorption for the strong into Rykard—vile.
Good riddance.
Frieren had no fondness for such scum; post-serpent fusion, humanity gone.
But the magic was noteworthy, compatible with her soul magic—soul and flame damage rivaling Ancient Death Rancor, multi-element overwhelming foes.
Pity few player comments; overshadowed by the other reward.
She drew a crimson longsword.
Long-heard, famed in messages—top-tier weapon, more common than Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear.
Mohg's weapon shelved; great despite unwieldy size.
This sword familiar.
Frieren swung the Blasphemous Blade; good feel, slimmer than Dark Moon Greatsword for fluid agility, if grotesque.
Flesh-wrapped, wailing curses—fitting backdrop, Lands Between rife with eerie powers; visually lucky.
[Blade of Blasphemy]
[Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy's holy sword.]
[The blade's surface bulges with corpses of countless devoured people and heroes, writhing ceaselessly.]
[Their blood assimilated, like family.]
[Defeating foes restores HP.]
As felt in battle: hits drain HP, strong flame impact for mid-range stagger.
Skilled swordsman threatier; pity Rykard mad, underutilizing.
His crafted Blasphemous Blade now Frieren's treasure.
[Exclusive Skill: Taker's Flames]
[Raise holy sword, ignite blasphemous flames, unleash forward blaze. Flames steal HP.]
Description, attributes, mechanics: Tarnished ideal—targeted boss changes, but exploration godsend: HP/distance safety fused.
Perfect.
Flame buffs abound; flame-weak foes plentiful.
Even with arsenal, Blasphemous Blade top-tier, versatile with buffs.
No wonder praised:
[Not my fave boss—straight blasphemy.]
[Difficulty drops; spam skill, max safety.]
[Range fine, but knockback stagger lets mobs charge to death, then lifesteal combo.]
[Wheelchair meta.]
[Shadow Realm mad dragon talisman buffs; seeming nerf pure gain.]
[Full-HP exploration joy only you bring.]
[Pairs prayer build; Faith scaling perfect, full coverage.]
[Rushed volcano for it. Great-Serpent Hunt eases Rykard, then wheelchair him—bliss.]
[Volcano shield-poke god too.]
[Volcano barren? Y'all blind; Ar Tarnished heaven.]
[Forgot rolling; enemies = Taker's Flames.]
Universal acclaim surprised; not essential for Frieren, but mechanics unique—increase margin for error.
Reinforce first.
Thus, to long-missed smithy: "Mr. Hewg, reinforce these weapons."
"You're finally back," he grunted, forging.
Don't disturb Hewg, immersed in somber smithing stones—won't chat soon.
Soul of Cinder suddenly lavish on smithing stones; perfect craft time.
"Roderika, you look well too."
Frieren handed ashes; red-hood smiled, tuning spirits—ample Grave Violet boosting strength.
"Without you, Roundtable felt empty—even Sir Gideon Ofnir ventures out often."
"He's traveling far?"
Homebody schemer; outing means big plots—tricky.
Silver-hair expanded senses: no Gideon.
Roderika murmured: "You wouldn't know—after Finger Mother kill, he raged, blasphemous... attitude says avoid you. Hope no irreparable rift."
Tuning while advising.
Frieren patted head, easing worry.
Unbeknownst, opposite readied Gideon kill; mutual wariness—break means fight.
Deny Finger Order vs uphold—position clash, no preference.
Demigod mage foe: big/not small; battlefield resolve needed, watch spells...
"Ow!"
Roderika clutched head; gentle hand gripped skull-crushingly.
Frieren apologized, gifting Grave Violet.
Dodged topic, chatted awaiting Hewg.
"You're back, Lady Frieren."
Rogier entered, warmly greeting.
"Indeed long absent." Frieren curious: "Progress on Fia with D?"
"Not smooth—stuck at Deeproot Depths roots."
"Grim."
"Yes, D and I wounded, recovering. He's with Nepheli now..."
Rogier speaking, duo arrived greeting; smiles exchanged. Felt ages since full Roundtable gather—busy despite membership.
Rare peace: interlude.
Lands Between turbulent; Hold oasis, but inevitable vortex—Ar Tarnished immersed.
"Frieren, weapons done."
Hewg handed, meaningfully: "All aligning to you—ponder Roundtable's future?"
"Not qualified."
"Nonsense—Gideon abandoned unity, left forever."
Stunned disbelief.
Hewg no-nonsense veteran; basis sure.
Enia hobbled in.
"Lively today—festival?" Surveying: "Certain: full Elden Ring ends Two Fingers' mission, Roundtable concludes. Your choice?"
"Plenty time ponder—even adventure like Hold underground."
Rogier nodded.
Then D, Nepheli explored Eternal City smoothly—risks, but success, experience gained; Limgrave collab good.
"Just reminder—prep Gideon gone."
"Grace endures; useful always."
Frieren gazed center; eyes converged—journey endpoint dawning.
Rare.
Hard-won path.
Many readied eternal battle, hollow end. Now hope, future thinkable—past luxury.
Frieren realizing impossibles.
Freedom soon—no Tarnished duty, enjoy land: prosperity, abundance—not ruin.
"Roundtable priority: resolve Fia."
Cursed D unforgiving; Deathbed Companion clues key.
Critical.
Any ruler faces Deathblight scourge—must cleanse.
Frieren volunteered: "Convenient—tying ends. Share full intel, Rogier; I'll handle after."
"Met Nokstella Dragonkin too..."
Explorers detailed: underground push drove monsters to Deeproot Depths.
Fleeing too.
Underground advantage defensive, but locals—Eternal Cities, Ancestral Followers—Soul of Cinder aligned, Frieren-directed, aiding clearance.
Slow, but edges feasible.
Even Dragonkin abandoned dormancy, fleeing Deeproot—avoid hunters.
Moreover.
Intel: Yhorm Giant King bottom Deeproot; Prince of Death, Death Dragon stirring—unpredictable.
Rogier guessed: "Golden Dynasty activating forces. Godwyn corpse revivable magically. Plus Fortissax Death Dragon, Yhorm Giant King recruitable."
"Possible; heard Godefroy Grafted gaol opened."
No spy net, but scale yields intel.
Golden expanding arms.
First Lord, Grace-Given King, Crucible Knights insufficient—more better.
Deeproot under capital ideal.
"...That's it. Fia likely Deeproot; may birth repaired Great Rune—key, Frieren. Secure first. Golden hands: forced Ring mend tough."
"Not easy—many conditions—but thanks reminder."
Norms unaware Destined Death, Forge steps; Rune repair vital collectible.
"Time depart."
Frieren ever-prompt; accustomed waves farewell.
Deeproot beyond meddle; Soul of Cinder best.
Turned, vanished in Grace.
Remaining exchanged looks, pensive, tense.
Roderika tentative: "Gideon rift with Frieren?"
Duo nodded.
Nepheli blunt: "No good—Finger zealot mad. Joins Golden likely. Status quo best to him—not let Frieren win."
"Roundtable: dead, scattered." Hewg snorted, wordier, wistful.
"Grace continues; Tarnished other goals—or adventurers."
"Rogier, optimistic."
To dour D waved: "Near. Frieren's eyes: resolve to end. Her call mobilizes Lands Between—Leyndell siege soon."
Roundtable tensed; camp-neutral lucky, not fallen.
Short-lived.
____
New Story: Stardew Valley: What Do You Mean They All Became My Servants
✅ Read 40 chapters ahead of everyone else.
✅ Get cool exclusive stuff and updates!
Let's hit these goals:
🎯 100 Powerstones = 1 extra chapter for the public!
🚀180 MEMBERS = 5 extra chapters on all stories for supporters!
👻 P - Walnutchan