Underground, Great Waterfall Basin.
Frieren rode Torrent, yawning slightly. Racing at full speed without encountering a Site of Grace was starting to feel a bit boring.
Melina, sitting sideways behind her, opened the map to double-check.
It included intelligence gathered from Limgrave and routes sketched by Rogier and D, serving as reliable references. Otherwise, navigating complex terrain would be difficult.
The two had now entered a pool area, accompanied by the echo of massive rushing water.
Splash!
"Look ahead; there should be a Site of Grace. According to the intel, this is also the end of explored territory. No one's dared venture into the Great Waterfall Crest abyss beyond."
"Wait." Frieren suddenly perked up. "Something's approaching us—it's huge."
Sure enough, the water ripples grew increasingly intense.
Melina frowned slightly. As the underground grew more lively, monsters had gathered deeper in. They'd encountered plenty bold enough to attack along the way, but none with such commotion. This one meant trouble.
She followed her partner's gaze into the darkness, where a war machine crawled toward them.
"It's a Dragonkin Soldier!"
Before she could finish warning, Frieren had already acted. A Comet Azur streaked through the air, precisely striking the slow-moving giant.
The target was knocked flat on its back, of course not forgetting to swipe with its claws. With a body about twenty meters long, the assault carried real pressure. But against Torrent's mobility, it was negligible—even without dismounting, Frieren dodged effortlessly.
At this point, she had no time to waste on scraps.
Nokstella's Dragonkin Soldiers had some skill, but not much—far from enough to warm her up.
Rykard's Rancor!
The newly acquired sorcery unleashed here, a torrent of fiery red magic bombarding the target relentlessly, instantly igniting the Dragonkin Soldier.
It lived up to its massive frame's toughness, charging through the assault.
Almost simultaneously, Frieren yanked the reins and leaped off. She felt Melina immediately wrap her arms around her waist for balance. Then a gust of wind whipped past them, gouging a ravine in the ground with a boom.
In that instant, even the water flow halted.
But as the Dragonkin Soldier recovered, it discovered the Ancient Death Rancorcall striking as well—fire and ghostflame combined.
One was superheated from volcanic magma, the other chilling from cold death. Exploding together on its fragile body, they tore flesh and drew agonized cries.
From start to finish, neither target took damage.
Suddenly, two pairs of wings unfurled from the Dragonkin Soldier's back as it took flight, ice lightning enveloping its form.
"It has that trick too?"
Frieren's eyes lit up in admiration. She'd thought it a one-sided warmup, but the foe had some creativity.
So she didn't interrupt, instead using Comet Azur to force a clash. Sure enough, the Dragonkin Soldier dove from the air, unleashing Frozen Lightning Spear. The two energies vied, erupting in rolling shockwaves that echoed outward.
The vast pool even frosted over, laced with thunder.
"Don't play around; don't let Torrent get hurt too much. Let's finish it quickly," Melina urged earnestly.
Frieren nodded, casting dual sorceries.
Carian Phalanx sped forth, smashing the airborne Dragonkin Soldier down hard—another from flight to crash, fully under the silver-haired girl's control.
It didn't rise immediately, instead propping itself with both hands and roaring skyward, ice lightning sweeping all directions.
Lightning Retaliation!
But Frieren caught it one-handed, actually drawing the Dragonkin Soldier's lightning back at it. Her spectral steed neighed, rearing up as she charged Frozen Lightning Spear like a fully drawn bow, firing the next instant.
The earlier lightning returned along its path.
No wonder the Dragonkin Soldier was stunned, shaking its head in daze—never imagining its sure-kill move mastered by the enemy. What terrifying adaptability and fundamentals.
Frieren pressed the advantage, switching to Ancient Dragons' Lightning Spear blooming before the foe. The entire pool lit with crimson thunder pillars.
Boom!
All unleashed, striking the unprepared Dragonkin Soldier squarely.
It thudded down with a wail, convulsing in the pool as waterfall torrents spread the lightning damage further, body twisting uncontrollably. Nokstella's weapon ended here—some highlights, but few.
Troublesome for underground explorers.
But against Frieren's demigod level, it crumbled in simple exchanges, turning to loot:
[Frozen Lightning Spear]
[An incantation showcasing the Dragonkin Soldiers' power.]
[Summons a frozen lightning spear that pierces from the sky into the ground. Upon rebound, it unleashes falling lightning ahead.]
[Dragonkin Soldiers were born in the Eternal City; having never seen the true sky or lightning, they made ice lightning their weapon.]
First time in the Lands Between seeing frost and thunder combined into one spell—truly rare, unheard of. Frieren smiled delightedly; exploration always brought surprises.
Frozen Lightning Spear fit her build perfectly, a solid addition to her arsenal.
Satisfied after testing it, Frieren pressed on with lingering excitement.
The two dismounted to search.
No obvious paths around; the only potential lead was the coffin before the Great Waterfall Crest, a teleport method used once at Lake of Rot.
Melina gazed along the coffin's drift—bottomless abyss below, no sky above.
She said uneasily, "We have to do this again?"
Turning, she saw Frieren already recalling Torrent, poised expectantly.
In the end, they lay together inside, squeezed in the narrow, sealed space, eyes locked. Not just breaths mingling—hearts beat in sync, total zero-distance contact.
"I'm scared."
Unable to hold the gaze, Melina lied, burying her head in Frieren's chest to listen to the quickening heartbeat.
Of course, hers raced too.
The silver-haired girl took a deep breath to steady herself, then slammed the coffin lid shut.
Enveloped in darkness, they felt weightless flight—the interior stable, but wind howled outside at high speed. Crossing vast distance, a world dense with roots drew near in perception.
Unconsciously, they embraced, feeling body heat rise.
Click!
When the coffin halted and cracked open, Frieren and Melina slowly sat up, sharing a smile. What a wondrous experience.
Site of Grace: Great Waterfall Crest lit.
From this starting line, deep in the Lands Between's roots—unseen by sky, unknown and unvisited—opened to the intruders, as if welcoming from Deeproot Depths.
As Frieren lit the grace, Melina marked the map precisely.
She reminded, "From here, it's uncharted territory. Our maps trace to pre-Golden Dynasty, but spaces carved by Erdtree roots—who knows where they lead?"
"It must connect to the Royal Capital somehow—maybe a new path."
"Not necessarily. Part of this is Nameless Eternal City, undergone massive geological shifts—far too distant from Leyndell above."
"Can we dig through?"
"Don't dream of mega-projects now. Priority: find the Prince of Death. Fia should be there too."
Traveling with her partner, Melina always reiterated the main quest.
Frieren nodded, striding ahead to clear the way. Ruins appeared, laced with crisscrossing thick branches and rushing water sounds.
Erdtree roots delved into underground streams, plunging unknown depths.
Vast, cold emptiness.
Beneath the majestic tree's roots, awe was inevitable—feeling tiny amid beauty laced with peril.
She scanned with massive perception as usual. Mausoleum Knights present, but not key. Key: Fia's traces found—nearby, Prince of Death's corpse, Those Who Live in Death origin.
Non-natural death's poison endless, still spreading calamity.
Beyond, Frieren sensed Leyndell Knights—Golden Dynasty indeed eyeing root forces.
"Melina, Golden Dynasty's targeting the roots' power. They'll exploit Those Who Live in Death—handy pawns."
"You sensed it!"
The witch frowned; bad news—stay vigilant.
Royal Capital mages exploiting them feasible; prepare for Prince of Death, Death Dragon.
"...It's Giant King Yhorm carving tree channels."
Deeper scan revealed the variable: underground Yhorm adapting, using size and flame to tunnel up. Royal Capital matching with mega-projects.
Shared foe made alliance easy—no wonder Frieren missed it initially; they'd entered the trunk.
Very high.
The silver-haired girl pointed overhead: "Convergence point there. One digs down from Royal Capital, one up from roots—not far."
Melina glanced—too high for intervention now.
"Prince of Death's corpse was dumped by Royal Capital, hidden. Easy to reactivate."
"Let's go—battle ready."
Cautiously, Frieren took the trunk route with Melina—good high vantage, bypassing ground forces.
Branch enemies backstabbed silently, stealth maintained.
Light ahead!
Soon, a glow on nearby branch—from a staff. Luck good; fresh from Volcano Manor with Winged Scythe staff, now another weapon.
Frieren hurried over, picking it up:
[Prince of Death's Staff]
[A staff topped with filthy amber.]
[Said to be part of the Prince of Death's body, strengthens death sorceries.]
[One of the academy's rejected heretical staves; boosts sorcery power via Intelligence and Faith.]
She tested the feel—perfect fit. Solid amplification too; excellent overall. As expected, but better than imagined.
Death sorceries tied to souls—her specialty.
Frieren swapped Lusat's Glintstone Staff: Prince of Death's Staff from now on—best catalyst yet. Worth the trip; huge gain.
Messages full of praise:
[Finally got it—mage graduation weapon, but so far out.]
[Goodbye Meteorite Staff; choosing the superior Prince of Death's Staff.]
[Top amber from Godwyn's corpse? Fits death theme.]
[Huge output boost; spam Ancient Death Rancorcall for extra amp—black blob wipes all.]
[Deeproot's treasures well-hidden.]
[Suggest +25; next foe loves effects.]
[Saved smithing stones for this—godslayer weapon born, achievement unlocked.]
Heed advice.
Frieren detoured to a Site of Grace, using stones for Hewg's max reinforcement—even Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
Mohgwyn Dynasty chest treasure used here.
At the forge, the white-haired elder stared at the staff thoughtfully. Soul of Cinder back so soon, bringing extreme weapon and materials—pushing his limits?
"Max reinforcement possible?" the silver-haired girl asked cautiously.
"What do you take me for? How long have I honed for this? Come—Lands Between's first godslayer weapon."
Hewg's bellow drew onlookers.
Roundtable Hold gathering again—all witnessing, unmissable.
Clang, clang!
Smith undisturbed, focused: low tiers flowed seamlessly. Finally, Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone—dense spacetime power evident.
His pace quickened, sweat pouring.
Crowd watched intently as stone fused with staff.
New weapon formed.
Moments later, "Prince of Death's Staff +25" in his hands—true godslayer. Yhorm's spared stone for spear now Frieren's fresh staff, maxed instantly.
Hewg placed it solemnly: "First max weapon yours, Your Majesty."
"Thank you."
"Thank you—you gave me this chance. Use it well."
"I will; to the throne."
Mana resonance clearest to Frieren—magic never so fluid, rules embracing her powers further.
...
Deeproot Depths.
Melina watched Frieren reappear at grace, proudly waving new staff.
Even non-mage felt the power.
Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone used? Chose staff. Frieren's conviction in Prince of Death's Staff surprising—resources saved just for this.
"Godslayer weapon born?"
"Yes—Hewg said so. No other max weapons in Lands Between."
"Unique, surely. Hewg's skill unmatched—normal smiths can't max."
Witch proud, confidence boosted.
Frieren thrilled at mana flow: output elevated.
Exhilarating.
Restrictions lifted: new module tweaks, Great Runes, now godslayer catalyst—stronger, better output.
"Onward."
Excitement aside, main quest: repaired Rune.
She reached root-crossed clearing.
As expected: massive, black, twisted corpse—merman-like, half-human half-beast, clawing awkwardly. Godwyn the Golden, Black Knife victim? Far from epic glory.
Ranni skilled, assassinating such. Frieren neutral—scenery.
Stances differ.
Living Godwyn would oppose her anyway. History no ifs.
Her gaze on black-robed woman under corpse.
Fia sat nearby, trembling at silver figure. Fearing Soul of Cinder over corpses impossible—plan at crux.
Frieren glanced around: "Fia, call your people—test my new weapon?"
"Pointless; they can't match Your Majesty."
"Roundtable member—duty to punish internal crimes. Later. Plan progress?"
"Frankly, new Golden Order inclusive of Those Who Live in Death."
"Your scheme?"
"At Godwyn's death, body marked. Found half; need other for Hundred-Foot Ring, opening continent for repaired Great Rune..."
Frieren produced other half.
Repairing Rune not conflicting destroying Fia's plan—more collectibles better.
"Thanks—as Empyrean of Stars' king." Fia sighed relief: "Thus, Godwyn pure initial undead—noble life restored."
"You and Godwyn birthing repaired Rune?"
"Yes."
Fia answered fluidly; Melina frowned, hesitant.
Witch silent pre-Frieren's stance. Reviving Godwyn adds foe, but victory legitimizes new dynasty.
Beat Golden Prince again fine.
Soul of Cinder nonchalant—beat all Lands Between strong.
Fia pressed: "Request, Your Majesty: show my child? Repair that Rune? Become Elden Lord allowing Those Who Live in Death?"
Frieren nearly laughed—courtesy held mockery, shook head seriously.
"Personally, I'm king, your law god—you sleep with Godwyn?"
"Offensive, Lady Fia. Let you finish for one reason: here to condemn—kill you last, no leniency."
"Those Who Live in Death not my concern."
Expectations heavy—for all, eliminate erroneous death-spawned group, not integrate danger into Elden Ring. Your stance cruel? My choice, judgment. Including undead in law: evasion, laziness, sidestepping. Here to purge source—new dynasty no seats.
Blunt: death foe declaration.
Melina nodded approval—Those Who Live in Death post-Black Knife; purge, realign.
Huff!
As Fia rose, hazy mist rose, enveloping field.
Frieren watched calmly.
"My sacrifice—complete marks activated Godwyn's death-sleep dream. Face battle unlike reality. Majesty, reconsider."
"Many dream battles; hurry."
Silver girl merciless—resolve undead issue, shatter Fia's persistence; no choice.
Field fog-shrouded, hazy rainbow clouds above, thick.
Crack!
Thunder: black-scaled ancient dragon appeared.
Death Dragon Fortissax overlooked intruders, overflowing Those Who Live in Death aura—Godwyn's sworn brother, family in life-death.
Epic: reconciliation ended Golden Dynasty-Ancient Dragon war.
"Careful, Frieren—Fortissax legendary ancient dragon, Lansseax's brother, Godwyn's equal."
"Good—more legends ahead."
Silver girl shielded Melina, welcoming storm—thunder, gales lashing, stinging face. Real strong foe.
Even death-sleep dream: cautious.
Glanced dying Fia—ignore. Forcing ace too costly; self-destruction.
Wonder extent pre-death; Frieren no delay.
Dragonbreath!
Death Dragon greeted dragon-style: superheated blaze. Frieren undaunted—Zamor Ice Storm underfoot, casually neutralizing; mere warmup.
Both gauged strength instantly. Frieren casual; Fortissax needed death resolve.