"How did such a magnificent place fall into ruin?"
This question had always existed in the bottom of Frieren's heart. Ranni, knowledgeable and backed by the Carian heritage, answered fluently:
"Legend has it that a meteor once smashed into Farum Azula. Some even think it was the work of Astel, with the Greater Will behind it... Looking at it now, it might have been the work of Metyr, Mother of Fingers. Unfortunately, it is hard to verify. Even the Ancient Dragons do not know how their city was suddenly destroyed when they were living just fine?"
"In my view, this brokenness definitely cannot be explained by a single meteor strike."
"At least we can be certain that Bayle's rebellion with the Flying Dragons also brought irreversible trauma to the Sky City, coupled with some internal strife among the Ancient Dragons..."
"Over time, it became the appearance we see now."
The silver-haired girl nodded in agreement.
A mere one or two blows could not destroy a force of the Ancient Dragon Dynasty's volume. Thinking about it carefully, the departure of the Dragon God, the meteor strike, and Bayle's rebellion—three heavy blows—plus various storms large and small that are hard to verify, only barely managed to suppress such a colossal entity.
Even so, it still had the capacity to stir up trouble; it only appeared to lack presence because it lacked the will of a King to lead it.
It was too durable.
The HP bar of the Ancient Dragon Dynasty was simply ridiculous, and its underlying reserves were terrifyingly incredible.
Melina seemed to feel something, turning her head to say, "Frieren, the dynasty you and Ranni create will only be more prosperous than the Ancient Dragon Dynasty and the Golden Dynasty. The wealth left behind will benefit the Lands Between for ten thousand years."
"They each had their own atrocities and their own retributions, while we will rebuild order on brand new land."
Ever since burning the tree, she had instead become positive in her thinking.
Harboring a spirit she had never dared to imagine before—of living to witness the history thereafter—the current Melina found everything pleasing to the eye, her footsteps briskly leading her two companions.
The squad passed through the Crumbling Beast Grave. Before them lay a dilapidated palace that suddenly opened up to a wide view; beneath their feet seemed to be a collapsed high wall.
Textures and decorations were carved upon it, while a bottomless abyss lay beside it.
"Roar!"
In the distance, an Ancient Dragon brandished its fangs and claws.
Seeing this, the squad, which averaged at the level of a Demigod, raised their brows. The opponent had picked a good place to ambush.
Beside them was a cliffside swept by wild winds; the slightest carelessness would mean being crushed to pieces. In contrast, the Ancient Dragon possessed aerial superiority that no other race could compare to, like a tiger with wings added, and was familiar with the terrain of the Sky City.
"You are the Soul Cinder King? Renowned indeed. Do you not know of the covenant between the Ancient Dragons and the Golden Dynasty to dare intrude here?"
The white Ancient Dragon guarding the gate of the Sky City revealed grim fangs.
Although inferior to the powerful aura of a Priestess, the aura of one who had experienced a hundred battles could not be faked. Guarding here for many years, he had likely crushed countless challengers, still maintaining a pugnacious will and skilled techniques.
He was worthy of a fight.
Not only the guardian, but several other auras were projected over simultaneously, paying close attention.
Frieren reached out a hand to actively stop Melina and Ranni, then took a step forward to face the Ancient Dragon directly, taking out her staff and declaring coldly:
"I don't have time to waste breath with you. I am here to remind you all that there are new changes on the surface."
Before her voice had faded, the mana throughout her body skyrocketed.
Materialized energy gales wrapped around the mage's robe, fully displaying her coercive pressure.
What terrifying spirit. The throat of the Ancient Dragon blocking the gate tightened, and his brow locked deep. Even his body of rock felt shaken, as if he were about to be dismantled into powder. Was this another true Elden Lord after Godfrey?
Dragonbolt!
The guardian, unwilling to show weakness, had red lightning spreading across his spine, extending along his limbs and neck as if he were draped in a battle robe.
The full-power stance of an Ancient Dragon was revealed here.
He was here to test the Soul Cinder King, representing the Ancient Dragon race, so he absolutely could not show timidity.
Frieren likewise understood that the opponent carried a mission, so she could not take it lightly. Even a tangled fight was not allowed; it had to be a quick battle and a quick decision, using the fastest, most domineering posture to deliver an intimidating first strike.
With this thought, she simply put away her staff and raised her right arm to charge power. This starting stance made Melina and Ranni exchange a glance and hurriedly move away.
The big one was coming.
The unknowing Ancient Dragon held a lightning blade in both hands, about to smash down. Having plotted for a long time, his speed was faster.
With a crack, the thunderbolt crashed down, yet it failed to hurt Frieren.
The Ancient Dragons witnessed a horrifying scene: the golden Lightning Spear in the silver-haired girl's hand absorbed the opponent's lightning blade and skyrocketed in turn, instantly transforming into a hundred-meter Sunlight Spear. It didn't stop there; connecting heaven and earth, it exquisitely penetrated the central crater of the Sky City.
The hollow smashed out by the falling meteor back then accommodated her power very well.
It couldn't help but evoke the memories of the Ancient Dragons. Could it be that the Soul Cinder King's power was enough to replicate the meteor of that year? Regardless, Frieren had finished charging at this moment, throwing the golden thunderbolt with a solemn expression.
Sunlight Spear!
The tree-like thunderbolt rose into the sky, smashing into the cloud layer and spreading with crackling sounds, actually on the same scale as the canopy of the burning Erdtree.
She didn't aim at the guardian Ancient Dragon but brushed past him impartially, but the latter had already fainted amidst the paralysis.
With a thump, the unlucky fellow lost consciousness and collapsed onto the ruins.
However, the King's power had not ended yet.
Taking advantage of the Runes accumulated during this journey to strengthen herself, Frieren displayed it to her heart's content. The aftershock of the Sunlight Spear in the sky shrouded the city, and the thunderbolt whipped up made the Ancient Dragons who specialized in this path unable to suppress their shock.
The power of space-time mixed within scanned Farum Azula, and sure enough, a rift existed—
"Roar!"
A roar echoed in everyone's heart, neither humble nor arrogant, even conveying a sense of invitation, coming from the dimensional gap of space-time.
The corners of Frieren's mouth raised. With a flip of her hand, she dispersed the power of the Sunlight Spear, and in an instant, the wind calmed and the waves settled. She found it. Actively resonating with magic that possessed the same space-time power was the correct choice; the host had also expressed welcome to the guest's knocking.
Since that was the case, she had to pay a visit even more.
The silver-haired girl clapped her hands with satisfaction, ending the exchange of this round, and called her two companions to continue moving forward.
The Ancient Dragons were silent.
Who couldn't recognize Placidusax's aura? How many years had it been? His Majesty hadn't made a move during the Ancient Dragon War with the Golden Dynasty, yet this time he actively invited someone?
Did he also value the Soul Cinder King's ability? That would absolutely be an epic meeting.
At the same time, there was another layer of meaning: None of you can handle this.
The Ancient Dragons who were originally eager to try exchanging a couple of moves with Frieren died down one after another. This was the King's opponent; they could not overstep. Besides, relying on the power of that Sunlight Spear that knocked out an Ancient Dragon in one shot just now, anyone who wasn't a Priestess wasn't even qualified to compete.
And now, neither of the two Priestesses planned to make a move.
Above the Sky City, Lansseax glanced in the direction of the squad and sighed, "Florisaxx, you really found a formidable contractor."
"I am honored."
"She killed Bayle and even seized Bayle's power. Isn't this battle a reenactment of that year?"
"No, you are being narrow-minded. This is the prelude to the new dynasty His Majesty wants to pioneer."
The clansmen beside the two Ancient Dragon Priestesses looked at each other, mixed flavors in their hearts.
How could they not understand? When Placidusax actively revealed his power, it meant that Farum Azula's time of choice had come again.
How to choose?
I'm afraid His Majesty doesn't understand either, merely stabilizing the Soul Cinder King first to discuss it face-to-face. But in the tradition of the Lands Between, it is absolutely impossible for a meeting between King and King to end peacefully. Their respective wills would not allow it; a battle is inevitable.
Who knew how Placidusax's condition was?
Lansseax gazed at a circular temple high in the Sky City and teased, "Maliketh, the Black Blade, must be nervous."
"Correct. The aura over there rose for a split second just now; he wanted to take the opportunity to sneak attack His Majesty."
Florisaxx said contemptuously:
"He is merely Marika's Shadowbound Beast. His birth wasn't anything good, and he has always specialized in the battles of a killer. He is indeed powerful when it comes to slaughter, but in front of a King's mettle, he is not enough to look at."
"Not necessarily. He will fight with all his might to guard Destined Death. He will become a trouble this time."
Some Ancient Dragons proposed, "Shall we kill him?"
Leaving aside the question of which dynasty to choose, they had been unhappy with Maliketh for a long time anyway. Provided there was a chance, the Ancient Dragons wouldn't mind tearing him into pieces.
Especially some hardliners who didn't fear Destined Death. If they really looked ahead and behind in everything, how would they have today's power?
"No need."
Lansseax shook her head and said, "Maliketh is the Soul Cinder King's prey; she does not allow interference. Speaking broadly, this is a necessary process of dynasty change in the Lands Between. Destined Death should be personally liberated by the new King to clear the path for her Order, ending the Golden Order's control over death."
This symbolic link should be handed over to Frieren to complete.
The brief confrontation made the Ancient Dragon race decide not to intervene anymore. In any case, His Majesty would make the decision.
They stopped paying attention, too lazy to bother with the Soul Cinder King's squad wandering around and looting. It was just some junk; let her have it.
In the temple, Maliketh gritted his teeth.
"Truly unreliable."
The Ancient Dragons' attitude naturally could not be hidden from the dignified strongest killer, not to mention that Lansseax and Florisaxx didn't conceal it at all, faintly harboring provocative intent.
The two High Priestesses hoped to borrow Frieren's hand to eradicate this trouble.
He hurriedly ordered the Godskin Duo and the Draconic Tree Sentinel to stand ready, about to collide with the Soul Cinder King. With Maliketh's current team, it was not enough, but he could only do his utmost to weaken the enemy...
Deep in the Crumbling Beast Grave.
Frieren, having activated the Grace, conveniently finished off a few Beastman soldiers. They were nothing more than some bone frames, thin and hunched.
However, this was relative to a King. Careful perception revealed their stats were not low.
Worthy of the Sky City; the space-time lock compressed and accumulated the ancient energy of that year in one breath until today. Nourished by it continuously, even ordinary Beastman soldiers had extraordinary combat power. Unfortunately, they lacked intelligence and didn't understand tactical coordination.
They just wandered in scattered groups, attacking living things by instinct.
Znie carefully observed the remains on the ground and said, "These should be slave soldiers trained during the Ancient Dragon Dynasty era. Your Majesty, were you not curious about the Ancient Dragon's form of rule before? This is the tip of the iceberg."
"If it were in an even more ancient era, perhaps faith Incantations related to the Ancient Dragon Dynasty's gods still existed. Unfortunately, it is too remote; there are no traces left."
How could she not want to find new magic?
Especially since Frieren would inevitably fight a great battle with the Dragonlord Placidusax later; it was better to know oneself and the enemy.
"Wait, when you display the Order of the Stars in the future, will you also create a new Incantation system?"
"I can."
"Then I definitely must learn it. Preferably the kind with great power."
"I will satisfy you in all of it."
Probably benefiting from the aftershock of defeating the Ancient Dragon just now, no monsters dared to harass them. Soon, under Melina's guidance, the two left the depressing Beast Grave area filled with the aura of death.
The front suddenly opened up. A massive tornado howled in front of them; it was precisely the super-giant wind tunnel that pierced through the Sky City.
The Grace named "Dragon Temple Lift" lived up to its reputation; it seemed one could take flight with a light jump.
Looking out, from now on, there basically didn't exist a complete road. Even footholds were few and far between, all being shattered ruins barely maintaining flotation under the tornado's lift, giving people no sense of security.
It was the same routine as the Haligtree, triggering acrophobia at high altitudes.
Even Frieren, with Gravity Magic on her body, dared not guarantee flying across safely, let alone bringing two teammates.
Melina pointed ahead and admonished:
"Only by crossing this shattered zone can we arrive at a relatively complete building: the Dragon Temple. But there are Beastman soldier archers up there; we must move fast."
Frieren had seen plenty of similar routines; the most torturous was none other than the dual archers of the Royal Capital.
She waved her hand to signal the advance, immediately drawing Sorcery: Loretta's Greatbow with familiarity to aim from a distance.
Whoosh, whoosh!
Accompanying the squad's footsteps, Glintstone arrows broke through the air and annihilated the targets. Those dull Beastman archers didn't react at all before they were eliminated by Frieren's precise attacks.
The remaining ones, Znie and Melina could solve effortlessly.
Just as the map Lansseax gave indicated, the group entered the first building with a complete roof so far.
It was finally a bit safer, and their hearts felt inexplicably relieved, though the ground still shook frequently.
The tornado was stronger than before.
Frieren looked around and found the ground covered in Beastman corpses, arranged like a sacrifice. Candlelight shone brightly, and white wax flowed slowly along the stone platform. It was suddenly quiet... Logically speaking, shouldn't the Sky City be very noisy?
Looking at the bloodstains all over the floor and the messages, she instantly had the answer and said loudly: "Come out. No need to hide."
As soon as her voice fell, two masses of Black Flame condensed into figures, one fat and one thin.
Godskin Apostles!
"Their mana level is different." Melina immediately reminded loudly: "This place still remains in the time shortly after the death of the Gloam-Eyed Queen, and Maliketh hasn't specifically suppressed their Incantations. These are complete Godslayers."
"Do you also possess the Gloam Eye?" The thin Godskin Apostle murmured, "A pity. We are on opposite standpoints now."
The two assumed their stances, murderous spirit surging.
Such positioning reminded Frieren of old acquaintances; Ornstein and Smough were also a thin and short obstacle, though they naturally didn't have the oppressive feeling of the Four Knights of Gwyn.
Amidst her thoughts, the Godskin Apostles had already charged at the pure mage who had the best compatibility for them.
Znie was faster, sitting lightly on a chalk-white moon to dodge the two crossed weapons.
Ping!
Almost simultaneously, a Dark Moon Greatsword swept away the second round of attacks. The heavy and powerful attack actually made the webs of the two Godskin Apostles' hands go numb. It was Frieren making her move; a single move was full of suppressing power.
Thunder and wild wind played in unison beneath her feet; the Divine Beast Dancing Lion stomp had already been integrated into her movement method.
Such terrifying multi-elemental attacks forced the two to retreat.
Weren't they Godskin Apostles in their prime? How did they have a premonition that they were about to face a bitter battle?
Go for broke.
The Godskin Duo looked at each other, confirming their respective resolve.
They were naturally clear on the gap between them and Frieren, this would-be Lord—no, this powerhouse already at the level of an Elden Lord. But which powerhouse in the Lands Between who reached the high-end level would not fight upon seeing an enemy? Besides, it was impossible for either side to let the other go.
Not only the silver-haired girl, but Melina's Incantations and Znie's magic also lit up.
They had seen Frieren's exhaustion before and would not allow her to continue fighting alone. At least facing this kind of battle that wasn't between Kings, they would take over.
Her Majesty also tacitly permitted it.
Only, she wanted to be the one with the most damage output.
Sorcery: Rock Sling rose abruptly, also including Rancor flying together toward the Godskin Apostles. The latter hurriedly rolled and then waved out Black Flame, finally covering Frieren's attack. But it wasn't that simple.
A single magic spell could produce a quality gap due to the caster's level.
They were merely weakened by a portion; the rest still smashed onto the two in a swarm, causing their movements to pause.
Bad news.
Frieren's output power for a single spell had reached the peak of perfection; it was no longer something that could be easily blocked. Even if they resisted with all their might, it was of no avail; the Black Flame was pierced all the same, ultimately leaving wounds on the Godskin Apostles.
The Dark Moon flew alongside it at just the right moment.
The agile, thin Godskin dodged with a roll, but his companion wasn't so lucky. The wide and fat robe slowed down his speed. With a bang, the mana-breaking attribute magic covered his whole body.
He hurriedly moved to block, and sure enough, he parried Melina's Blade of Calling.
However, a scene that shocked the partner duo appeared. That Gloam Eye opened slightly, accompanied by the Godslayer-type mana blooming with a boom.
The thin Godskin was repelled, stumbling.
Both sides were slightly dazed, not expecting the power that had long since sunk into disappearance to revive today.
"I have a feeling... if this continues, I can probably reconstruct this Incantation. Frieren, are you interested?"
"Of course. The magic system is broad and profound; the more the better."
Probably benefiting from Farum Azula, the Sky City, locking in the mana of the ancient era, the loosening of Melina's seal was further promoted, and the Gloam Eye she already had gradually revived.
Rather, it should be said that when she passed the trial of the Forge of the Giants, it was destined. Her state of mind was clear, walking a path that did not belong to a Kindling Maiden, welcoming a new realm.
Everything was just right.
Melina gripped the Blade of Calling tight, calm and composed, the golden Incantation circulating with a sharp edge.
There was no need to use Destined Death; they were not worthy.
On the other hand, the complete Destined Death was also in the Sky City, and Maliketh's authority was higher; better not to cause side issues.
The two tacit companions immediately understood. Frieren lightly tapped the ground with her staff. A burning sensation came, and the surroundings became scorching hot, as if placed in a cauldron. That's right, it reminded one of the Mountaintops of the Giants, and this was precisely the Giant's technique:
Flame, Swallow All.
In an instant, the inside and outside of the Dragon Temple were sealed by super-high temperatures, isolating the area.
Just as its name implied, under the manipulation of a mage of Frieren's level, it conversely suppressed and even absorbed the Black Flame, causing the Godskin Duo to turn pale with fright. How was that possible?
Allowing no hesitation, in the next moment, Melina coordinated by waving a golden blade, sweeping along with it.
In the urgency of the moment, the fat Godskin rolled like a wheel, barely extinguishing the flames wherever he passed, covering his companion from harm.
At any rate, being of the Divine life level, he could still withstand it for a while.
Immediately after, the thin Godskin coordinated and killed his way over.
The special form of the long and sharp sword hooked Melina's blade, attempting to suppress it with strength. However, Frieren's Sorcery: Night Comet hit his body, causing his movements to instantly stagnate. It was a good opportunity—
Dark Moon!
Ranni seized the timing and fired magic once again, but he dodged sideways.
It wasn't over yet. Melina fiercely kicked the Dark Moon, causing it to change its trajectory and bang, it hit the thin Godskin. The latter hadn't expected it at all and was caught off guard.
The coordination of these three didn't even require eye contact.
They were clear on each other's magic, style, tactics, etc., their minds connected, so they could always maintain tacit understanding.
Clearly, the two guardians of the Dragon Temple were the ones who had fought together for many years, yet they were outshone instead.
They both suffered mana-breaking strikes.
So what followed would definitely be a magic bombardment. Unfortunately, the opponents had two top-tier mages. It was difficult to handle. With this thought, they constructed a barrier with Black Flame to pull open the distance, avoiding being hit by a combo wave.
In contrast, Frieren and the other two dispersed leisurely.
This was only on the surface. Up to now, the encirclement of the Giant's Flame hadn't ended; it was blocking the route, leaving the targets not even a chance to escape.
Sorcery: Star Shower!
Once again, a round of offensive was declared by Frieren's magic, but these wisps of shooting stars were too terrifying, continuous and unending. Under her instigation, they straight-up surrounded the two Godskin Apostles, airtight, to the point where the remaining enemies couldn't even be seen clearly.
Bad news. If this goes on, we'll definitely be sneak-attacked.
The moment the thought rose, the fat Godskin felt a fierce pain in his back; it was the golden blade piercing through.
Melina's current power, added to the mana-breaking attribute amplification, easily tore through the Godskin defense, dealing the highest damage since the start of the battle.
Tracking.
Frieren immediately controlled the Sorcery: Star Shower to aim at him. Bang, bang sounds rang out in succession, flesh and blood flying. Although the other Godskin Apostle had the heart to block, Ranni's Carian magic firmly blocked the route.
The silver-haired girl bullied her way forward within the magic bombardment, the Dark Moon Greatsword in her hand sweeping horizontally.
The pale blue sharp edge cut him off at the waist.
Sure enough, the fat-bodied Godskin Apostle fell in response, half-kneeling in front of her panting heavily. At this moment, Frieren held the greatsword horizontally and delivered an execution stab through the chest, then kicked him away. The target breathed his last, moving no more.
Even in death, his eyes stared wide, full of shock. Why was the enemy like a ghost, completely impossible to capture the shadow of?
So fast.
A set of suppressing combos, flowing like moving clouds and flowing water, inconceivably fast.
Even Melina beside her hadn't reacted. How did a mage suddenly kill her way over here? Lifting the heavy as if it were light, she eliminated this big fellow.
It was good to have one less blocking the view; now they could focus on the other one.
"Trash, dying so quickly!"
Apart from cursing inwardly, the thin Godskin knew he couldn't confront them head-on, especially since the Dragon Temple didn't allow room to maneuver, making it easy to be surrounded by magic. Once, they relied on the closed terrain of the church for combat advantage; now it was used against them to become a cage.
Crucially, the Giant's Flame blocked the entrances and exits. He didn't know if Black Flame could neutralize it? Even if it could, was there a chance...
Sorcery: Founding Rain of Stars.
The legendary Primeval Sorcery interrupted his thoughts, and he had to dodge. As a result, he crashed right into Ranni's Sorcery: Glintblade Phalanx. The sharp edges flickered and interwoven with crackling sounds, cutting open bloody light around the thin, tall figure. Most importantly, he was heavily injured into a stagger.
Immediately after, Melina's knife pierced his chest from behind. Even he only had time to turn his head.
"The power of the Gloam Eye is simply a waste on you."
"I fight for the King; I don't need you to worry."
One hit, one kill.
_____
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