"Mountaintops of the Giants."
Frieren rode her spectral steed, treading upon the air. In a moment of whimsy, she even detoured a step or two, despite the bottomless abyss lying directly beneath her feet—a fall from here would mean a narrow escape from death at best.
She was currently on an invisible bridge, the other end of which led to a sorcerer's rise.
Let alone observing it with the naked eye, even using mana sensing yielded only a faint response. It was difficult to confirm that there was a solid bridge beneath their feet; it was quite well-hidden. However, experience told Frieren that the broken bridge was the guide.
Sure enough, her feet landed on solid ground, perfectly placed.
In contrast, Melina, seated behind her, hugged her waist even tighter and murmured, "To think such a place actually exists!"
"I saw the sorcerer's rise on the map, but I didn't know how it was connected."
"So, there must be powerful magic inside."
Frieren was full of anticipation because, rather than a tower, it looked more like a small fortress; its scale was unusual. Thus, she advanced at full speed, finally breaking in through a balcony position.
Clack-clack!
Enemies attacked the moment she appeared, but the Glintblade Phalanx guarding her was faster, annihilating them in an instant.
Mobs of this level had long been locked onto by her perception and were not worth mentioning. After a glance to confirm there were no drops, she walked quickly up the stairs. After all, this was a sorcerer's rise following Castle Sol; there ought to be good things here.
As the chest opened, a magic scroll emerged, and the intense magical power lingering upon it indicated that this was no simple spell.
[Sorcery: Founding Rain of Stars]
[ The eldest primeval sorcery, discovered by an ancient astrologer. ]
[ A sorcery of legendary status. ]
[ Summons a dark cloud of stars overhead. For a time, the cloud will release a violent deluge of star rain. ]
[ This sorcery can be cast while in motion. Charging increases potency. ]
[ Thought to be the founding glintstone sorcery. The glimpse of the primeval current that the astrologer saw became real, and the stars' amber rained down on this land. ]
Just listening to the description, one knew it was extraordinary. After all, Frieren knew that nothing claiming to be the "eldest" magic was simple, let alone the source of Glintstone Sorcery, concerning the very beginning of the Astrologer profession.
Sorcery: Founding Rain of Stars was not only an offensive move but also held academic significance, helping her better master the power of her mage account.
A huge profit.
A place known as the Heretical Rise actually buried such a supreme treasure.
The so-called "legendary sorceries" were not just significant in terms of power, but held a status of founding schools of thought. The ancient mysteries of the stars were hidden within. Frieren clicked her tongue in wonder as she carefully savored the power of the Founding Rain of Stars.
Even Ranni, who had been meditating, couldn't help but open her eyes upon sensing this marvelous magical power.
"Thou hast inherited the mantle of Professor Sellen and gathered the strengths of many. Thou art both a successor of Primeval Sorcery and the strongest Glintstone Sorcerer; it is indeed fitting to entrust this to thee."
"Being able to cast it while moving is very impressive."
Frieren felt that the mechanical advantage was significant, and it should be quite dazzling.
"Once, many astrologers gazed upon the stars from the Mountaintops of the Giants, eventually gaining inspiration to open new schools of thought. Now that we have arrived at the forbidden Mountaintops of the Giants, and the First Mage has taken over its fruits... the world is truly wondrous. This inheritance of fate is beautiful."
"Let us go. There should still be good things."
The Heretical Rise was just a stop along the way; there was no need to delay the itinerary of the main route. So, Frieren resumed her journey.
Melina reminded her, "Next, we must cross the Freezing Lake to the Guardians' Garrison. There are Flying Dragons and Golems haunting this ice field; let's eliminate them quickly or bypass them."
"Understood."
Worthy of being a key defensive area for the Royal Capital, there was no shortage of chess pieces.
The War against the Giants during the founding of the Golden Order was particularly important. It exterminated the highly threatening race of Giants and, furthermore, exterminated the faith of the Fell God of Fire lineage. To prevent a resurgence, this land served as a massive cage.
They already had a guess in their hearts: the reason Marika did not eradicate the fire was that she felt it might be useful.
The group continued forward with their thoughts.
The Freezing Lake was merely a transition zone. It was smoother than imagined; after actively releasing her pressure, Frieren scared away the Flying Dragons and other small monsters directly.
As for the Golems, they were nothing more than a matter of a few casts of Sorcery: Shard Spiral. The whole journey was smooth, and she even found a new Ash of War:
[Ash of War: Seppuku]
[ A forbidden technique used by swordsmen from the Land of Reeds. ]
[ Plunge the blade into one's own stomach to stain it with blood. Increases attack power and improves ability to inflict blood loss. ]
[ Usable on swords as well as polearms capable of thrusting. ]
What a coincidence—another ability from the Land of Reeds. In a sense, Frieren could also be considered to have come from a Land of Reeds. This Ash of War: Seppuku was a good means of increasing damage. She did not lack defense or recovery, so trading some health for damage was very cost-effective.
Of course, because her basic attributes were becoming more and more solid, the frequency with which she stacked buffs decreased.
There was no need to be so competitive.
Frieren not only wanted to win but also to witness the strong figures of the Lands Between from all sides, so she reserved the buff-stacking... such a goal was not in the Lands Between, but in reality—that is, the Demon King.
Suddenly, a familiar aura entered her perception range.
Who?
After a directional observation with her spiritual power, she immediately discovered the master and disciple pair, Goldmask, gazing at the Erdtree from a bridge ruin, motionless as always.
She rode her horse over and soon arrived beside the two. They, of course, also discovered the uninvited guests.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on conquering the Haligtree," Corhyn said with sincere admiration.
With the billowing smoke in the north and the massive momentum of the meteorites, anyone would know that the Soul Cinder King had attacked the Haligtree. Combined with the departure of Saint Trina from her side, it was easy to deduce that she had been sent to guard the Haligtree. Another top-tier faction had been taken down; her power was like the sun at high noon.
In his view, Frieren was already the Elden Lord in name and reality; she was merely going through the traditional certification process.
"A small matter."
"So, you are still researching the mending of the Order?"
"...Actually, a terrifying conjecture lingers in my heart and will not go away. The numbers and melodies the master weaves with his fingers show a questioning of the perfection of the Golden Order. Alas, I sensed an arrogance in it that absolutely must not exist... Such a thing cannot happen, and should not happen. In short, I cannot fully trust the master anymore."
Corhyn murmured with a frown:
"Is it I who has a problem? If the master is still pious towards the Golden Order, then why enter the Snow Mountains that hold the forbidden flame?"
His face was full of hesitation, his heart twitching; the faith he had always persisted in was crumbling.
"Corhyn, the Golden Order is imperfect to begin with. There is no such thing as perfection in this world."
"No, even if you replace it with a new Order, that does not mean it is imperfect."
"Look, what is this?"
Frieren displayed the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince and said seriously, "With your knowledge, you can see its compatibility with the Order, right? Compatibility means there was originally a deficiency, at least in failing to solve the problem of Those Who Live in Death."
"Do not belittle yourself. The path of you and Goldmask is very important."
The weight of the Soul Cinder King's recognition was self-evident.
Corhyn, looking at the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince, was stunned. So someone else had also attempted to mend the Golden Order, and had already achieved results.
Just as Frieren said, since something compatible with the rules could appear, it represented that the Order was imperfect, or at least had room for improvement. Whether pious or not, the facts were before his eyes.
"There is more than one method of mending. You and Goldmask also represent a path."
"Thank you."
Corhyn suddenly smiled. "My troubles are not worth mentioning. Perhaps research progresses amidst questioning. I became an obstacle to the master's questioning, but we will continue until we achieve results."
The silver-haired girl nodded upon hearing this. This person had shown signs of spiraling into madness just now; fortunately, he was pulled back.
There were few people left in the Roundtable Hold; keep those who can be kept.
"Why is Your Majesty actively eliminating other methods of mending? Did you not choose the Stars?" He remained puzzled by this point.
"To collect them."
Frieren gave an answer befitting the stereotypical impression of a Soul Cinder King, but it obviously couldn't satisfy Corhyn. Instead, Ranni took over the conversation:
"My Order of the Stars is not that exclusionary."
"If the Lands Between is in peril, and various disasters continue to expand while we collect the Great Runes, then the moment we win, we would immediately unleash the Order to suppress the disasters and repair the Lands Between. But there is no rush now. The South, the Land of Shadow, and even the Volcano have been repaired by my King."
"We can act in the long stretch of time to deduce a better Order. My Order of the Stars is a collection of possibilities; we welcome Mending Runes."
Ranni introduced it solemnly, treating the master and apprentice before her as representatives of Order researchers.
A deity has the obligation to answer.
She was lucky. The powerful King Frieren brought the margin for thought, allowing her to carefully consider a more perfect Order of the Stars. More inclusive, more stable, it would surely lead the Lands Between to prosperity.
"Correct, Corhyn. Just continue your research with peace of mind."
After speaking, she stuffed some Runes into his hand and instructed, "Consider this my investment. I hope you go smoothly."
"I thank Your Majesty for the gift."
Since so much had been said, he couldn't be a pretentious person. He nodded steadily.
Immediately, Frieren waved goodbye and left with large strides. Watching the figure walking away, Corhyn couldn't help but reveal a smile. putting down the knot in his heart, he felt increasingly relaxed. Looking back at Goldmask, he saw he had changed his gesture again...
This represented that his research had stepped into the final stage. The perfect Golden Order was not far away; perhaps it only lacked a necessary step to be completed by the Soul Cinder King.
Moments later.
The squad, braving the wind and snow, finally crossed the Freezing Lake, and the garrison became clear.
At the same time, they saw the fully armed garrison defenders. Although they were scattered and small in scale, they had waited for a long time and were prepared.
Melina said, "This is the last chess piece the Royal Capital has buried in the Mountaintops of the Giants. Once they lose the Guardians' Garrison, they will have no fortress to stand on and will be in a power vacuum."
However, Frieren's gaze was not on these Fire Monks.
Her solemn expression alerted her companions. Only at this moment did Melina and Ranni notice two spirit forms of Godskin Apostles appearing in the distance—one fat and one thin, very conspicuous. Dealing with them when they joined forces would not be easy. Of course, the most terrifying one was the other figure:
A knight stood silently, his body partially wreathed in Frenzied Flame. Terror-inducing red lightning was harbored within his body, conducting to the spear in his hand, blooming with crackling sounds.
Would-be Lord Vyke.
The reaction of massive amounts of Runes condensed into one body could not be faked. He was worthy of the name, an existence far surpassing ordinary Demigods.
He had gone mad, not weak. His martial arts from the past remained on his body. Vyke held his spear in one hand and raised the red lightning high with the other. A bolt of thunder fell upon him, granting protection; his aura rose by a large margin, and his crazed eyes locked onto Frieren.
The silver-haired girl, unwilling to show weakness, took out her staff and greatsword.
Ranni murmured, "There were rumors that Vyke was sealed in an Evergaol on the Mountaintops of the Giants. Combined with Shabriri's words earlier, it is true."
"With his ability, he must have sealed himself while his reason still remained, and then tried his best to suppress it and not actively break through the Evergaol. But now that the seal is lifted, only madness remains. You must be careful."
Immediately, her doll form floated off the shoulder, returning to normal human size.
Melina likewise made space.
They were not enough to intervene in a life-and-death battle at the Would-be Lord level. All they had to do was hold off the Godskin Apostles and the crowd of garrison defenders.
Both sides were at daggers drawn; a great battle was imminent—absolutely the greatest battle on the Mountaintops of the Giants in five thousand years.
Frenzied Flame Thrust!
Vyke, attacking first, gently thrust his long spear, unleashing a trail of Frenzied Flame.
Frieren, having seen his clone use this move in Liurnia, was naturally familiar with it. She countered head-on; a wave of Moonblade sword energy collided with it. Cold and heat melted in the air, exploding into a cloud of water mist that was blown away by the wind.
Neither side gained an advantage. Whether it was timing, force, or magical power, everything was just right, confirming their intuition about each other:
A strong enemy.
Frieren used Sorcery: Miriam's Vanish to teleport in front of Vyke. Although a bit dangerous, letting him continue to bombard might affect her companions, which would be even more dangerous.
Sorcery: Carian Piercer was released, but Vyke, the wielder of the Dragonbolt, sidestepped to split it open while simultaneously throwing a Lightning Spear.
She grabbed the lightning, but in the next moment, the opponent actively dispelled it. She had intended to perform a Carian Retaliation, but she hadn't expected Vyke's elemental control to be so strong—commanding it like an arm and finger, following his heart's desire.
In the space of a single round, he seized another opportunity.
Flames condensed deep in his eyes. Accompanied by his gaze aiming at the silver-haired girl, he fiercely released an attack—Incantation: Frenzied Burst!
The target is my eyes?
Reacting in time, Frieren turned her head to dodge, but was still scratched on the cheek, her skin burned in the process. Moreover, from beginning to end, the Distortion light wall had no effect; one could imagine that the quality of every single one of the opponent's attacks was considerably high.
In the time it takes for a spark to fly off a flint, she thought and poked the ground with her staff, rolling up Sorcery: Rock Sling. The coexistence of quantity and large volume left Vyke no room to dodge, sending him flying.
The silver-haired girl naturally sprinted in that direction as well. In an instant, Dragonbolt and Glintstone flickered.
Boom! Boom!
The two sides unfolded a crazy exchange of attacks at mid-range, earth-shattering and heaven-startling.
The mere aftershocks made the walls of the Guardians' Garrison crumble. No, it had already triggered an avalanche, taking away part of the defensive fortifications.
But they couldn't care less. The Godskin Apostle spirit forms actively sought out the two Demigods to attack with full force. The two sides fought inextricably. The magic of the Moon, the Golden Wave, and the Godslayer Incantations collided, rumbling and exploding to lift up earth and stone, the ground churning like waves.
The defenders of the Guardians' Garrison could only barely maintain their balance, trying their best to kite with long-range means.
"Move quickly, increase the firepower."
"If the castle is destroyed, we won't be able to survive in this world of ice and snow."
They understood the logic within, yet could only watch helplessly as the fortress they had guarded for thousands of years collapsed rapidly.
______
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