Another dozen or so days passed. After an exhausting journey, the city standing amidst the lake finally appeared in Fíliya's field of vision.
"We can already see the outline. I estimate we'll arrive in another half day."
Fíliya stood up, gazing from afar in the direction of her old home. The azure lake water and the familiar atmosphere were all telling her one fact: she was truly home.
"Is that the City of Magic—Äußerst? It really is a city built on the lake surface... How did they do it?"
Fern mimicked Fíliya's posture, gazing into the distance.
"It is indeed strange... If you want to build a city in a lake, how do you lay the foundation...?"
Stark also wore a face full of curiosity.
"Hmm... Äußerst doesn't have such things as foundations, you know? It is said there is a super-sized magic circle at the bottom of the lake serving as support... Although I haven't seen it with my own eyes, this approach is indeed romantic; it certainly fits the title of 'City of Magic'."
The corners of Fíliya's eyes curved into crescents. It was clear she was truly happy right now; after all, it was her hometown she had been away from for two long years. Even a fellow like her would occasionally get a bout of homesickness.
"Mm, so once Frieren earns the title of First-Class Mage there, we can set off again?" Fern continued to ask.
"Naturally. Becoming a First-Class Mage allows one to freely enter the Northern Plateau, which means getting very close to your destination." Fíliya responded, then immediately added.
"However, I think it's a bit ironic. With Frieren's strength, she has long been an existence surpassing a First-Class Mage. Even if she charged directly through the checkpoint, no one could stop her, yet she still comes here to take some boring exam."
"Heheh~ Because I am a good elf who is willing to follow the rules." Upon hearing a voice praising her, Frieren immediately straightened her back with a face full of pride.
"That's true, you really are gentle enough, Frieren... If it were some gloomy-minded fellow, they would have long since treated ordinary people like ants; why would they follow any human world rules?"
"That's where you don't understand. 'Following the rules' is my secret to longevity. Those fellows who think they are strong and act recklessly cannot survive for a thousand years."
A secret to longevity, huh... That really is a... familiar topic.
After hearing Frieren's words, Fíliya suddenly thought of that fellow who was quite similar to her.
As of today, she seemed to have harvested two secrets regarding 'longevity': one is 'deceive the public and live in seclusion alone,' and the second is 'follow the rules.'
It seems these two fellows who can survive in the world for a thousand years still have one thing in common, and that is... being low-key enough.
"Eh?!? Frieren, you and Fíliya finally made up?" Just as Frieren and Fíliya were conversing, Fern's surprised voice inserted itself between them.
Fern's tone was very excited, as if she had discovered some fun gossip.
After all, in the past few days, the relationship between Frieren and Fíliya had suddenly become very subtle. Although it hadn't reached the point of a cold war, Frieren clearly had an air of ignoring Fíliya when she showed goodwill. But their conversation just now had finally returned to its initial warmth.
And with Fern's reminder, Frieren finally realized with hindsight: how did she just go along with the atmosphere and start talking to that fellow Fíliya... She had clearly planned to leave her hanging for a while longer...
Sigh, maybe this guy really does have some unique secret technique that can quickly melt the ice in other people's hearts. Frieren thought helplessly.
Since she had already opened her mouth, changing her attitude now would only make her seem awkward, so she simply gave up thinking.
"Mm, that's right, we made up." Fíliya had been observing Frieren's reaction the whole time. Seeing that her expression was only slightly hesitant and she didn't immediately speak up to refute it, she immediately took over Fern's words.
"Phew... that's good." Seeing this, Fern also revealed a relieved smile.
"...By the way, Fern, it's not strictly necessary for me to take the exam for First-Class Mage. I think it would be quite suitable if you took it." Frieren rested her chin on one hand, changing the topic at flying speed.
"Eh?! Me?! Aren't First-Class Mages rare talents that can be counted on one's fingers? Based on my ability, I can't pass it, right?" Fern retorted subconsciously.
After all, Fíliya's appearance had already refreshed her worldview; in the current Fern's eyes, only someone like Fíliya was worthy of the title 'First-Class Mage.'
Regarding her own disciple's unconfident reaction, Frieren simply turned sideways, watching Fern silently with a smile on her face. She knew Fern's words did not come from her heart; after all, what danced in those eyes was a flame named fighting spirit.
"..."
Fern fell silent. It was the first time she had been stared at so earnestly by Frieren, so she was a little at a loss.
But just as she wanted to turn her head and cast a pleading look in Fíliya's direction, she discovered that Fíliya was also observing her reaction with a gaze full of interest at this moment.
Really... Do these two mean-spirited things just have to force me to speak my true feelings?
Finally, Miss Fern, who couldn't stand being stared at any longer, secretly clenched her fist, then took a deep breath.
"Although I say that... but in the end..."
"I... I want to become a First-Class Mage."
Although her tone wasn't resolute enough, that will was sufficiently firm.
"I really didn't misjudge you, Fern... Although you, child, don't have much competitive spirit, you also have your own pride. Then let's go take the exam together. I believe you'll have no problem, and... maybe you can get a better score than me?" Frieren chuckled softly.
And Fíliya also chimed in at this moment.
"That's right, Fern, you can't belittle yourself, you know? Although you haven't noticed it yourself, during this time of adventuring, I've already discovered a very terrifying strength of yours."
Fíliya's words made Fern's eyes light up immediately.
After all, compared to the cute old timer, praise from a peer could activate her confidence even more.
"That is your 'Casting Speed.' I know you haven't seen many other mages, so I'll say it straight: your casting speed is very terrifying... Even leaving aside understanding and application of magic, just this invincible casting speed alone is enough for you to take down the vast majority of mages."
Although Fíliya didn't hide her praise, Fern still had doubts in her heart. She first looked at her mentor.
"Really?"
"Heh, Fíliya is right. Just on the point of casting speed, you are even stronger than me, Fern."
So Fern looked at Fíliya again, continuing to confirm. "Really? But I feel like you're faster than me, Fíliya?"
"Mm, that's because my proficiency far exceeds yours. If we say my speed comes from experience and understanding... then your speed is more like an innate inspiration. This is your unique talent. As long as you continue to grow, it won't take long before you're faster than me."
"..."
Fern fell into silence again, but this time her face was no longer lost.
What the heck, so... I'm actually pretty amazing too?
Fern finally raised her head with a beaming smile.
___
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