Finally, a dungeon to explore.
Frieren felt a twinge of regret for missing the exploration of the Crumbling Throne in her own world – that would have to wait for another time. But the Lands Between were never short of various labyrinths.
She carefully bent down and entered the tunnel, first lighting the Site of Grace, then checking the messages on the ground.
Quite normal.
They were mostly tips like "Treasure ahead, be sure to collect it all," "Sudden ambush from behind, too dark," or "Keep moving forward, this leads all the way to Caelid."
It seemed relatively normal, so she entered with peace of mind.
Frieren was here for treasure, but on the other hand, the tunnel's location was excellent.
It was situated right on the border of the Limgrave region. Heading south led to Fort Gael, forming a vertical defensive line where both locations could support each other. Its military purpose must have been considered during its construction; it was a good defensive stronghold and could also be used for rapid troop transport.
It must be brought under control.
The silver-haired girl quickened her pace, taking two or three steps at a time into the depths of the tunnel, where she surprisingly encountered several Radahn Knights in full armor.
"...Greetings," she said, slightly embarrassed.
Nominally, the Southern Army and the Redmane forces were allies in a united front against corrupted creatures. She couldn't very well plunder treasure on their turf.
Swoosh!
Suddenly, a sharp arrow shot straight for her face. Frieren, as if possessing foreknowledge, tilted her head and dodged it.
"That's not right! You don't have the demeanor of normal Redmane soldiers. You're fierce yet undisciplined. Are you still Radahn's subordinates?"
Despite saying this, she didn't immediately counterattack, as there might have been a misunderstanding. Of course, as the soldiers before her all raised their weapons, this possibility dwindled, even making one suspect they had betrayed the Starscourge General.
Suddenly, a long blade thrust at her from behind.
Yet Frieren, as if she had eyes in the back of her head, easily dodged and retreated to the center. The attacker was a Blood Noble, now forming a pincer attack with the Redmane soldiers in front.
"It seems you've betrayed Redmane Castle. Were you deluded by the Bloody Fingers?"
"That's not the right way to put it," the Blood Noble said, summoning blood-tainted creatures as he spoke. "Who can endure years of fighting corrupted creatures? You either go mad or get exhausted. Ask them if they're still willing. Wouldn't it be better to join my Lord's command and find more peace?"
He pointed at the Redmane soldiers. They were listless, only showing ferocity when they raised their weapons, with no sense of self.
Traces of Hollowing, rot infection, blood bewitchment... it was a veritable hodgepodge.
They're beyond saving.
"Don't look at us with such pity. It's an insult," one soldier rasped, his voice hoarse. "You should join us too."
The enemies had blocked all possible escape routes.
By now, Frieren understood that her old, hidden adversary had orchestrated this ambush in Gael Tunnel, even turning some of the Radahn Knights. They were probably preparing a "welcoming gift" for the Southern Army.
She proactively sheathed her staff, switching to a sword and shield style, appearing like a warrior.
"Seeking your own doom."
The soldier who had just spoken was beheaded. The silver-haired figure moved with astonishing speed. Without the tell-tale traces of magic, she instead became a whirlwind.
Magic would easily destroy this precious defensive passage, so Frieren chose a conservative approach. But that didn't mean she was weaker; she had always been a warrior who had mastered many styles. Such a display left her enemies aghast.
In the blink of an eye, she reaped the lives of four soldiers and several summoned monsters, utterly invincible.
Whenever the cold light flashed, accompanied by the sound of cutting blades, her targets were like tofu.
The narrow tunnel, normally an optimal environment for a siege, had become a gladiatorial arena under Frieren's might. Enemies fell one after another, not even having time to cry out.
"Spread out! Don't engage head-on!"
"Everyone, deeper into the tunnel!"
Bang!
With a wave of the Blood Noble's sleeve, all light sources in the tunnel were extinguished.
In an instant, it was so dark one couldn't see one's own fingers, nor anything beyond two meters. Even the sound of breathing vanished without a trace.
Complete silence. Both sides instinctively froze, not daring to ignite any light source, avoiding even a spark. The Redmane traitors and the Blood Noble tiptoed away, not forgetting to leave behind an explosion.
With a loud rumble, rocks collapsed, and dust scattered.
However, just as the tunnel was about to be engulfed, Frieren leaped lightly, escaping. What met her eyes was an even wider cavern.
Underfoot were broken wooden planks; former support pillars had collapsed, and a few weapons lay scattered about...
She approached, and her module's sensory feedback confirmed it was indeed a weapon:
A Cross Dagger.
"Knew you'd go for it!"
The Blood Noble cackled like a monster. Archers and those wielding weapon arts bombarded her all at once. Even a hero-level ally would be hard-pressed in such a situation; it was a perfect, vicious trap for any intruder.
Unexpectedly, Frieren, with light leaps and nimble footwork, emerged unscathed, even taking the time to pick up the Cross Dagger – a clear provocation.
Just as they were about to pursue further, she suddenly stopped. Ripples of mana rose from her hands as she gathered power, then she raised a great cerulean sword high.
Carian Retaliation – a sweeping slash in all directions!
The sudden counterattack instantly bisected the foremost octopus-like monster, sending flesh and blood flying. No matter how many tentacles it had, they were meaningless. In an instant, the octopus monster disintegrated, utterly routed, completely unable to stop Frieren's advance.
The Blood Noble, of course, knew this. He retreated with the traitors into the lower tunnel.
The affected wooden support pillars and platforms collapsed one after another, splinters flying, falling rocks burying the passage.
They were trying to block her with this.
Little did they know, no movement could escape her keen mana perception.
Vwoom!
Frieren switched to her staff in her right hand, continuously firing comets into the smoke, each a perfect hit, eliciting an unending stream of miserable shrieks.
A chase began in the narrow passage. It was a desperate struggle, almost her alone driving the enemies to flee in disarray. If they stayed, they would only suffer grievous wounds.
Suddenly, the silver-haired girl paused, murmuring, "Has that Magma Wyrm finally woken up?"
She had noticed it upon entering the tunnel: a huge Magma Wyrm fast asleep in its depths. Its sleep quality was so good that it was only opening its eyes now.
However, it still showed no intense reaction.
"Too sluggish."
Melina explained, "Some Magma Wyrms do become mentally dull, especially their senses decline. Moreover, dragons' habit of loving deep slumber is also reflected in their bodies. They won't be too active right after waking up, unless deliberately provoked."
"So the Magma Wyrm troops the Southern Army is forming can only fight head-on."
Hearing this, Frieren decided to always have such special units operate alongside the main army; they weren't suited for delicate tasks.
Bang!
The Blood Noble, who had been fleeing frantically just a moment ago, was suddenly sent flying, landing on the ground with a thud. The surrounding traitors also stopped, stunned by the unexpected attack. He stared blankly at the large figure before him.
"Just a mere Warrior Jar."
"—It's Iron Fist Alexander! Remember that well!"
In the Lands Between, a Warrior Jar was literally a jar with arms and legs, containing the flesh and blood of heroic warriors, a part of the Erdtree's soul return system.
Many considered it an honor to have their soul-remains collected by a Warrior Jar.
The more Frieren saw and learned, the more she realized that compared to the drawbacks under the rule of the Eternal Dynasty, the overall order here was actually more stable and robust.
"Hello."
"What a coincidence, to actually meet the Soul-Kindling King! These fellows still have some courage." Alexander blocked the enemy's path.
"I've heard of you, Alexander. Soldiers patrolling Liurnia have reported matters concerning you to me."
After taking control of the lake region, she had, of course, comprehensively familiarized herself with all aspects, such as Jarburg and the renowned master Alexander. This kind group certainly deserved protection.
"It's truly an honor. And thank you, Your Majesty, for your help with Jarburg..."
"Don't get too complacent!"
Before he finished speaking, the Blood Noble suddenly unleashed a crimson wave. Cursed mana spread out, further enraging the traitors and monsters. They roared, targeting the silver-haired girl first, lunging at her from point-blank range.
However, Carian Retaliation was faster. When the advantage of magical range wasn't obvious, she chose melee combat.
Frieren weaved among the enemies, blue arcs taking down one target after another, as easy as slicing melons and vegetables. The outcome remained unchanged.
The difference in their power levels wasn't something that could be altered by mere status effects.
She walked generously amidst the encirclement of monsters, her magic weaving an impenetrable defense. Not even a speck of blood splattered onto her; her exquisite armor remained pristine.
"Good swordsmanship!" Alexander, praising her, easily knocked down several traitors attempting to flee.
Any target he hit suffered severe internal injuries, the impact even fiercer. Some were simply embedded into the walls. Ordinary attacks were useless against a Warrior Jar's body. Although he himself showed signs of becoming brittle, he wasn't someone these spiritless individuals could trifle with.
Now who was caught in a pincer attack?
The Blood Noble watched, aghast, as Frieren cut a path straight to him, her imposing presence making his legs go weak. He collapsed to the ground, that intimidating pressure leaving no room for resistance.
Clink!
A sharp blade pierced his body. The pain was excruciating, but not fatal; it had skillfully avoided vital organs.
"Why are you..."
The next moment, lightning coursed through his body via the blade. Amidst crackling sounds, he twitched and smoked, letting out a bloodcurdling howl.
"Tell me, what exactly is the Blood Lord plotting?"
"I don't know! At my level, I'm just responsible for carrying out orders! How would I know!"
"So he's not a Shardbearer?"
"He is."
"What's his name?"
As the Blood Noble tried to speak, his eyes suddenly widened, and his entire body exploded. The cursed energy washed over the distorted light wall that always enveloped Frieren. His final attack had missed.
Far away in the Mohgwyn Palace, the mastermind snorted. As expected, it was useless against a powerhouse of this level, but at least the secret had been kept.
The silver-haired girl looked at the pile of minced flesh before her and sighed. He really knew how to hide things.
Alexander roared, "Even a Warrior Jar wouldn't collect such a despicable existence!"
"Do you have intelligence on the Mohgwyn Dynasty?"
"Actually, they started their activities after the Shattering War, spreading the faith of blood, delighting in creating turmoil, slaughter, and sacrifice. But overall, they were relatively low-key and secretive. If we're talking about when they became active, it should be in recent years, around the same time you arrived in the Lands Between."
"What a coincidence."
Frieren speculated that her progress might have spurred them on. I'm collecting Great Runes so quickly, surely it won't affect you, will it?
Despite saying this, she only had one. Was it really worth them being so impatient?
So Caelid and the Mohgwyn Dynasty were also closely linked. Her previous speculation about it being located underground was becoming increasingly likely. However, their affairs would have to be put aside for now; it was still too early.
"Is Your Majesty also here to participate in the Combat Festival?"
"Of course. There are some reasons related to fulfilling a promise – to give General Radahn a release."
"That is a good thing. That great hero cannot be allowed to remain mad any longer." Alexander nodded sincerely. "In my opinion, you are now the most hopeful person to defeat the Starscourge General."
"May your auspicious words come true."
"But he is very strong. You must avoid a situation where both sides suffer heavy losses. In my view, there are many more places that need the Soul-Kindling King's blessing for salvation."
The chat along the way had solidified his impression of Frieren's style.
Whether it was the recovering Liurnia or the prosperous Limgrave, they were sufficient proof of her great achievements.
If a Tarnished like her could become Elden Lord, she would surely bring revival to the entire Lands Between.
She needed no emphasis or propaganda; anyone who walked the lands the Soul-Kindling King had trodden would naturally understand.
No wonder the nobles renowned in both major regions followed her with such conviction. She was truly unique. Therefore, Alexander didn't want another monarch to fall ill.
Thump!
Suddenly, a loud noise interrupted their conversation.
A wooden door shattered, and a massive support pillar was snapped by a giant claw, followed by a wave of scorching heat that seared the skin.
The Magma Wyrm crawled forward, its large head poking out from the hole. Irregularly twisted scales added to its ferocious appearance, covering its muscles so its exact outline couldn't be seen. It was like a moving boulder.
It immediately locked onto the only living beings.
Regardless of the power disparity, the frenzied Magma Wyrm charged recklessly, accompanied by a rumbling roar. In the confined cave, there was no way to dodge.
Even Alexander had to retreat, only to find there was no room to maneuver.
The next moment, he watched helplessly as a greatsword appeared in the silver-haired girl's hand – a "Scabbard Greatsword." She held it vertically, gathering power for a moment, then swung fiercely.
CLANG! The sharp blade slammed hard against the Magma Wyrm's forehead, sending it flying.
A greatsword halting a dragon's charge.
What incredible strength was required for such an extreme maneuver? Alexander couldn't comprehend it at all. It must have been a masterful capture of a fleeting opening, followed by a direct counter with overwhelming force. And it was indeed suited for combat in a narrow tunnel.
It didn't even cause any unnecessary damage. One could imagine the precision; one hundred percent of the force was perfectly channeled.
The Magma Wyrm, smarting from the pain, actually recoiled in a daze, couldn't help but clutching its head and letting out a mournful cry. Just now, it felt like it had collided with a mountain range – unshakeable.
Frieren didn't sheathe her sword but advanced further.
"I can't let you cause any more trouble here. This place is very useful to the Southern Army."
Her calm tone further ignited the Magma Wyrm's fury. It was sheer nonchalance! What did she take it for? This was an Earth Wyrm's body, forged through a thousand trials, not to be provoked!
"ROAR!"
Flames surged from the gaps of its maw, triggering a blast. Fiery red energy flooded the tunnel, rushing towards them.
Even a Magma Wyrm's breath was deadly, a threat even in the Lands Between.
The chill of Storm Stomp immediately rose to meet it.
_____
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