Thinking carefully, teaching Soul Magic to her direct disciple offered high returns.
Having delved deepest into this path, Frieren knew well that the accumulation of knowledge from several worlds made her magic proficient in both offense and defense. Though she appeared unassuming now, she actually maintained various defenses constantly.
For instance, a warped wall of light capable of reflecting magic—it continuously enveloped the silver-haired girl's body, yet few opponents had ever managed to even test this ability.
Furthermore, she used her "soul's subconscious" to keep various resistance protections active at all times.
No blind spots.
Even if faced with incomprehensible curse-type magic on the level of the Demon Race's Seven Sages of Destruction, she could ensure her soul remained unharmed, healing the soul while simultaneously counteracting the physical effects. Although untested in actual combat, the principle was sound, and she had other measures besides.
For example, if she suffered near-fatal damage, she could become Kindling for the First Flame, fighting a desperate battle in the manner of past Lords of Cinder. Whether she'd survive, well, they'd see after she won.
However, this was a 'sacrificial gambit,' not worthwhile unless facing an overwhelming force like the Seven Sages, the All-Knowing, and high-ranking demons attacking together—a situation she would actively avoid.
Besides, sometimes powerful heroes could defeat demon sages; the kingdom armies weren't weak.
Humans possessed greater possibilities. Building Flamme's knowledge base upon Soul Magic was the best approach. It also helped Frieren by establishing this school of magic in the current world, ensuring her path was not solitary.
"Speaking of which, Teacher, why did you buy so many barrier-related materials if it's not your specialty?"
"Because my hometown needs them."
"Wait, isn't the legendary elf village supposed to be full of Divine Era Mages? Warriors or priests? Each one as strong as a high-ranking demon?"
The orange-red-haired girl's eyes sparkled as she spoke, making Frieren inwardly cringe.
She felt genuinely embarrassed for her lazy kin back in the village. True, some of them were ancient relics from the Age of Myths, but they had merely accrued age without wisdom. They barely knew the history of that era, let alone possessed significant strength. What level of power could you expect from homebodies?
"Why would you get that impression?"
"It's not just me. Everyone thinks the elf race hides the largest number of powerhouses. Legends like the Nameless Monk and Serie, the progenitor of magic, are rumored to have connections to the elf village. And now there's you, Teacher. So, it must be teeming with masters."
"Have you ever considered that perhaps more elves venture out and die obscurely? You only see the success stories."
"But in terms of the ratio of powerhouses to population, and the proportion of world-class individuals, aren't elves number one?"
"Probably."
Frieren couldn't refute that. A quick count confirmed it.
In the eyes of the world, Serie, the Nameless Monk, and herself were considered on the level of the Divine Era, comparable to the Demon Lord. That meant three out of four top-tier powerhouses were elves. Add in other occasionally active famous elves and the lingering impact of past figures... naturally, it left a strong impression.
However, their free-spirited nature meant they often vanished without a trace, remaining inactive for decades, thus having relatively little influence on current events and often being overlooked.
"Anyway, back to the point. I need powerful barrier magic to protect the village so I can travel freely."
"Understood."
"What are you agreeing to?"
Flamme stated confidently, "Just consider me talented in various types of magic, Teacher. I'll learn both barrier magic and Soul Magic. I will compensate for the barrier magic you don't specialize in. I'll create a barrier strong enough to protect a large city."
"Confidence is a good thing. Magic responds to your imagination."
If her apprentice were even slightly mediocre, Frieren would have cautioned her for her own good, warning the young not to be too impulsive.
But Flamme was a genius. Geniuses required a different approach. Through intensive instruction and encouragement, she would grow rapidly.
"Having a nice chat, you two?"
The shop owner had returned from the warehouse, carrying a sack full of materials. Frieren glanced over them, confirming their authenticity. The mixed quality was actually fine; they could serve as test materials.
When settling the bill, she found the price surprisingly low.
"You gave me a discount?"
"Yes, just the cost price, enough to ensure I don't lose money. I won't profit beyond that."
Frieren was about to refuse, but the owner waved his hand magnanimously. "Actually, I'm the one benefiting here. Firstly, thanks to your heroic display, I can continue my business safely. Secondly, this shop has now been graced by a Divine Era Mage, right?"
Since he put it that way, she accepted. They would likely have more dealings in the future anyway, at least for replenishing Flamme's apprentice supplies.
During the transaction, they casually exchanged some information about the current situation:
Broadly speaking, much of the North had fallen, but powerful empires still held on, along with special cases like one of the magic cities Serie frequented, which even the Demon Race army avoided. Additionally, some resistance-held fortresses changed hands repeatedly...
In detail, the enemy was far from having completely conquered the North, lacking the manpower for an effective ruling system.
They're holding on.
In fact, the demons were likely pushing forward so aggressively precisely because they knew resistance would inevitably flare up in their rear.
Frieren's decisive blow had halted their offensive momentum, forcing them to recuperate. On the other hand, it was almost certain that the sparsely occupied demon territories would now spawn numerous resistance groups, further destabilizing the overall situation. Ultimately, the central continent would remain the primary point of contention.
A stalemate between the two sides would gradually form. However, unless Frieren the Slayer remained active, the short-term trend would still favor the demons.
The shop owner said cheerfully, "This place will become a relatively safe forward base! My shop is going to boom! Lady Frieren, please patronize us often in the future."
"And Miss Flamme too, of course."
He was in high spirits, seemingly envisioning a prosperous future.
Frieren, in contrast, was completely unconcerned. After finishing her purchases and still having spare money, she began examining other bottles and jars, occasionally trying items that caught her fancy. The task of settling the bill and packing was left entirely to Flamme.
"I thought my title from now on would be 'Frieren's disciple.' You actually inquired about me."
"Every potential customer deserves my attention. As for the voices of adulation or contempt you might hear, pay them no mind. It's just the chatter of mediocrities."
"I understand the principle, but studying here, I'll probably encounter it often."
"Young magic apprentice, you won't learn much real skill in Northwind Keep. It's just a bunch of dead fish, myself included."
"Why?"
"Magic proliferation is too poor nowadays, and it's feared by some ignorant royals. There are many frauds filling the ranks. Stick with the Divine Era Mage and train. There's no better teacher in the world. When you make a name for yourself, don't forget this little shop and your hometown."
The owner added this meaningful advice, then accepted minimal payment and waved them off. Flamme nodded gratefully before pulling her teacher away from the "fake antiques" she was engrossed in.
Thank goodness the shopkeeper was conscientious; otherwise, given Frieren's personality, she probably would have been sold a pile of useless junk.
Next, he recommended an inn where they could stay temporarily.
Thump!
Frieren leaped onto the bed, burying her face in it and inhaling the scent of jasmine perfume. High-class inn, indeed.
She rolled onto her back, preparing for some long-overdue sleep. Having expended some mana, it was best to meditate immediately to replenish it and ensure she was at full strength—a basic principle of real-world combat.
"Teacher, aren't you going to wash up before bed?"
"It's fine. I can teach you magic to keep your body clean right now."
"That's not right, though. You can't rely solely on magic for everything."
Flamme shook her head, disapproving of the idea but not stopping Frieren from 'lying flat'. Perhaps this was just the elven way of doing things.
After quickly washing up, the red-haired girl sat on the other bed, looking through her notes. Some parts were obscure and difficult, requiring occasional questions. Frieren, though initially drowsy, faithfully fulfilled her teaching duties.
Might as well stay awake.
Unexpectedly, Flamme provided more and more pleasant surprises. The quality of her questions reflected her understanding; their incisiveness demonstrated her aptitude.
She hadn't expected the apprentice she'd casually picked up to possess such talent. Although Frieren didn't know the current peak level of human strength, the girl's talent was undoubtedly on a 'once in a millennium' level.
Letting her grow slowly would be too boring. Perhaps she really should try the Blessing Enhancement?
Frieren mulled over the plan.
"By the way, Teacher, where are we going next?"
"My objective was shopping, which is done. The barrier magic for the village isn't finished yet, so I can't leave for too long. I should head back. But it's not far from Northwind Keep, so where you study depends on you. Setting up a magic workshop here to train is also an option..."
"No, I choose to research with you. The shop owner suggested the same. I believe only Teacher Frieren can make me strong."
"You trust me quite a bit. You're not wrong."
"Speaking of trust, I actually don't know anything about you. Could you tell me a little?"
The thought prompted Flamme to ask cautiously, afraid of broaching a sensitive topic about the past, especially since Frieren had never mentioned it.
She misunderstood. The reality was, excluding the 'game magic' experiences she couldn't discuss, Frieren didn't have much of a story. Anyone asking back in the village would know she rarely left home.
Might as well be direct.
"Don't think I'm some kind of active figure, Flamme. For the past few hundred years, I've mostly idled around the village or researched magic. I'm hardly a major personality, nor do I have any glorious achievements."
"So Teacher became this strong just by practicing and self-studying alone, purely through talent!"
"In your eyes, yes."
No need for false modesty. Frieren's ability to absorb and integrate various magics truly relied on talent. Handing her 'game magic' to someone else might not yield the same results.
Hearing the answer, Flamme found her teacher even more unfathomable.
Even among the powerhouse-filled elven race, her talent must be in a league of its own. Even if acquired 'lazily,' her power felt intensely refined, honed through countless trials. That itself was a form of strength, best tested in battle where the victor reigns supreme.
No matter how much time passed, she would never forget the furious bloom of the Scarlet Flower, shattering armies and annihilating demons in a single move.
Not just her, but humans and demons alike would remember that spell. Changing the entire strategic situation with magic single-handedly was the hallmark of the absolute strongest, overwhelming power beyond doubt.
"Teacher, I want to learn that large-scale flower magic you used."
"It's called the Flower of Aeonia. It's experimental, even I can't control it perfectly. I can't just teach it to anyone. But other battlefield spells are fine. I have plenty in reserve. The key is whether your mana capacity is sufficient."
"It's not enough."
Flamme's face fell as if doused with cold water, hating that she couldn't grow up faster.
"Don't worry. Study Soul Magic diligently, and you'll be able to resonate with me. I can actively grant you mana for rapid improvement."
"Will there be side effects?"
"Why would I give my apprentice something questionable? Relax. You can think of it as a magical effect that helps your mana mature quickly."
As she spoke, Frieren opened her hand, revealing a Great Rune.
The golden fragment from the Elden Ring shimmered with a gentle light, radiating warmth—the power of grace, a blessing for the soul, filling one with strength from within.
Its power is greatly diminished in a different world, but safeguarding a mana infusion is simple enough. In principle, it was like Frieren acting as a Fire Keeper, using souls for enhancement.
Just need to put all the points into Flamme's mana. It would likely be a one-time use, but that would suffice.
"It's beautiful!"
The red-haired girl's eyes shone, convinced it was one of the legendary artifacts.
So Teacher definitely isn't as simple as she claims. She probably even deceived her own kin. And this gift had only been shown to her so far. Could it be a treasure comparable to a world-saving holy sword?
But the next moment, Frieren flipped her hand, and the Great Rune vanished, the profound energy resonance disappearing with it.
"Just because I have this ability doesn't mean you can slack off. To receive the blessing, you need foundational mana and a strong physique. Therefore, I will also train your abilities as a warrior. Don't complain about the hardship then."
"True shortcuts often overdraft potential. I won't choose that for you. So, we'll choose the shortcut that requires more effort to become stronger. Be prepared."
Flamme, however, grew even more excited.
"Will I finally become a battle mage like Teacher?"
"Don't talk nonsense. My school just incorporates some warrior elements," the silver-haired girl waved her hand dismissively. "That's all for tonight. Sleep early. We travel tomorrow."
She snapped her fingers, extinguishing the candle. The small room plunged into darkness and silence.
Frieren enjoyed quiet environments but overlooked that in this era, darkness often meant prowling monsters and encroaching death for ordinary people. Startled, Flamme instinctively flinched and burrowed under the covers.
Her covers.
Feeling the warmth and soft breathing beside her, Frieren paused, slightly taken aback. Lifting the blanket, she saw the girl smiling awkwardly. They looked at each other, speechless.
"Fine," Frieren sighed. "I'll hold you tonight too, but this is the last time, understand?"
Flamme nodded obediently like a little bird. Frieren kept her word, wrapping an arm around the girl, letting her rest her head on her shoulder. She wasn't worried about her arm going numb by morning; Flamme was too light.
It was nothing for a qualified warrior. Perhaps this steadiness was what gave Flamme a sense of security, making her feel it was the safest place to sleep.
Soon, the girl's breathing evened out as she drifted off.
Frieren reconsidered her plans: wait until the apprentice's training was on track before returning to the Lands Between.
And this time, when using game magic, I should employ elven slumber, pass more real-world time to see my direct disciple's growth. But would Flamme be willing to go potentially a year or more without seeing her teacher?
Let's worry about that later. What's done is done. Time to sleep.
____
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