Even the usually impassive Frieren couldn't help a conflicted expression. How did those sorceries fit her title?
Because of "Frieren the Slayer," right?
She had the conflicting rules of this world to blame; truly powerful magic wasn't permitted. Back then, using Farron Flashsword had been faster, but once the nickname spread, there was no clarifying it.
It wasn't entirely wrong, though. She had always been primarily a sorcerer, supplemented by warrior skills.
Sellen, equally interested in magic, began deciphering the scroll while explaining, "Carian Slicer is similar to that unknown magic sword you often use, but its advantage lies in a high damage-to-FP ratio, and it's fast."
"Some renowned magic swordsmen rely entirely on it for instant kills, often closing the distance and ending the target with a few quick slashes – either the target dies, or they do."
"After all, it can be cast immediately after other actions. Among Caria's sword sorceries, it's a famously practical spell for combat."
In short, it was fast. As a sorcerer herself, Sellen didn't favor such a style, but her student's actions showed a clear preference for it.
Frieren asked, "Does it have any weaknesses?"
"It lacks significant impact. It's difficult to stagger an opponent or knock them down, nor does it easily interrupt their actions. Therefore, the main tactic is a swift, decisive strike. Since you don't expect to knock the enemy down, you just aim to end their life while they're still standing."
"You mean its mechanics, right? The powerful enemies I'll face in the future will certainly have high poise anyway. Whether I can break it or not is irrelevant."
What sorcerer relies on breaking poise? Forget it. The standard approach was to fell enemies with ranged attacks. The occasional impact techniques she used weren't heavy weapons, but skill:
Parrying.
Using the force of the counter to briefly unbalance the enemy was enough.
So, Carian Slicer's weakness didn't matter much to Frieren. Defeating the opponent quickly was the goal, and her fighting style leaned towards ranged combat anyway.
"Speaking of weaknesses, that brings us to Glintblade Phalanx. It can compensate for the Slicer's lack of impact."
Sellen explained, "Its effect is to form a phalanx of magic glintblades that automatically fly towards the target. Their impact accumulates, and it's effective even against invisible foes. It's said this sorcery was once bestowed upon the Carian Knights."
She had personally witnessed the prowess of the Carian Knights; they were indeed a first-rate military force.
Therefore, if her student learned these spells, it would be like giving wings to a tiger, adding another tool for the upcoming battles over the Great Runes. Sellen could tell that Frieren's current magic wasn't entirely suitable.
More accurately, it didn't quite align with the magical environment of this world. Perhaps because Tarnished came from outside the Lands Between, using the old methods wouldn't suffice. Finding the best replacements was crucial.
"I'll learn them both."
"With any other student, I'd warn against biting off more than you can chew, but you're different. My student, your talent is limitless. Allow me to explain the fundamental principles and my understanding..."
A student who grasps things instantly often inspires a teacher's desire to teach, fostering mutual growth.
Getting carried away, Sellen's topics expanded beyond the two sorceries, touching upon the philosophies of the Primeval Current school and even the fundamental principles of magic itself.
As my student, how could you not understand the Way of the Primeval Current?
Her soul felt unusually whole at that moment. Apart from her body being slightly stiff from lack of movement, she felt fine, so she spoke effusively, sharing vast amounts of knowledge.
Frieren welcomed it all. She had long practiced integrating diverse knowledge, collecting the strengths of countless schools. What kinds of strange magic hadn't she seen? She gladly accepted the guidance, deepening her own understanding.
Skills and knowledge were not bound by worlds.
Theoretically, her main account could stack every independent damage multiplier and obliterate everything, but her physical body couldn't handle it. That didn't stop her from absorbing different experiences, however, which was why she had grown several times stronger along her journey.
Master and student sat engrossed in deep discussion, becoming increasingly animated, talking endlessly about magic.
Zamor, having listened until her ears grew tired, scratched them and returned to the surface to practice her swordsmanship, eager to return to her prime as soon as possible.
Sunset arrived.
Before they knew it, the moon was bright and the stars sparse. It was getting late. Frieren, usually prone to lazy habits, let out a few yawns, her concentration waning.
Sellen spoke at the right moment, "Why don't you spend the night at the Fourth Church of Marika over there? You have important matters to attend to, so it's best to leave early and return quickly. Troop movements require speed; you need to hold command at Castle Morne."
"I won't stay the night. I'll head back now."
"Although I don't know the state of your army, with the Farron Undead Legion and the Black Knife Assassins, pacifying the caves of the Weeping Peninsula should be easy. You probably just need to travel."
Frieren stood up, brushing the dust off her clothes, ready to depart. Today's gains were substantial; her understanding of the Lands Between's native magic had increased significantly, almost as good as strengthening via Runes.
"Then I should be off... Right, should I contact you here later, or at the Waypoint Ruins?"
"Don't worry about me. If you defeat a Shardbearer, the news will surely spread. The world's eyes will turn to the northernmost part of Limgrave. When that happens, I will set out for Stormveil Castle to congratulate you."
"See you then."
With that, the silver-haired girl tightened her Astrologer Robe, turned, and walked up the stairs. Waving goodbye, she left, followed by a whistle summoning her Spirit Steed.
The rhythmic clatter of hooves faded into the distance, along with her potent magical aura.
Tarnished often travel alone, free-spirited and impulsive, departing without hesitation, firm in the belief that they will meet again on their journey. There was a certain romance to it. What worries could one have for such a powerful individual?
Sellen also left the cellar, gazing up at the night sky. As a sorcerer, she knew a thing or two about observing the stars.
"Starscourge Radahn sealed the stars, locking destiny. But the trajectory of change can no longer be hidden. Nothing is eternal; things are finally different. Will it be you, my student?"
She wondered if Frieren might one day reach the level of the most powerful demigods... Her gaze involuntarily shifted towards Castle Morne.
Meanwhile.
The main force, having completed their clearing operations, traveled through the night to reach the stronghold, bringing with them a large amount of loot from the caves.
The most valuable items were entrusted to the Farron Undead Legion and the Black Knife Assassins. Everyone knew these two groups were considered the core, high-ranking officers.
In the main square of Castle Morne, piles of various equipment accumulated – a significant amount being collectibles monsters had hoarded over the years. Fortunately, much of it was usable, enough to arm a new contingent of soldiers.
Edgar stood guard at the gate, meticulously confirming the inventory, maintaining a vigilant stance.
Even though he hadn't formally sworn allegiance to Frieren, he couldn't remain detached. He knew exactly what was happening. It was time to face reality, time to declare his position.
"We are residents of the Demi-Human Forest."
An unexpected report drew everyone's attention. A group of villagers had arrived. The mages within the castle confirmed they had also received the Art of Soul Healing, meaning they must have encountered Lady Frieren.
Sure enough, they recounted the battle in the Demi-Human Forest, showering praise upon their savior.
"It seems everything went smoothly." Hearing their words, Irina offered a faint smile. "Father, the unification of the Weeping Peninsula is now settled. What do you intend to do?"
"Naturally, I will choose the person most suited to lead Limgrave."
Edgar looked towards the main castle gate road. Under the moonlight, a lone rider arrived swiftly on horseback. They had been waiting for Frieren for a long time.
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