"Correct."
Frieren answered decisively.
After such a long delay, it was time to ascend to the Altus Plateau. This was both for reconnaissance and out of pure curiosity, a desire to see the most foundational, prosperous, and vital land in The Lands Between.
It cradled the Erdtree, was the seat of Leyndell, the Royal Capital, and held another important meaning: the latter half of the journey.
Reaching the Royal Capital was a key milestone.
The silver-haired girl's unwavering aura made both Rennala and Ranni pause slightly.
At this point, arguing about the consequences was useless. No matter what they said about escalating the situation, intimidating the Royal Capital, or brewing a great war, they couldn't dissuade her. It wasn't even out of the question that Frieren would test the waters by attacking the Royal Capital single-handedly.
"Who cares about the tradition of "marching on the Royal Capital"? Doesn't an "attack by an army of one" count?"
"It has more substance."
The Queen of the Full Moon shed her sleepy languor and said seriously, "I suggest you act with discretion on the Altus Plateau for now, focusing on reconnaissance. Once you've confirmed your intent to attack the Royal Capital, it would be best to deal with Volcano Manor first. Otherwise, it will certainly obstruct your troop supply lines."
"On second thought, if you were to attack the Royal Capital first to force them to contract their forces, that could be a viable option. At the very least, the Grand Lift would be left unguarded, making it easy to move troops up."
"Of course, all of this is contingent on the Land of Shadow not causing any trouble."
Hearing this, Frieren nodded.
"The sequence you've described is what I had in mind as well. This time, I'm just going back to take a look. It's still a long way from a formal assault on the Royal Capital."
"Also, you're suggesting I eliminate Volcano Manor?"
Although Aldrich, an old enemy, was there and must be dealt with, that didn't necessarily mean Rykard had to be killed. Given their familial ties, she had to consider the opinions of her two relatives. Then, she saw regret on the faces of the mother and daughter, but more than that, she saw resolve.
No words were needed, nor could they properly express it. It was a tragedy, but one that required a swift and decisive cut, leaving no room for the slightest hesitation.
"He has long been a blasphemous demigod, not my child, Rykard."
"I cannot save him from that state of fusion."
It was the same principle as Frieren being unable to save Radahn. A transformation into a completely new life form isn't considered a wound; it's beyond recovery. Every sorcerer understood this.
"For one who vied for the throne to meet such an end in bloody conquest, though not glorious, is still a grand conclusion."
Rennala put the matter to rest. It was regrettable, but there could be no hesitation.
It was accepted.
Such is the fate of royalty. How difficult is it to contend for the authority to rule The Lands Between? So be it.
"My brother Rykard was involved in my plot for the Night of the Black Knives. Our goal was to weaken the Golden Dynasty and shift the advantage to Caria's side, but we never expected an Omen King to suddenly emerge. We miscalculated," she said, underestimating the Golden Dynasty's foundation and schemes… "It is a pity. My brother's choice to merge with the Great Serpent was born of hatred, but it was likely also to tie down the Royal Capital's army at the volcano for as long as possible."
After speaking, Ranni heaved a deep sigh.
The disaster brought by the Night of the Black Knives has had repercussions to this day, costing her two of her closest kin. She bore a share of the responsibility for the calamity that had befallen the entire Lands Between.
"You need not feel guilty. Given the state of the Golden Lineage, disaster was inevitable. You just happened to be the catalyst."
"Moreover, I believe that was the second most brilliant moment of your life, Ranni. You indirectly killed the heir to the throne, Godwyn, shattering the Elden Ring and redrawing the entire landscape… As a beneficiary of this chaotic age, I am in no position to judge you. In fact, I should thank you."
"This is the story you began, and I am fortunate to be a part of it."
Frieren's straightforward praise left Ranni at a loss. Why are you so happy? What kind of hero of a chaotic age are you? She had almost forgotten, this person had another identity: Tarnished.
As a warrior recalled by Marika, she had reaped the benefits, so of course she was jubilant.
At this thought, her brow relaxed slightly.
Melina, who had been observing silently from the side, had her eyes light up. She raised an eyebrow.
Thinking to herself that she had never seen her iceberg of a partner so talkative. This time, her words were genuine, and she was even being comforting, showing a lot more sensibility.
"Speaking of which, what was my most brilliant moment?"
"To be born."
"You are the god I have chosen for the Order of the Stars, destined to lead The Lands Between into a new, inclusive era."
Even someone like Ranni was taken aback, then covered her mouth and chuckled lightly. Her fair, spectral face was exceptionally lively and beautiful, sweeping away the gloomy atmosphere in an instant.
Now Melina was certain her partner was getting better and better at conversation. It seems she wasn't idle during her slumber. It wasn't that she had suddenly changed, but rather that she had shed some burdens and worries, and was therefore more free. The conflicting powers within her must have found a better balance.
"Then Ranni and I will create the doll for the Land of Shadow. Your Majesty, you may proceed to the Altus Plateau."
"Let's do that."
Always one for decisive action, Frieren waved, turned, and left the Grand Library without the slightest hesitation, full of anticipation and striding forward with purpose.
Since her goal was to clear the path through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice along the way, it was best to set out as soon as possible.
As for Volcano Manor, that could wait. She would bypass it for now.
She hadn't forgotten that the former Tarnished Lord Bernahl belonged to the recusant faction, so a confrontation was possible. Add to that Aldrich, a Lord of Cinder, and together they were enough for a Demigod-level battle.
So she didn't plan to force an attack in the short term.
If they truly joined forces, they would be a threat on par with the Royal Capital. A long-term strategy was needed.
Watching Melina and Frieren leave together, the mother and daughter who remained behind were lost in thought, both concerned about one person.
Rellana.
She was the only remaining bloodline of the Carian Royal Family abroad who was in a normal state, yet she was too deeply entangled with Messmer. It wasn't that they objected, but the current situation was indeed very complex.
They didn't want her to be troubled by her loyalties, but circumstances were forcing the issue.
"My sister is as devoted as I am. She probably won't give up on Messmer. We can't make things difficult for her. Why don't we let the seal on the Land of Shadow remain, and only lift it after everything has settled?"
"That won't work. Knowing Frieren's personality, she will definitely defeat Miquella and his lord first, then face the First Lord in a decisive battle."
"She can wait for Rellana, but Miquella isn't worthy of making her wait."
"The seal will inevitably be broken in this battle."
Ranni's decisive words cut off her mother's train of thought. Don't expect to be able to drag things out ambiguously. Understanding this, Rennala could only nod, pinning her hopes on persuasion in the Land of Shadow and the chance to reunite Caria.
Moreover, they both understood that Messmer's sister, Melina, would also influence Frieren's decisions. At the very least, things wouldn't become too ugly.
The two felt slightly more at ease.
Immediately, they ordered an intensified effort to clear the lift, creating the illusion for Leyndell, the Royal Capital, that "the southern army will ascend from here," at least to divert attention from the Ruin-Strewn Precipice.
Frieren, who always acted openly, couldn't be bothered to think about such things, but Ranni could not ignore them.
Consider it a grand gift for the Omen King.
At the valley floor of the ruins.
A swift horse galloped across the meadow, sometimes leaping, sometimes dashing, moving as if on flat ground over the rock-strewn land. Even when faced with insurmountable boulders, they were shattered by a blast of magic, clearing the path ahead for a full-speed charge.
Feeling the speed of her Spirit Steed, a smile appeared on Frieren's face. The long-lost thrill had returned.
After bidding farewell to the Academy of Magic, she headed straight for this hidden path. No, it wasn't so hidden anymore, given the watchtowers along the way.
Ahead lay the defensive line against the monsters of the volcano.
She urged her steed on. Melina, sitting sideways behind her, pushed back her brown hair and shielded her eyes to look around.
While inhaling the scent of flowers on the wind, she surveyed the countless scaffolding structures high up on the steep cliffs.
"This place was once a mine, dug all the way through to the Altus Plateau. That's why the terrain is so complex and perilous; it's very easy to fall. You must watch your step."
"Mm, I can tell this place is full of platforming sections."
"Although you can fly with gravity magic, it could easily cause a collapse. Don't forget our main objective."
"I will clear a path."
Frieren had only known of the Ruin-Strewn Precipice from battle reports. Seeing it with her own eyes, she understood it was a hellish difficulty for military campaigns.
How could a large force be deployed on these wooden platforms, long ladders, and mine tunnels? The advantages of organization, numbers, and discipline would be completely nullified.
One could imagine that more would die from falling than in battle. The terrain was dangerous whether ascending or descending; one had to be vigilant in all directions.
Very treacherous.
But the scenery was also spectacular. Ascending to the top of the cliffs, one would surely see the swirling mists and clouds.
This vertical platforming area reminded Frieren of the Great Pit in Majula, but it was far more beautiful and magnificent, incomparable to that dark abyss. This place was majestic.
At the same time, massive "eggs" came into view.
She pulled lightly on the reins to slow down.
These creatures seemed very quiet, remaining asleep unless provoked. They were also terrified of the uninvited guest's aura, all of them shrinking back. Despite being over two meters tall, they trembled in fear, which ironically drew her attention.
"They're still Runes. Since I've seen them, I can't just let them go."
Acting on the principle of "since I'm here anyway," Frieren created a wisp of ancient death rancor. A grey-black cloud swept past.
Wherever it passed, the monsters died instantly, their life force extinguished. In any case, they were just roadblocks here. She might as well clear them out as she passed. After all, one day this path would be used by a large army, and dealing with them then would still be a hassle.
Swish, swish!
The constant impacts from the soul attack magic made them vanish, turning into Runes. The view was now clear.
"The Ravine-Veiled Village is just ahead."
As Melina reminded her, she pointed into the distance. It was indeed a simple encampment, flags fluttering, with about five hundred soldiers garrisoned there.
The officer in command waved, warmly welcoming the arrival of their monarch.
Frieren picked up speed, reaching a new Site of Grace and surveying the surroundings. Constrained by the terrain, a large-scale army couldn't be deployed. They could only be scattered about, with a considerable number stationed in sections along the cliffs to better deal with enemies.
And there was an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time. A member of the Undead Legion of Farron had just killed a Basilisk, which was covered in magma and even had several small poisonous snakes emerging from it.
Slice! He cleaved it in two and then looked at the silver-haired girl.
"...I know. You've also sensed the presence of that Lord of Cinder, Aldrich, from the Abyss, haven't you? That fellow has a terrible temper. If it weren't for the pressure from the Royal Capital on the main front, he probably would have attacked long ago."
Given the vile things Aldrich was doing now, which were no less than the corruption of the Abyss, creating monsters and spreading pollution everywhere was crossing a line. Even if they were allied with this Lord of Cinder, they had to teach him a lesson.
Unfortunately, they needed to rest.
After continuous fighting, they needed a temporary replenishment. They would hand things over to Frieren for now.
The officer reported, "Your Majesty, the number of monsters the enemy has sent has actually been decreasing recently, likely due to the battles on the Altus Plateau. However, the corruption has worsened."
"Volcano Manor is using the power of the God-Devouring Serpent to assimilate the monsters in the Ruin-Strewn Precipice. The great Magma Wyrm entrenched here has mutated further. There are also the undead miners... In short, the higher you go, the more chaotic it gets. I fear it won't be an easy path."
"It is precisely because it's not an easy path that it's worth opening." The silver-haired girl asked nonchalantly, "So you also don't know what's further up?"
"That is correct."
The answer was unsurprising. If the southern army had truly broken through the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, they would have reached the Altus Plateau.
Melina said, "It seems the lift is still the best option. Taking this route will definitely mean confronting the forces of the volcano. It's easy for the two of us to bypass them, but a large army can't get around them at all."
"That's why I'm scouting it first. I can also modify the route."
Frieren crossed her arms, tilting her head back to observe for a long time, thinking silently. Seeing this, the others fell silent, not daring to disturb her.
The most imaginative sorcerer in The Lands Between was probably contemplating a new plan.
"What a mess."
Even from a design perspective, the walkways, stairs, and lifts on the precipice were built haphazardly. Any self-respecting architect would be driven mad.
Just now, in the real world, she had completed the construction of Miriadel's vault. The difference was like night and day.
It was said that she had paid a great price for top designers to create the blueprints, which the two of them then refined and completed. In comparison, the cliffside structures before her were simply chaotic, creating footholds here and there without any plan. Of course, large-scale transport was impossible.
If it were carefully reorganized, it should be much better.
At this thought, Frieren raised her staff and tapped it lightly. A purple-white energy sphere rose into the air, flying slowly upwards.
A Gravity Orb! This time, it wasn't for destruction, but to carve out hollows in the cliff face, as dense as a honeycomb and deep enough into the rock wall to be sturdy. If scaffolding was needed in the future, it could be inserted directly.
Crash!
Some protruding rock formations in the way were simply excavated and crumbled away dramatically.
Reconstruction and demolition, side by side.
Relying on her experience, Frieren reorganized the lower half of the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, simultaneously laying down small anchor points for future use. In the blink of an eye, it was transformed, looking much tidier.
During the process, she also casually dug out a few monsters: undead, shrieking bat-like creatures, and Basilisks…
But all they could do was struggle and scream before being crushed to dust by the mighty force of gravity magic, turning into Runes in an instant.
Finally, the path from the bottom to the middle section was completely unobstructed.
The silver-haired girl clapped her hands and said, "This will do for now. As for how to modify the upper section, I'll need to look down from the Altus Plateau to know. The view is too narrow to judge from here. You all guard the outpost and relay my orders: dispatch more personnel to prepare for a full takeover of the precipice passage."
"As you command."
Frieren's seemingly casual instructions carried the weight of a mountain.
Everyone in the garrison understood. This meant Her Majesty was going to personally resolve the crux of the problem, clearing a path to the Altus Plateau, an act of great significance.
It would be a historic moment.
The Shattering War had lasted for what felt like millennia. Aside from the two campaigns by the nation of Leyndell during the most intense initial phase, no other monarch had ever set foot on the plateau, let alone laid a hand on the indomitable Golden Capital.
If this stalemate continued, the Golden army might actually win by attrition. It would be an ugly victory, but the land would be pacified.
The sudden appearance of the Lord of Cinder broke the deadlock.
As the "Tarnished Lord closest to the Elden Ring in a thousand years" who had yet to ascend the plateau, she was finally about to take that step. It would surely stir the hearts of many, and many would lose sleep over it. It would shake the very foundations of the Golden Order's rule.
Even they, ordinary soldiers, could feel the prelude to a gathering storm.
"Your Majesty, are you conducting reconnaissance or launching an attack?"
"This time, I plan to be low-key. I'll take a look at the situation up there first. After all, there's been no news for so many years. I need to see it with my own eyes to be sure."
"We wish you a safe journey."
The member of the Undead Legion of Farron nearby also gave a slight nod, his eyes meeting Frieren's. As former adversaries, they naturally shared a tacit understanding, and after working together for this period, they trusted each other's strength. Although the path ahead was dangerous, it was merely a test.
She and Melina stepped onto the long ladder together, heading towards the cloud-wreathed cliffs.
Previously, Frieren had indeed planned to fly for a portion to shorten the journey. Now that she was here, she realized it wasn't that simple. As she climbed higher, the wind howled and the airflow grew more turbulent.
Looking back, she was already fifty meters off the ground.
But the top was still out of sight. The height was staggering; even flying would take some time.
And there were many interferences.
Not to mention the constantly changing wind speed and air currents, just the monsters lying in wait along the way were enough to be a handful. They were difficult to deal with. Weak as they were, they could still tie up a portion of her attention.
The Lands Between wasn't like her reality, where simple flight magic could lift one into the air.
"Forget it. I'll just clear the way. Glintblade Phalanx."
Partway up the ladder, Frieren summoned several glintstone blades to guard her, not for protection but to automatically engage any target.
If they encountered a monster tougher than the average target, Greatblade Phalanx was waiting for it. Either way, it would be a one-hit kill. This magic from the Land of Shadow was very useful, combining great power with high speed. The large, modified monsters were no match for it.
Whizz, whizz!
Sharp sword-light swirled around the silver-haired girl, echoing all around, slaying several monsters as it flew. With her clearing the way, Melina behind only needed to keep pace. It was even easier than she had imagined.
With the agility and coordination of two demigods, they weren't so much climbing a ladder as they were scaling walls and cliffs.
Often, a single light leap could cover a long section of the ladder.
They were now over a hundred meters from the ground.
"Frieren, you can already see the roots of the Erdtree from over there. We are now approaching the same elevation."
"What a behemoth. From Stormhill at Stormveil Castle, you could only see its crown... So the lower half of the trunk is this massive. It truly lives up to its name."
People are inevitably awed by mega-structures, even endowing them with myths and legends.
No wonder the Erdtree could become an object of faith.
Back then, as a newly arrived Tarnished, she had judged at a glance that this was not the world of the First Flame, nor the world of the Old Gods, but a new beginning. Unconsciously, she had come this far.
When did she start to get used to the Erdtree's existence? Treating it as naturally as the sun, yet at this moment, she was once again struck by its magnificence.
"It's beautiful."
"It's even more beautiful at the foot of the Erdtree. It's just that we were in a hurry back then and didn't have time to take a proper look."
"It's alright. I will take you back there anyway."
Then the silver-haired girl turned her head and continued to climb, her tone matter-of-fact, as if she were talking about her own home.
Right, Melina thought, if she were the Elden Lord, she could see the full view of the Erdtree every day. It's just a pity it might not look the same as it does now.
What would it look like after being burned? No one knew, and she herself would be the last to know.
In contrast to Melina's wandering thoughts, the ever-accelerating Frieren soon reached the cloud-wreathed cliffs. Looking out, even Caria Manor seemed tiny.
"Aaaah!"
Suddenly, a sharp shriek pierced the scenery. It was several bat-like monsters, baring their fangs and claws, their hideous faces revealing sharp tusks.
"If it were the Mimic Tear, it would surely…"
Before she could finish, Frieren unleashed a blast of Collapsing Stars, piercing through them all and annihilating them in a single breath. It was so fast that it even cleaned out the Basilisks watching the commotion nearby, leaving none behind.
"Wait, has your magic gotten stronger? Both its speed and power have increased?"
"Yes, mainly because there are fewer restrictions."
"So that's how it is. That sense of chaotic energy around you has subsided; it's much more stable than before."
Only after careful observation did Melina confirm it. This long slumber had allowed her partner to suppress the hidden danger. At least she no longer gave off a perilous vibe of being on the verge of exploding. So, was this period spent resolving that issue?
Good.
Just as she was feeling relieved, Frieren reached the entrance of a mine tunnel.
It looked deep, but in reality, after a short distance, it would open up to the cliff face again. The sound of wind meant it wasn't a sealed environment, and the terrain continued upward, most likely leading to the Altus Plateau region.
For years, it operated as a mine, with countless crisscrossing tunnels. Even the southern army hadn't managed to create a detailed map of it.
From this point on was the upper half they had never reached, and also the most difficult part.
Fortunately, the cave glowed with a faint green light.
They could stride forward without even needing a light spell. The two moved in single file, covering each other. Ordinary undead miners were killed on sight. There was no room to stop and observe, because sometimes the cave exit would lead to a sheer drop just a few steps away.
A fall would be very difficult to handle.
"No wonder the Royal Capital's army knew there was a possible hidden route here but couldn't deploy defenses."
The deeper she went, the more Frieren understood how atrocious the conditions for marching were here. Even without monsters, the complex terrain restricted large war machines and heavy units.
Too difficult.
For both defenders and attackers, even walking was a challenge.
She advanced while keeping an eye on the environment, pondering how to make it safer, or perhaps just build a Grand Lift? That wouldn't work either, at least not until she had complete control of the volcano. But the only route to attack the volcano was through here, and the army had to pass through…
Suddenly, Frieren spotted a familiar figure. Just ahead, having just killed a Basilisk, was a one-armed swordswoman.
"Millicent! What are you doing here?"
"Frieren!"
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