Frieren in Elden Ring

Roundtable Hold, Smithing Table.

No matter how boisterous the main hall became, Smithing Master Hewg continued to clang away at his materials in the corner of the hallway. Sparks flew, reflecting in his pupils like burning flames. Sweat poured down like rain as his pace quickened. Hearing the lively sounds from the others inexplicably gave him a bit of extra strength; it was nice to find a sliver of that long-lost passion again.

Suddenly, he stopped his work and looked up.

After giving instructions on how to wash the flower-wreathed hood for Frieren, Roderika sat down obediently and began to tune a large, dazzling assortment of Spirit Ashes.

"I've just collected different types of finished Spirit Ashes. This is a long-term commission, so take your time. I only require stability."

"Don't worry."

"Master Hewg, it's been a while. You look well."

Seeing that the silver-haired girl's aura was even stronger than before, Hewg paid her no more mind and snorted, "You all are too loud, I can't concentrate. A rare celebration banquet... In any case, congratulations on defeating Radahn. I suppose I've now forged equipment for a queen-in-waiting."

"I've come to you precisely for that."

When a pile of tattered armor pieces was laid out before him, he raised an eyebrow. From a blacksmith's perspective, it was a shocking sight, a glimpse into just how fierce the battle of the four demigods had been.

"You're very lucky. The owners of armor this damaged are usually corpses."

"Indeed, there were a few close calls. Can it be repaired?"

"A trivial matter. Come by the Great Bestowal later to pick it up. It would be better if you had Smithing Stones, though."

Clatter!

Frieren placed a large bag of assorted Smithing Stones before him, ranging from [1] to [6], with the quantity decreasing as the quality increased. The high-quality ones were particularly rare. This was thanks to the reserves at Redmane Castle; otherwise, she would be in a much tighter spot.

One of the reasons she had been so set on Caelid's largest city was that its strategic resources were of paramount importance.

All of this was Jerren's welcoming gift.

Or rather, it was Kenneth Haight who had coaxed the Redmane side into contributing a good deal of valuable items, calling it a tribute to Her Majesty. Truly a noble who knew his accounts.

"Besides the armor, I'd also like to enhance these weapons."

She had brought all of her commonly used weapons, including but not limited to the Moonveil, the Grafted Blade Greatsword, and Lusat's Glintstone Staff. She was practically a walking armory; few warriors could master so many weapons.

Hewg was unfazed by this. He was a professional; no weapon could shock him.

Clang!

A pair of cumbersome Starscourge Greatswords was placed before him, stunning the previously nonchalant blacksmith. Was she serious? She had actually obtained the Starscourge General's signature weapon.

It was known throughout the Lands Between.

"If you can't make it lighter and smaller, could it be modified into a twinblade?"

Hearing Frieren's bizarre proposal, even Hewg sighed and held his forehead. "No, it's been enhanced to its limit. It can't be modified."

"I thought Smithing Stones could reforge things to some extent."

"That's true, but something on the level of the Starscourge Greatsword is immovable. You're looking for a new close-combat weapon that suits you, aren't you? If you ask me, it would be more convenient to make yourself a bit bigger. Your current size doesn't match your true power."

"I can't just change my body size... for the same reason as the Starscourge Greatsword. It would be dangerous."

In reality, if Frieren were to release the limits on her power, even her extremely slow-growing elven body would change drastically, growing at least a head taller than she was now.

But she couldn't.

Her elven age-appropriate size was a by-product of sealing the various jumbled powers within her. She had to firmly suppress things like the First Flame, ancient gods, and the Sakura Dragon, which could start a fight at a moment's notice. No seal was too stringent.

What's more, second-tier powers like the Scarlet Rot were also stirring, maintaining a dangerous balance that was best left undisturbed.

Perhaps the power of the Great Runes could help.

But that required research. For now, she could only shake her head and reply:

"It won't work. Then never mind the Starscourge Greatsword. Enhance the others first." Suddenly, Frieren's eyes lit up. "I almost forgot one thing. There's another weapon waiting for me."

Liurnia region, Carian Manor. The hazy mist had dissipated somewhat.

A Glinstone Dragon crouched at the entrance of the high tower. A blue-haired doll next to it stroked its horn, causing it to roar towards the sky in excitement. It was a rare good day for Her Highness to come out on her own initiative.

Iji remarked, "The shadow beasts have been quiet lately. It seems they know Her Highness's power is recovering."

"Soul magic only allows me to be active for longer and more freely. It's not enough to make the Two Fingers wary. Their attention has been drawn elsewhere."

"Indeed, I've heard that Her Majesty wishes to capture shadow beasts."

To even target the forces of the Two Fingers... she was no ordinary demigod. She was a complete heretic.

If the Greater Will were still present, one would need to use a higher standard to assess this hypothetical enemy. But Radahn's intelligence and a series of speculations proved that it had long since left. So what was there to fear?

One had to take the initiative.

"Frieren believes the Two Fingers, acting under the banner of the Greater Will, are highly suspicious." Ranni's tone shifted. "But there's another reason: her desire for research, especially the mysterious Finger-related magic."

"Her Majesty does seem the type to start a war for the sake of magic."

Although it seemed reckless on the surface, Iji agreed. Her flurry of blows had disrupted the assassins' rhythm, and they didn't dare to act rashly.

They were also afraid of one thing:

As their proxies, the Two Fingers had been held in high esteem for so many years, but were they suddenly useless? And had they become targets?

Frieren, the most influential figure in the Lands Between, was openly cooperating with the enemies of the Two Fingers, and her forces didn't care in the slightest.

Aren't you afraid of the falling stars? It seemed she truly wasn't.

After the war in Caelid, the Lord of Cinder had put out a bounty for a series of intelligence clues, such as shadow beasts and the dark abandoned children. This was a prelude to a hunt. The strongest demigod had her sights set on Astel and the magic that was said to destroy civilizations. It was an audacious move.

Iji said sarcastically, "It's because people have realized the Two Fingers have no actual achievements."

"They can't save the Lands Between, at least not as well as the Lord of Cinder. Naturally, people aren't worried."

The myth had been dispelled.

"Before, everyone thought that gathering two Great Runes to mend the Elden Ring would fix the disaster of the Shattering, a step that might require the power of the Two Fingers. But now?"

"Those Who Live in Death are being eliminated one by one, and the roots of death are temporarily sealed. The Scarlet Rot is being eradicated, and even an Outer God has taken a beating. Who needs the Elden Ring mended?"

"At least, we don't need the Two Fingers. They've become useless."

The more Iji thought about it, the happier he became. He loved to see those behind-the-scenes figures get their comeuppance. They couldn't compare to those who acted openly and honorably.

They had hidden for so long, only to finally witness a turning point.

"But there is one more thing that will provoke them," Ranni murmured. "The search for the Finger Slayer Blade cannot be hidden. This is very dangerous..."

Voom!

Suddenly, a Site of Grace flashed with light.

The means to directly breach the defensive wards of Carian Manor were very few, and teleporting via a Site of Grace was one of them.

So in an instant, Ranni and Iji realized the identity of the visitor. After all, those in the Lands Between who could move quickly with the aid of Grace were as rare as phoenix feathers, and the most famous among them was the Lord of Cinder.

A silver-haired figure appeared within the light.

Unlike her usual fully armed appearance, Frieren was now dressed in simple white travel clothes, empty-handed and carefree. The moment she left a battlefield environment, she seamlessly switched to a relaxed, everyday mood.

Don't leave the pressure for yourself; leave it for the enemy. She had always adhered to this philosophy in her conduct. What was the heavily guarded Carian Manor in the eyes of others was, for Frieren, like popping over to say hello.

"Good morning."

Along with her greeting came an ultra-wide-range perception that instantly scanned the manor.

Of course, it was also accompanied by a wisp of pressure. The Glintstone Dragon that had been enjoying Ranni's caresses a moment ago immediately tucked its tail. This person carried the scent of countless slain dragons.

"...Was there a shadow beast invasion before? You must have arranged the defense, right? Iji, how did it go?"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, they have all been cleared out."

"If any corpses or traces were left behind, give them to the Magic Academy. I have opened a classroom specifically for this subject. Although recruiting researchers is a bit troublesome, there are always bold mages."

Frieren had long considered this aspect, such as making puppets immune to the remote control of the Two Fingers. For example, Iji's helmet. There should be a possibility of replicating the technology. It would have to be invented sooner or later, otherwise dealing with the Two Fingers would be rather troublesome.

"As you command."

The troll military advisor became even more respectful, a far cry from the wariness he had shown at their first meeting.

"Frieren, I have prepared your reward."

The perceptive Ranni, without needing her guest to ask, took out a long wooden box from her mage's robe. It was ancient and elegant, and the sense of a sharp blade could be felt even before it was seen.

After opening the seal, it was revealed to be a longsword. Its surface was covered in ornamentation, graceful and luxurious, and even the hilt was shaped like a candelabra, covered in decorations. It looked more like a ceremonial object, lacking a menacing killing intent, but it contained astonishing magical power. It was very much in the style of the Carian royal family.

She handed it over, box and all.

As soon as she took it, Frieren felt its weight. This was not a ceremonial-grade weapon, and the magical resonance was a perfect fit.

Even without any testing, she could feel that it was a masterpiece of magical craftsmanship, like a staff.

"With your eye, you should be able to tell that it is suitable for a sorcerer." Ranni said solemnly, "The royal family's collection of many years is entrusted to you. Let it shine brightly from now on."

"It's truly precious."

"There's no need to be polite. As the ruler of the Liurnia region, you are worthy of holding it."

"It just so happens I'm also looking for a suitable sidearm for long-term use."

"Then it is surely the perfect choice. Try it."

At these words, Frieren carefully took the longsword from the wooden box. As she infused it with magic, it emitted a slight hum, as if it were cheering.

Ranni, beside her, was very supportive, clapping all four of her hands with a smile on her face. As a princess of the Carian royal family, she was happy to see a legendary weapon shine in a new era, not to mention that it served as a form of legal proof for the nobles of Liurnia.

Therefore, this gift had been carefully considered. Of course, the most important thing was whether Frieren thought it was suitable.

[Sword of Night and Flame]

[A treasured sword of Carian Manor, one of the "Legendary Armaments"]

[The predecessor of the sorcerer—the first of the Stargazers]

[Atop the distant, highest mountain, closest to the sky, it is said the Fire Giants were their neighbors]

Frieren had seen many such incomprehensible descriptions, but the background of legendary weapons was often more profound, giving a sense of age and revealing some historical information about the Lands Between.

The mountaintop?

According to what Melina had said before, the so-called forbidden snowy mountains were where the giants once lived, strictly controlled by the Golden Dynasty. The last remaining giants guarded the flame that represented destruction, which was very dangerous. So that land was also related to the Stargazers. Interesting.

If one didn't collect these miscellaneous items, materials, and legendary weapons, how could one glimpse the magnificent past of the Lands Between?

[Unique Skill—Stance of Night and Flame]

[A skill where the sword is held parallel to the ground, then magic is cast]

[A light attack can transform magic into a "Night Comet" and release it]

[A heavy attack can sweep a large area in front with fire]

A skill cannot be understood by description alone, so Frieren immediately assumed the stance. The stance was also a momentary charge. However, with her skill, she could completely shorten this moment of vulnerability, so it wouldn't compromise its practical value in combat.

Comet!

The longsword suddenly shot out a stream of pale blue, carving a trench along its path, wrapped in a gust of wind.

"Isn't this Comet Azur?"

There were some subtle differences, but it could be considered the same move. And she estimated she could install Soul Stream for a better fit.

As the silver-haired girl caressed the sword in thought, a comet flew out of the manor ruins, effortlessly shattering a rock and turning it to dust. At such power, Ranni and Iji, who were beside her, looked at each other.

It was a better fit than they had imagined. Now the Lord of Cinder had another great weapon in her hands.

Flame sweep!

Frieren then swung out with the other stance. In an instant, flames surged, spreading out in an arc. Coupled with the user's inherent skill, its power was even greater. The temperature in Carian Manor rose sharply. Even the Glinstone Dragon nervously retracted its neck.

"A comet is easy to dodge, but fire is a different matter."

For a player, this was equivalent to being immune to input reading, which was incredibly important. Before even checking the reviews, she guessed it would receive rave reviews. She also took a look at related builds, and things developed as she had expected:

[The Sword of Absurdity, gloriously resurrected]

[Nerfed? Just wait until you get the Stance Talisman in the Realm of Shadow, then you'll know my power. The value of a 45% damage boost!]

[Is that number for real? Almost half a boost, that's purely absurd.]

[The numbers don't matter, they'll always be adjusted anyway. What's important is the aesthetic. The Elden Lord should use a magnificent weapon, and a Carian royal one at that.]

[Added to favorites.]

[The Sword of Night and Flame is full of design sense, equivalent to two skills, with different strategies for different situations. As long as you stack two or three buffs plus a talisman, the damage is enough for multiple playthroughs. It's good for both clearing areas and boss battles.]

[One of the nine legendary armaments, better than some of the joke weapons.]

[Too weak. The moment you take a stance, you get hit, you might even eat a grab and die on the spot.]

[So it still requires skill.]

[As a weapon, being able to get as many talisman enhancements as possible is already amazing. You guys collect these old things...]

When it came to builds, Frieren memorized them attentively. Unfortunately, there were no clues about many of the talismans at present.

So far, the enhancements on her body were mainly from magic; she had few matching talismans.

_____

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