At first, when the High Elf Archer saw a sports car floating on the surface of the river in her livestream, she simply assumed the vehicle was capable of traveling on water.
[Arelis (Level 1, Stage 3): Hehe, of course! This was a gift from Eriri!]
[Keika Kiyotaki (Level 3, Stage 9): Wow! I'm so jealous.jpg]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Keika, you don't have to be jealous~ When I visit your world in a few days, I'll gift you one too.]
[Keika Kiyotaki (Level 3, Stage 9): Huh? Really?]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Of course! It's not some rare treasure—most of the girls already have one. Anyone else who wants one can just ask me directly~]
[Keika Kiyotaki (Level 3, Stage 9): Mm-hm, got it!]
...
During the next stretch of her journey, the High Elf Archer didn't encounter any goblins or other monsters. She traveled smoothly until she reached the levee that led to a human town.
There were human guards stationed there to operate the floodgate controls.
Not wanting to cause unnecessary trouble, the High Elf Archer decided to pass through the levee via proper channels.
Although the guards in the watchtower were extremely curious about the appearance of her car, they could clearly see her pointed ears and recognized her as a High Elf.
So, instead of making things difficult, they simply assumed it was some sort of special boat and allowed her passage through the gate, granting her entry into the waterways of the human settlement.
Once inside the human town, the number of boats on the river gradually increased—though all of them were simple wooden rafts.
Ignoring the curious stares around her, the High Elf Archer drove her car toward a nearby dock. Under the astonished gazes of the passersby, she drove straight up onto land.
A thunderous roar accompanied her as the sports car sped away from the port, leaving behind a group of stunned and wide-eyed onlookers.
Compared to the horse-drawn carriages of this world, the car's speed was on a completely different level.
Even though the High Elf Archer didn't accelerate to her maximum, every carriage along the way could only eat her dust.
Before long, she arrived in the same town she had once visited with Eriri. Her arrival instantly drew the attention of everyone around.
Of course, their focus wasn't on her beauty—though her looks were indeed stunning—but on the car itself, which was far too strange and modern in their eyes.
Ignoring their shocked and curious gazes, the High Elf Archer drove directly toward the Adventurers' Guild.
Then, with a flawless drift, the car came to a perfect stop right in front of the guild's main doors.
The adventurers, who had been entering and exiting the guild, froze in place at the sight of the dazzling vehicle. One by one, their gazes fixed curiously on both the car and the elf sitting inside.
"What is that thing? How can it move so fast?"
"Could it be some kind of special transport used by the forest folk? I've never heard of such a thing before!"
The adventurers crowded around the car, murmuring among themselves.
However, due to the protective barrier surrounding the vehicle, they couldn't get close—forced to admire it from about a meter away.
"Hey, hey, don't block the way! I'm here to meet someone!"
Still seated in the driver's seat, the High Elf Archer shouted toward the gathered adventurers.
But her words didn't disperse the crowd—instead, they grew even more talkative, calling out questions to her.
"Miss Elf, could you tell us what that thing you're sitting in is?"
At that, the High Elf Archer didn't hide anything. She proudly introduced it.
"This? It's called a sports car—a universal vehicle!"
"Where can we buy one of these 'sports cars'?"
"You can forget about that. This is the only one in this entire world!"
The High Elf Archer gently stroked the steering wheel, a smug smile spreading across her delicate face.
As her words fell, the area around her instantly erupted into noise.
The commotion outside quickly drew the attention of the adventurers inside the guild. Many of them, eager to see what was happening, gathered at the entrance.
As a result, the crowd surrounding the sports car grew even larger—layer upon layer of curious onlookers. The High Elf Archer no longer dared to leave her vehicle casually.
At the moment, the only reason she remained safe was the car's protective barrier. If she were to step out and get surrounded by this many adventurers, she couldn't guarantee that nothing unexpected would happen.
Right then, she finally realized just how important personal strength was.
If her power had already reached Level 3 or higher, she could have stepped out of the car fearlessly, effortlessly breaking through the encirclement.
At that moment, a sudden voice came from the crowd, resolving her predicament instantly.
"Lady Arelis?"
Hearing the somewhat familiar voice, the High Elf Archer immediately turned her head toward its source. Soon, she spotted the Sword Maiden standing at the edge of the crowd, dressed in her sailor uniform.
Excited, the High Elf Archer waved to her. "Seraphina! Come help me out here!"
"Understood, Lady Arelis. Please wait a moment."
Understanding the situation at a glance, the Sword Maiden didn't hesitate. She released her energy, forming a shimmering aura around her body. The powerful field forced the surrounding people aside as she made her way straight to the sports car.
Once she reached Arelis, the nearby adventurers no longer dared to press closer. In fact, many began to quietly back away.
Over the past week, the Sword Maiden had frequently taken on difficult quests alone, rapidly rising from beginner porcelain rank to copper rank. Her fame had spread throughout the entire Adventurers' Guild.
During that time, several adventurers had even tried to harass her because of her beauty—but every one of them had been brutally taught a lesson. Everyone now knew she possessed formidable strength. Numerous adventurer teams had tried inviting her to join, but she refused them all without exception.
"Ahh, I'm finally saved. Starting today, I swear I'll focus on improving my strength," the High Elf Archer sighed in relief.
Now that the Sword Maiden had arrived, she no longer felt anxious. She stepped out of the driver's seat confidently and, with a casual wave of her hand, stored the entire sports car into her storage system.
The sight immediately drew countless astonished gazes. Even the Sword Maiden's expression momentarily froze in surprise. However, remembering Eriri's power, her surprise quickly faded.
With the car gone, there was no longer any reason for the surrounding adventurers to linger. One by one, they dispersed reluctantly.
"Lady Arelis, let's head inside the Adventurers' Guild," said the Sword Maiden, standing beside her like a loyal companion.
"I told you not to call me 'Lady,' didn't I? How come after just a few days you're back to that again?" the High Elf Archer grumbled playfully, patting Seraphina's shoulder.
Hearing that, the Sword Maiden looked a little embarrassed. "I understand. I'll remember from now on, Arelis."
"That's better. Alright, let's go discuss our next plans!"
Saying so, the High Elf Archer grabbed Seraphina's arm and walked straight into the Adventurers' Guild.
...
Two days passed since the High Elf Archer and the Sword Maiden reunited.
Within that short time, their small team dedicated to slaying the Demon King had officially formed.
Whether they would recruit more members later was entirely up to them.
Meanwhile, the day was fast approaching when Keika Kiyotaki's younger sister, Kogane, would formally become Kousuke Kiyotaki's disciple.
[Keika Kiyotaki (Level 4, Stage 1): Eriri-nee, when are you coming over? Tomorrow Kogane's going to officially become my dad's disciple.]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Don't worry, I'll be there tomorrow morning.]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Oh right—Frieren, didn't you say you wanted to learn shogi? Why don't you come along with me tomorrow to Keika's place? @Frieren (Level 5, Stage 5)]
[Frieren (Level 5, Stage 5): Alright.]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 9): Actually, why don't you come stay at my place tonight? Then we can head over together tomorrow.]
[Frieren (Level 5, Stage 5): Mm, that's fine too.]
It was already past four in the afternoon—almost time for dinner.
Recalling the taste of Aoi Kujou's cooking, Frieren only hesitated for a moment before agreeing to Eriri's suggestion.
In the place where she now lived in seclusion, there was also a World Gate connected to the Saekano world. Her simple wooden cabin had long since been replaced by a luxurious villa.
After making her decision, she left her room and headed straight for the large doorway where the World Gate was installed.
Without hesitation, she pushed the gate open and stepped through.
Since it wasn't her first time visiting this world, she no longer felt the same surprise she once did upon seeing the countless World Gates around her.
Before long, she passed through the gateway area and began walking down the familiar corridor toward the villa's main entrance.
Of course, she didn't simply rush there—she stopped occasionally to admire the scenery along the way.
After all, lining the path was her favorite flower field, filled with blooms unlike any she had ever seen in her own world. Trees heavy with blossoms swayed gently in the wind, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.
As she stood in the middle of the field, savoring the moment, the sound of cheerful, bell-like laughter reached her ears.
Looking toward the source of the sound, she saw a group of little girls—around ten years old—running down the path toward her.
"Ah! Frieren-nee, you came to visit again?"
At the sight of her, Illya and the other girls' eyes lit up. They ran to her excitedly, all greeting her at once.
Seeing them, a faint smile appeared on Frieren's face.
"Mm. Are you all here to play in the flower field?"
"Yeah! It's so pretty here—we come often to play games. Frieren-nee, do you want to play with us?" Illya asked with a bright grin.
Frieren smiled but shook her head gently. "You all go ahead. I have to meet with Eriri. Maybe next time, I'll join you."
"Aww, that's too bad~" Illya said with visible disappointment. The other girls all echoed her sentiment, clearly fond of Frieren.
"Then it's a promise! Next time, you have to play with us."
"Mm-hm, it's a promise."
After chatting briefly, Frieren didn't linger. She continued down the path toward the villa's entrance.
Before long, she stepped into the living room—where she found Eriri sitting on the sofa, holding Orphis in her lap while watching TV.
...
The next morning arrived quickly.
After breakfast, Eriri noticed that Frieren still hadn't come to the dining hall. Sighing softly, she decided to go wake her up herself.
On the villa's third floor, Eriri stood before Frieren's room, turned the doorknob, and pushed the door open.
Whether from habit or simple carelessness, Frieren had never developed the routine of locking her door before bed. Of course, in this villa, such precautions were unnecessary.
Entering the room, Eriri didn't see Frieren at first—only a pair of pale, slender legs sticking out from the bed, and a messy blanket half hanging off the floor.
Knowing Frieren's terrible sleeping posture, Eriri immediately understood the situation. Walking around to the other side of the bed, she indeed found Frieren lying horizontally on the floor, fast asleep.
Rather than being annoyed, Eriri found the sight rather adorable.
Crouching beside her, she reached out and gently pinched Frieren's soft cheeks.
"Frieren~ time to wake up."
As she absentmindedly kneaded Frieren's cheeks, Eriri whispered softly into her ear.
Hearing the voice beside her, Frieren's eyelids and lips twitched slightly, but she still made no effort to open her eyes.
Smiling mischievously, Eriri's fingers left Frieren's cheek and moved to her pointed ears.
It was said that elves' ears were extremely sensitive, yet even when Eriri playfully rubbed and tugged at them, Frieren merely shifted her head a little—still refusing to wake.
Finding it amusing, Eriri decided not to force her awake. Instead, she leaned closer and blew a gentle puff of air against Frieren's ear.
"It's already late, you know~ If you don't get up soon, you'll miss out on a delicious breakfast~"
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