Frieren in Elden Ring

Since they made no secret of their vigilance regarding the conspiracies in the Royal Capital, the plans to head to the Altus Plateau should indeed be postponed.

Everyone looked at each other and finally nodded in agreement. They became even more vigilant, especially after learning of the existence of the underground world and the Realm of Shadow. "Therefore, Your Majesty is right to be cautious."

Don't repeat the same mistakes.

The one who sits on the throne should be able to consolidate their power, not end up exiled or missing.

Everyone supports the Rosy-Kindling Queen in the hopes of being enfeoffed and rewarded later. The prerequisite, of course, is that she completely controls the situation. Otherwise, wouldn't they easily suffer the same fate as the bloated Godrick's followers, who were stripped of their Grace?

Therefore, the high command of the southern faction raised both hands in approval.

"The military arrangements are settled, then. According to your estimates, how long will it take for Caelid to resume production?"

Jerren replied, "We can already produce equipment now, but to work out the logistics and streamline the process, it will take at least three years to achieve mass armament."

"I understand. Let's proceed with a three-year plan."

"If we consider the worst-case scenario, I'm afraid the underground world and the Realm of Shadow will require large-scale armies in the future. The numbers we currently have are certainly not enough. So, Edgar, Moongrum, you must pay attention and continue to expand the ranks. Are the resources sufficient?"

The two immediately stated it was not a problem. In truth, the potential of Limgrave and Liurnia had yet to be fully tapped.

The current situation was not just the lifting of the curse of undeath; they had also welcomed the return of Grace. The production potential was no less than that of the Golden Order's peak. Everyone was confident in rebuilding a new system.

Their armies would be stronger.

Furthermore, the shadow beasts' attacks on Carian Manor had weakened, meaning a portion of those resources could be redirected to the Liurnian army. With Ranni's abilities, it wouldn't be difficult to elevate the lake region's forces to another level.

Stormveil Castle, in turn, would absorb the technology from the Cathedral of Dragon Communion and be continuously strengthened under Haight's direction, leading to the emergence of powerful new troop types.

Besides, Frieren had collected a vast number of different Spirit Ashes, which were now being attuned by Roderika.

Thinking about it carefully, what was lacking wasn't military might, but time to develop...

"In any case, I'll leave it to you," Frieren said. "The armies can develop step by step. I need to focus more of my energy on magic."

"Understood."

Being able to keep Her Majesty in the laboratory for so long to discuss administrative affairs was already quite an achievement.

The remaining matters did not require her personal attention. With the control they currently had after integrating the three regions, a few stray cats and dogs could not affect their strategic layout. Thus, Edgar, Moongrum, and Jerren could summarize the plan with peace of mind.

Once freed, Frieren hurriedly went back to check on the experiment's progress. She had only gotten a glimpse earlier, but now she could finally examine it carefully.

"Professor, how is the force field research coming along?"

Thops replied, full of confidence, "We've already implemented a preliminary version. It has been tested on the Royal Capital's soldiers and it works. Now, we just need to produce more for our comrades."

"Why not test it further? For example, how about reflecting curses?"

"Huh?"

"Don't worry. Magic is not just about technology, but also imagination. You have to believe. As it happens, I've brought a sample."

The silver-haired girl took out a block of ice. Stored within was a drop of turbulent, cursed blood. Though frozen under layers of ice, it remained active, looking as if it might break free at any moment and cause contamination.

The laboratory already had enough dangerous materials, including the Scarlet Rot itself; it was best not to create more trouble.

The moment this item appeared, even Sellen, who was not an expert in this field, became intrigued.

"Apprentice, this must be the result of your battle with the Lord of Blood, right? It's cursed blood, and it's mixed with the faint aura of an Outer God."

"That's why I collected it."

"Using this thing as a research sample is too much, isn't it? And curses are very difficult to deal with." Thops still had his reservations.

Frieren then recounted the details of the battle among the four demigods, including how she avoided bleeding to death after being struck by Mohg's blood curse, which proved that the curse could be reversed, or at least resisted. There was already a successful case.

Hearing this, the two professors fell into deep thought, their eyes lighting up.

"It should be possible," Thops said cautiously. "I'll give it a try, in any case. Of course, the performance probably won't compare to your Rosy-Kindling protection. The average person can't learn that."

"I'm not demanding that it reflects curses. Just having a research direction is enough."

In the past, he probably would have made excuses. But Professor Thops, having gradually built up his confidence, was becoming more and more courageous in his attempts. Even faced with such a challenging task, he decided to give it a try.

He had to live up to the investment, after all. The major laboratories of the academy had concentrated most of the resources.

He couldn't betray Frieren's trust.

Moreover, he was more than happy to continue his research with abundant resources. Even if his force field modifications were unsuccessful, other research results on curses would emerge. Ultimately, it was a net gain. If it could help the soldiers fighting on the front lines, it would be even better. It was simply perfect.

Thops summoned a group of mages to carefully store the sample and immediately began the experiment, already lost in his new work.

Now that the academy had fewer people scheming for power, it had become much purer. Filled with a scholarly spirit, they warmly welcomed these strange and unusual challenges.

"It seems that battle of the four demigods was very dangerous. You've suffered."

Even from as far away as the lakes, she had felt the terrifying aftershock of that day.

"It's fine. My gains were greater. If it weren't for Mohg's challenge, I wouldn't have even been able to verify if soul magic could work against curses." Frieren said with some lingering fear, "But it was indeed very perilous."

If she had been hit by the curse in reality and the Rosy-Kindling had failed, it would have been a near-death experience. Although she had backup plans, if everything had erupted, no one would have had an easy time.

"What?"

"Do you remember? There's a theory about the Scarlet Rot called the cycle of rot and rebirth. So, we tried combining the controllable rot you purified with magic, and we finally achieved a new result—"

Sellen led Frieren to the next classroom, where the children created by the Queen of the Full Moon were walking with difficulty, leaning on crutches.

Although their movements were clumsy, they had a touch more humanity to them, unlike before when they were both crippled and strange.

It was indeed a trace of Scarlet Rot combined with healing.

Of course, there was one more element: they had all received Frieren's soul blessing.

Otherwise, an ordinary target would have been corroded along with their soul. In short, a new balance had been achieved in these new life forms. Not only that, but there was also a hint of Albinauric creation techniques, making it a veritable hodgepodge of an experiment.

"It feels very patched together, doesn't it?"

"No. Magic research should be about integrating different fields. This shows that the academy's technology has reached a new height. We can cure them."

"That's right. It's all thanks to the Albinauric data and the Scarlet Rot research you brought. Before you, no one had this kind of courage and control. Progress always belongs to the pioneers. You've done very well."

"So, can these techniques be combined with Tears to create a body?"

Hearing Sellen's firm answer, Frieren smiled. Because the answer was not "impossible." Verifying that the technology was feasible was the most important, even crucial, step.

She continued, "It's the same old problem. The quality of the Tears is too poor to support the fusion of so many technologies."

"Could it be that the Tears on the surface are a weakened version?"

"You guessed it," Frieren said. "I also believe that more complete materials exist in the Eternal Cities, perhaps even something that can imitate living beings."

"It's no problem. We'll have to explore Nokron sooner or later." The silver-haired girl smiled faintly. "At least this proves that the Great Rune of the Unborn, the cycle of rot and rebirth, soul magic, and Tears can be organically combined. Figuring that out is enough."

That was the right way to think.

Frieren enjoyed the feeling of various technologies being integrated to produce new results. Her gaze swept over the vessels, each containing the crystallization of wisdom.

She cast a confident look at Melina, suggesting that even creating a body capable of housing a demigod was possible.

The maiden nodded slightly.

She never expected the Tarnished to have been so preoccupied with this matter, and to have actually produced results. Each of the elements involved was world-shaking on its own, yet she had managed to fuse them, and succeeded. It was simply unbelievable.

Hard work pays off. It was the Rosy-Kindling Queen's tireless persistence that pushed the technology forward. Whether it was for people or for magic, Frieren's passion was undeniable, and truly infectious.

Melina's heart also held a faint anticipation for the feeling of truly walking in the world.

After all, the helplessness she had felt several times during the war in Caelid was too frustrating. A true maiden had another duty:

Companionship.

"However, the key ritual in all this must be performed by the Queen of the Full Moon to increase the probability," Sellen added.

"Everything is normal. While you were away, Ranni came back to see her mother. Now, Rennala spends most of her time meditating. The only thing that still traps her is likely her inner turmoil, or perhaps the secrets of the past. But performing the basic arts of life should not be difficult."

While they talked, Frieren released her magic to sense the attic area, deciding not to disturb her in person. Confirming that the Queen of the Full Moon was well was enough.

In the library, Rennala's eyes opened slightly and she looked up, before continuing to slumber within her amber egg.

She was in seclusion.

But she was much better than her previous unstable mental state, so Frieren was slightly relieved. It seemed the mother and daughter's chat had been effective. As for the truth of the Carian royal family's past, she would have to investigate in the Royal Capital.

According to her conversation with the turtle pastor at the Church of Vows, he should know something; he had hinted that the clues were in Leyndell.

Sellen warned, "The surface and the underground have long since developed different historical paths, and their technologies are very different. In the future, you must be careful of the traps inside when you go to the Eternal City."

"I'm well aware."

"Since you've finally come back for a visit, why not study the Primeval Current with me?"

"Although the stars are moving again, observing them rashly is dangerous. I don't want you to face that threat, Master." Frieren immediately cautioned, "Remember the protection of my soul-blessing magic. At the very least, it can prevent you from easily turning into a sorcerer graven mass. That would be very serious."

"...Always worrying. Don't worry, you've inspired me. The Primeval Current now needs to develop further, not just—"

"I can help you with the rest of the research, Master."

After giving her basic report, Sellen returned to her own laboratory. Various projects would now unfold around the return of the lead researcher.

Although this apprentice of hers often disappeared or fell into slumber, when she did get her hands on research, she could make a thousand miles of progress in a single day. The prerequisite was to prepare the corresponding materials so that the work could proceed swiftly.

That was good.

Frieren was satisfied with the current direction of the Primeval Current studies.

Melina said, "So you plan to start a period of long-term research? On the secret arts of life, for instance?"

"That's right. I need a large amount of Tear materials to test for soul compatibility. This has nothing to do with theory; it's purely a matter of practice. Only then can I guide your soul with confidence. Rest assured, I will minimize the risks."

"I just mean, don't overwork yourself. Think about it, don't you also have to worry about the technologies of dragons, Scarlet Rot, and Those Who Live in Death?"

Seeing the silver-haired girl's enthusiastic expression, she said no more. No one would doubt the Rosy-Kindling Queen's passion for magic; she was likely the greatest researcher of all time.

The following days gradually returned to tranquility.

Aside from a trip Frieren made to Stormveil Castle to boost the morale of her troops, she spent almost all her time in the research labs of the Academy of Raya Lucaria. The resources here were abundant, the atmosphere was good, and there was no shortage of outstanding talent in various magical fields. It was the perfect choice.

Her research subjects were naturally the few projects mentioned at the meeting, covering all of them.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.

She couldn't face the various wonders of the Lands Between in complete ignorance. The Scarlet Rot and the cursed blood had taught her a lesson; without prior investigation, it would be easy to fall into a trap. This time she had escaped unscathed, but that might not be the case in the future.

Thus, the Rosy-Kindling Queen's schedule became one of holing up in the research lab, occasionally going out to clean up Scarlet Rot.

At the same time, she urged the southern army to explore as many caves and catacombs as possible.

The difficult ones were left alone, while the weaker ones were cleared out directly.

However, with their current strength, there were no dungeons they couldn't handle. They could basically defeat anything, though a few incidents, like the Bell Bearing Hunter and a giant sleeping Golem, caused some commotion.

Their strength indeed cost the army some effort. Before more forces could be mobilized, Frieren set off, intrigued. The result, of course, was their annihilation, which was just a minor interlude.

The investigation of Gowry's Shack yielded no results. The servants of rot had vanished, or perhaps simply died. It was difficult for them to survive in a land covered by a field of flowers.

There was one more landmark in Caelid.

The Bestial Sanctum in the north still stood. Regarding this special existence, Edgar sent an inquiry:

"Your Majesty, should we take the initiative to make contact? We need to know his attitude." He was aware of Frieren's schedule. "Since you are about to enter a long slumber, let the army eliminate any threats first."

"No. I should meet this familiar face before I go back."

"We did hear about it. When Your Majesty first began your journey, you provided Deathroot to the Beast Clergyman. Coincidentally, we've collected quite a bit."

The silver-haired girl took the heavy bag of Deathroot materials. It should be enough for a good exchange.

"Actually, there's no need to trouble Your Majesty to make the trip. We can deliver it, can't we?"

"In the past, I was a fledgling Tarnished, so my allegiance didn't matter. Now, I have become a rebellious shardbearer. I don't know if his judgment will change. He is very strong, so his attitude must be considered."

With that, Frieren entered the Site of Grace and disappeared, leaving the officers staring at each other. Who could possibly be deemed "strong" by Her Majesty?

The Beast Clergyman.

Atop the high dais, the priest clad in a coarse robe was asleep, as always, no different from the long years he had spent in the past.

He simply collected Deathroot day after day, year after year, encouraging everyone to cleanse the land of Those Who Live in Death. Other than that, there was nothing he cared about... or perhaps not. Caelid had been far too lively recently. One could even call it a world turned upside down.

Suddenly, Priest Gurranq's eyes snapped open, his beastly pupils narrowing to a thin line, his gaze sharp.

A very terrifying presence was paying a visit.

The instigator had arrived.

At the entrance to the sanctum, the Site of Grace flickered with light.

Although no one had appeared yet, there weren't many who had a connection with him and could travel so freely. Seeing this, he gave his Black Blade Kindred a look. Just act like a statue, no unnecessary movements.

As expected, a silver-haired girl in a white mage's robe emerged from the light, wearing two Aeonian butterflies on her head, unreservedly revealing her albinauric-like ears.

She never cared for the gossip in the Lands Between; moreover, her beauty and power dominated the scene.

"What is your business?"

"Gurranq, I've collected a lot of Deathroot to exchange with you."

Frieren stated her purpose directly, and then casually added a probing remark, "What do you think of Caelid now?"

"First, congratulations on defeating Radahn and obtaining two Great Runes to become a prospective Lord. Before, his title as the strongest demigod might have lacked a few battle records, but you are the real deal. Before me stands the foremost demigod of this age. Frieren, you are not far from the Elden Ring."

"Your knowledge must be vast?"

"I suppose so. But right now, I only wish to collect Deathroot to avert this disaster. The old affairs of the past have nothing to do with me."

"As far as I know, you clearly support Marika and the corresponding Golden Order. In the eyes of the world, the path I have chosen is likely not that one. We should have our differences, shouldn't we?"

While giving an affirmative reply, the Beast Clergyman stood up, his presence surging.

It was a simple movement, yet it was that of a battle-hardened warrior assuming his stance, brimming with killing intent, his edge laid bare. An ordinary hero would not have been able to stand their ground. A cold wind rose in the hall, howling as it swept away the dust.

He looked directly at the silver-haired girl, who stood there leisurely.

"Is that all the reaction you have?"

"There isn't any strong fighting spirit coming from you, so we won't be fighting. Gurranq, you have much to say, but you choose not to." Even so, Frieren was prepared. In any case, the wounds from the battle of the four demigods had fully healed.

"You've seen right through me." The Beast Clergyman sat back down with a thud, murmuring, "This body is one of atonement. It should not start another war and cause chaos. If I were to disappoint my master, I would have to settle the score and take my own life, wouldn't I?"

"Although you may not belong to Queen Marika's camp, we have a consensus on restoring the Lands Between. As long as you don't disrupt the cycle of life and death, I can turn a blind eye."

"When you truly become a threat, I will take responsibility and eliminate you."

On the surface, the priest had a dejected air, but in reality, his presence was always overwhelming, like a sharp blade.

Always ready.

The moment an order was given, he would immediately rush to the battlefield.

Frieren smiled faintly and replied, "I look forward to that day. When the time comes, your identity will naturally be revealed."

There was no point in asking now, so she abandoned her probing. Provocation was even more unnecessary. The recovering Caelid needed to rest and recuperate, and avoiding a battle with a profoundly powerful expert was for the best.

Besides, she was focused on quickly resolving the matters of the Lands Between and returning to reality.

Neither of them wanted to create more trouble. They looked at each other and continued with the previous exchange.

"Is this enough?"

"As expected of a prominent figure in the Lands Between. With so many people helping you collect Deathroot, of course it's enough. I'll have to bring out some of my more valuable stock."

The Beast Clergyman first handed over a scroll recording incantations:

Incantations like Bestial Sling, Bestial Claw, and Bestial Vitality were meaningless to Frieren. She had more than one way to replicate similar effects. At first, she wasn't very interested, mainly focusing on the players' comments.

According to their messages, the Deathroot they could collect was very limited, and they had to go to later-game areas for more. Yet, she was able to collect precious materials that had passed through many hands.

Some of them even came from the Volcano, acquired through layers of trade.

Frieren was not surprised by the mechanical differences between them. The key was that the level of rewards offered by the Beast Clergyman was not high enough... but when it came to the high-tier incantations, even her eyes lit up.

Firstly, any incantation he would give to the Rosy-Kindling Queen would be unusual, and she could also view the item descriptions.

[Stone of Gurranq]

[An incantation taught by Gurranq, Beast Clergyman. It is a high-tier incantation.]

[Allows the caster to hurl a giant boulder forward. Can be cast in succession.]

[It is said that in the past, Gurranq was a fearsome beast.]

[The meaning of his ancient name was equivalent to the death of a demigod.]

This description!

The silver-haired girl's gaze sharpened, her heart tightening, almost failing to conceal her battle intent. In the end, she continued to examine the other incantations impassively. She couldn't confirm it yet; she had to gather more evidence. There was no need to rashly tear off the facade.

However, the rest of the descriptions were not very informative. So be it. Whether Gurranq was the "being who holds the death of demigods" that Ranni had spoken of was not important.

Frieren's goal was Destined Death, but she wasn't sure if this person was the Black Blade, and even if he was, he might not be carrying it.

Moreover, the consequences of releasing the Rune of Death were too great; it had to be considered carefully.

Therefore, she acted as if nothing had happened.

Forget it.

Little did she know, Maliketh had sensed that fleeting killing intent. Was it directed at him? What a terrifying aura. It made the strongest of assassins' hair stand on end, nearly causing him to lash out, but he ultimately held back. Then he saw the silver-haired girl still studying the incantations. He didn't know what she had discovered or what had made her change her mind, but avoiding a fight to the death was for the best.

They remained at peace.

"...Thank you, Gurranq. I've gotten what I wanted. I'll take my leave now. We'll meet again later."

"I'll be waiting for you to bring more Deathroot. Also, your actions have brought some life back to the Lands Between. I wish us both success. I am always happy to hear of my collaborator's outstanding performance."

Frieren nodded and stepped into the Site of Grace, disappearing.

She returned to her room at the Academy of Raya Lucaria.

Since the Bestial Sanctum intended to remain peaceful, there were no immediate worries. Various matters had come to a close, and there was no need for her to fret over them anymore.

"So, you plan to rest for a while?" Melina sat on the chair by the bed. "I'll keep watch for you, then."

In truth, the game world was far safer than reality. But if the young maiden was offering to help, Frieren had no reason to refuse. It was just a matter of going idle for a while. The Lands Between would continue to turn, and she could just check in occasionally.

The silver-haired girl closed her eyes and entered a state of meditation, proactively separating her consciousness to travel to the other side.

_____

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