Crack!
The grand library doors swung open, and a violent gust of materialized mana blew Frieren's silver hair about. The opponent's total mana was also terrifyingly high, at least easily crushing the Astrologer account's level, a complete superior.
Before her was a vast hall, filled with towering stacks of books, comparable to small hills. Even if they were to collapse, they would be enough to cause damage. However, she was delighted to encounter so many grimoires. The Full Moon Queen's knowledge was unfathomable.
Venturing deeper, she saw a golden barrier sphere floating in mid-air. Inside, a woman in a mage's robe and tall hat, clutching an amber, seemed to be asleep, oblivious to the world. That attitude of isolating everything was reflected in the magic; the barrier was impenetrable.
Frieren possessed the eye to discern hardness; she wouldn't waste effort on a direct assault. Against a demigod, she couldn't rely on the Astrologer's stats to overwhelm; when encountering a mechanism, the mechanism had to be broken.
"Ah~"
A long, drawn-out chant interrupted her thoughts. Around her were magic apprentices, like clones, who had been prostrating on the ground. They now raised their upper bodies, sometimes chanting, sometimes raising their staves, and some even casting offensive magic.
She easily withstood this level of attack, simultaneously noticing more and more apprentices crawling out from the darkness. The eerie thing was that they were practically cast from the same mold, even their expressions identical, their souls equally fragmented.
"Could they be creations of the esoteric art of life…?"
Before Frieren could perceive further, the apprentices' mana began to resonate and link together, rising steadily, clearly brewing a stunning magical attack. In an instant, dozens of books flew like cannonballs.
"What a waste."
To avoid damaging the magic books, she had to meet and repel each one. This required extremely high technical skill and more mana. She had to admit they had stumbled upon a method that could restrict intruders, enough to make a magic book enthusiast hesitant to use wide-area damage.
She didn't rush to attack, maintaining her defense, flawlessly blocking every incoming move while searching for the enemy's weakness.
Comet.
A charged strike hit the Full Moon Queen's barrier. With a crisp thud, it fell silent, like a stone sinking into the sea. It seemed brute force wouldn't work; it would take more effort.
Strange, there should be a key point maintaining the barrier, just hidden…
As she pondered, the coordinated attacks from the apprentices grew in number, almost overwhelming her vision. Each magic book was an excellent projectile, laced with the treachery of glintstone sorcery, enough to severely injure any powerful mage. Fortunately, Frieren's fundamentals were solid, and combined with her footwork, she remained unscathed.
Even so, she was covered in dust. After all, the grand library didn't have many hiding spots; she almost had to take the enemy's offensive head-on.
"Ah~"
The chanting resumed. Seizing the opportunity, Frieren flung out a Glintstone Comet Shard. As expected, the struck apprentice was sent flying, and the interrupted incantation directly reflected on the Full Moon Queen's barrier. Cracks appeared on its surface.
Although it still exuded an aura of impenetrability, her line of thinking was correct. If she kept attacking, she could definitely break it.
"So the barrier is maintained by the apprentices' coordination, at least as an important step. Maintaining resonance requires chanting, that's the breakthrough point!" "But a breakthrough point doesn't always mean a weak point."
As she muttered to herself, all the apprentices turned to look at the intruder. Just moments ago, many of them had seemed dazed or even indifferent. Now, their faces were ferocious, their teeth gritted, identical faces radiating hostility. An ordinary person would probably have been terrified; it was too bizarre.
Boom boom!
The number of book-projectiles increased significantly, a deluge attacking from all angles, relentlessly. They gave no time to react, desperate to tear the enemy to shreds. Frieren stopped using reflective magic, as these attacks carried physical mass. In the Lands Between, imbuing magic with mass was a decent breakthrough method. A similar trend existed in reality; pure energy attacks were easily blocked, so using a physical medium was best. Rumbling explosions pursued the silver-haired figure.
However, she constantly moved along the library's edge, biding her time. Sure enough, the next round of chanting was about to begin. They were too far away; clearly, they realized they should retreat to a secluded corner to maintain their mana link, deliberately avoiding Frieren.
The apprentice's body rippled with golden light, resonating with the barrier, not only maintaining it but even showing signs of repair. If this dragged on, wouldn't all her previous efforts be in vain?
Swoosh!
The next moment, a great glintstone arrow exploded, forcefully interrupting the chant. The scattered blast even sent several nearby apprentices flying, stirring up a cloud of dust from the small mountain of magic books. Loretta's Greatbow had precisely hit the distant enemy, a critical strike.
Immediately after, the silver-haired girl dispelled the magic, continuing to move with ease, as if strolling. She had clearly found her battle rhythm, unhurriedly waiting for an opportunity, then seizing it to defeat the enemy in one move.
Even the mentally incomplete magical creations felt immense anger. How dare she underestimate them like this? Did she think this was a tourist trip? More books were mobilized, even beginning to spin as they flew.
They had grown stronger again.
Sensing the increasing difficulty, Frieren tilted her head back and drank a flask of Wondrous Physick to replenish her mana. Facing this stage, she still wanted to try and resolve the situation with the Astrologer's own power.
"If time weren't an issue, I should really study them. It might be useful for creating a body."
"Don't get distracted by my affairs, just focus on the battlefield." Melina appeared to remind her. Then she saw the silver-haired girl nod with a flash of inspiration. Had her presence inspired something?
"The apprentices' condition should be due to soul fragmentation. After all, body and mind are indispensable; otherwise, such failures occur. Although I can't eradicate the root cause, I should try to see how to heal them."
Whoosh!
In an instant, the tip of Azur's Glintstone Staff shimmered with a golden halo, warm and intense. No one in Limgrave would be unfamiliar with it, for it was the Soul of Cinder King's repeatedly modified soul-healing magic. Its effect far surpassed ordinary methods said to combat hollowing; long-term treatment would even strengthen it.
Now, every apprentice bathed in its light seemed to relax somewhat. Compared to their earlier fury, a touch of clarity appeared in their eyes. They were dazedly perceiving the world.
Frieren pushed her mana output as much as possible to increase its power, even using her main body's mana values, allowing most targets to gradually recover a sliver of spirit. Their expressions looked more like those of normal people.
At the same time, even the Full Moon Queen within the golden barrier opened her eyes, firmly locking onto the intruder, devoid of joy or sorrow, with even a hint of admiration. To actually treat creations of the esoteric art of life... a pity such a short time wouldn't change anything. The intention was good, but over the years, all sorts of methods had been tried; even wondrous soul magic was useless.
What a shame.
The Full Moon Queen, reminded of her children's tragic fate, closed her eyes again, unable to bear another glance, continuing to seal her heart. The barrier responding to her actually strengthened a bit, and the apprentices' thoughts became chaotic again. Ultimately, they were incomplete; minor repairs were meaningless.
True, if the soul-healing magic were applied long-term, there might be a glimmer of hope, but there wasn't enough time. The situation would only become more intense.
Frieren stopped the magic. Those apprentices who had recovered from the light became even more furious, looking as if they wanted to devour someone alive. What was that feeling of clarity just now? Mana was flowing, they had become stronger, refreshed, as if re-examining everything around them... but it had stopped abruptly. Why?
If I had never seen the light, I would not fear the darkness.
At this moment, feeling the conflict between their fragmented souls and bodies more clearly than ever, they were enraged to the extreme, blaming the meddler for using such a sarcastic move.
A storm seemed to brew within the library room; it was mana roaring in fury. Even the heavy hills of books were sent flying, ancient brick walls cracking with a kch-kcha sound. The pressure extended out of the loft in an instant, creating a shockwave.
"Oh no, you've actually made them aware of a higher level of magical operation!" Even the usually calm Melina frowned. Had she unintentionally created a group of powerful enemies? This was not good.
Originating from a Great Rune and a demigod sorceress, they possessed top-tier talent. Even a moment of enlightenment was enough for a significant power boost, not to mention their united will. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say a powerful mage corps had been born on the spot.
She looked anxiously at Frieren, only to see the latter's emerald eyes sparkle, a slight curve at the corner of her mouth, seemingly very satisfied.
"Although I can't do anything about this soul fragmentation for now and need more research, I've confirmed one thing. Melina, their bodies are qualified. This abnormality isn't caused by physical deformity; it's the soul's lack of perception of the lower body—"
Boom!
The apprentices, their sore spot poked, unleashed a barrage. This time, the silver-haired girl deliberately dispelled the distorted light wall on her left hand. In an instant, gashes appeared, spreading from her palm to her shoulder, blood dripping. To advance further would be harder than ascending to heaven; even where she was injured was her decision.
"You see, the body created by the Great Rune is strong enough. The mana I feel is considerable, and if I'm not mistaken, you and this technique are very compatible."
"Never mind that, quickly use a Wondrous Physick." Melina was so anxious she nearly held Frieren down. Hearing this, the latter finally drank the potion to heal her wounds. Once she began to actively defend, the apprentices' attacks couldn't harm her at all, making their expressions twist further with anger.
Regardless, the main goal of this trip was accomplished: confirming the performance of the esoteric art of life. It would definitely work. As long as it was achievable in principle and finished products already existed, then subsequent tracing and deductive research wouldn't be difficult.
"My soul magic also needs to improve. Perhaps one day I can heal your defects."
The silver-haired girl was met with angry shouts. Indeed, they themselves hadn't realized that besides those vague chants, they could now utter some syllables. At least their anger was conveyed.
Frieren nodded, not minding at all. "The most important thing is the cooperation of the parties involved. Your willpower is sufficient, but this battle needs to be accelerated."
Gravity!
Before she finished speaking, she slammed her staff into the ground with both hands. Purple-white mana erupted, capturing every apprentice within range, sweeping them all into mid-air without exception.
A Comet precisely hit the target attempting to chant and reinforce the barrier. This swift and ruthless strike indeed caused a layer of cracks to appear on the Full Moon Queen's protection. Only then did the gravity capture end. Seizing the opening, the apprentices immediately unleashed attacks, completely different from their previous clumsy manipulation of books as projectiles. Instead, Glintstone Comet Shards, Glintstone Icecrag, Carian Phalanx, and other spells appeared.
They had indeed grown stronger. The number of spells they could use was vast, and their individual destructive power was not low. Most importantly, their fighting spirit was high.
Frieren responded with the same spells, returning attacks while waiting for an opportunity. Whenever a chanter appeared, she could always interrupt them precisely. She seemed to be alone, submerged in magic, but was actually strolling leisurely.
She noticed that the Full Moon Queen seemed to subconsciously divert some of her mana to these children. "Supporting them?" Some trigger incantation must have been set. Even if she herself was in a state of inner seclusion, it didn't prevent her from bestowing mana or even passing on some magical knowledge. In a way, a demigod-level sorceress had indirectly responded to her disturbance.
Since that was the case, Frieren decided to increase her output. She immediately drank a Wondrous Physick, bringing the Astrologer to her peak, aiming for a swift victory—
Rumble!
The aftershocks of the fierce exchange extended beyond the library. Mana shot straight to the top of the tower, emitting a brilliant light. The entire building glowed with the color of glintstone. The low-hanging dark clouds in the sky couldn't obscure the magic's splendor. Accompanied by a deafening roar, it seemed even the foundations of the Academy of Magic trembled; it was the best guiding beacon.
Roar!
Wyverns from Stormveil Castle circled above the Academy, letting out intimidating roars. There was more than one, guided by Stormhawks conducting reconnaissance. On the other side of the lake, in the direction of the ruined town, a group of Dragon Communion worshipers rode swift horses towards them. The Southern Army was about to arrive at the Academy; the time for the two locations to connect was finally at hand.
However, no one relaxed. Both the Academy faction and the Southern Army knew that the outcome of the crucial battle in the library room was still undecided. The most renowned sorcerer in the Lands Between and the newly risen demigod sorcerer were engaged in a confrontation, the consequences of which were unpredictable.
"Quite lively." Moongrum, guarding the entrance, looked up. The light of magic had already pierced through the tower and soared into the clouds. One could imagine how intense it was. Clearly, the mana pressure of the two demigods had clashed first. Who would prevail? He actually felt a hint of anticipation.
He instructed his subordinates, "Don't worry about the Southern Army's advance for now. They'll give those mages a hard time anyway. We need to prepare to clean up the battlefield." The Carian Knights stood ready. If there was a collapse here, disaster relief would be necessary.
Inside the library.
Bang! With a Comet spell, Frieren once again interrupted a chant. As expected, the cracks around the Full Moon Queen's golden barrier reached their densest; it seemed a light touch would shatter it. But at the same time, she felt a threat, as if some trap was stirring.
Her gaze flickered, and sure enough, the figure in the Snow Witch attire gradually materialized, sitting atop a thick stack of books.
"...Was I too fast, so you didn't have time to dispel the illusion space?"
"Indeed, I apologize for my slow actions. If the barrier is forcefully broken now, it might trigger an illusion battle."
As expected. Frieren had always been sensitive to potential magical attacks and had seen the trap on the Full Moon Queen. Moreover, Moongrum had mentioned earlier that their Highness was remotely dispelling it. This battle involved three demigod-level sorcerers; the stakes were quite high.
She intended to slow her offensive and stall for time. However, the enraged apprentices immediately pursued, and chanters appeared again to repair the barrier. If this continued, it would drag on indefinitely. Wouldn't it be a wasted trip and a missed strategic opportunity?
The most awkward one was Ranni. She had intended to dispel her own incantation, but Frieren had fought too quickly, almost like flowing water. So, halfway through, the barrier was already on the verge of shattering. Unexpectedly, she had become the one holding things back; the tactical arrangement had gone wrong.
Having slumbered for too long, she was out of practice even with this level of skill. Ranni thought perhaps she should be more active in the future, consider it rehabilitation before dealing with the Two Fingers. Moreover, the temporary collaborator's displayed strength was beyond expectation; perhaps they could maintain a friendly relationship for a long time. Logically and emotionally, she had indeed delayed the Soul of Cinder King's battle, which was truly regrettable.
"I've caused you some inconvenience. Rest assured, I will compensate you." She proposed, "How about I suppress the library now and dispel the illusion? If you're in a hurry, you can head to eastern Liurnia first; the Carian Knights will provide support."
"No need. Since this is a rare opportunity, let's resolve the hidden danger here. How about I defeat the Queen in the illusion, and you appease these apprentices outside?" Frieren suggested eagerly.
"You are quite magnanimous. I don't mind, but be warned, the Full Moon Queen in the illusion is very difficult to deal with."
"Mm."
"As a warrior, you probably don't like too many spoilers. Then go ahead and experience the power of the Queen at her peak, and it's mixed with some of my magic too." Ranni was actually looking forward to the outcome of this remote duel. The better one understood an ally, the more precise cooperation plans could be made, especially by knowing their combat strength. The illusion space was the best test; otherwise, it would be easy to leave the Academy in ruins. This way, it was a win-win.
Frieren, on the other hand, was also very willing. After nodding, she shattered the barrier with a single strike. Immediately, the Full Moon Queen fell to the ground, still clutching the amber, unwilling to let go, even ignoring the enemy's presence. No wonder Ranni had a backup plan; her mother's condition was indeed worrying.
Bang!
She released a harmless mana shockwave, which wouldn't truly injure the Full Moon Queen but simultaneously triggered the prepared illusion incantation. A moon-colored lake extended from beneath her feet, enveloping the area. Frieren gave a reassuring gesture and allowed the illusion to surround her, vanishing instantly. The magic briefly created a pocket dimension as a battlefield, also capable of isolating potential enemy reinforcements from the outside, equivalent to a dueling ground.
Ranni replied, "Good luck." At the same time, she felt a slightly hostile gaze. After all, that acting maiden hadn't followed her in, and she viewed this magic as her own mistake, even thinking, in the worst case, it was a trap to be wary of.
A misunderstanding was a misunderstanding; it couldn't be cleared up in a moment. She believed that as their cooperation deepened, they would come to understand each other. The immediate priority was to suppress these bewildered apprentices, who, in a sense, shared a bloodline connection. With this thought, Ranni looked towards the center of the library. It was truly a miracle.
Whether it was the esoteric art of life's creation or the sanctuary of soul healing, they both represented the pinnacle of magical technology, condensing countless amounts of knowledge. For example, these incomplete creations were now showing soul reactions. A turning point had come; perhaps they could truly normalize gradually in the future, which would also make her mother feel better.
Illusion Space.
As soon as Frieren entered, she heard Ranni's voice by her ear, seemingly intending to punish the intruder who had disturbed her mother. It must be the voice of that lingering will, which would also control the Full Moon Queen's body in battle. She saw her raise the Carian Regal Scepter, its tip glowing, unleashing streams of Glintstone Comet Shards that tracked towards her.
Thops's Forcefield perfectly repelled them, leaving her unscathed. However, the force and impact were still powerful. More importantly, the tracking performance was good, almost completely locking onto the target, making timing her movements more difficult. Absolutely solid fundamentals indicated that both mother and daughter were not flashy mages but were skilled in the art of combat.
"This will take some effort."
After a simple exchange of offense and defense, Frieren understood that this combination was terrifying, likely belonging to the top-tier mages of the Lands Between. The Astrologer's base stats weren't quite enough; after all, this was a genuine demigod level.
With this thought, the silver-haired girl re-equipped the Brass Shield, along with her chestplate and vambraces. She quickly applied Golden Vow, Vow of Vengeance, and other buffs, her aura strengthening in an instant. The next moment, the tip of her staff condensed a Soul Stream, preparing to greet her opponent.
Whoosh!
As always, the sharp and unstoppable azure beam shot forth. With her supreme proficiency, both chanting and charging were extremely brief. This move was incredibly threatening. In an instant, another torrent collided with it head-on. The two clashed unreservedly in mid-air—
Comet Azur!
Entering a full-on stationary beam struggle would sacrifice maneuverability, which was disadvantageous. Both simultaneously cut off their mana. The whistling blue streams ended, but the released aftershock was just beginning to spread. The water in the illusionary lake erupted and even vaporized. Essentially, a part of the spatial barrier was disintegrated. If Rennala and Frieren's attacks hadn't canceled each other out, the two super energies would have been enough to detonate the space.
After a round of attacks that could drain one's mana, they had to catch their breath slightly. The Full Moon Queen soared into the air to create distance while releasing Glintstone Comet Shards. Frieren leisurely sidestepped them, beginning to conserve mana. Whenever possible, she would make fewer movements and charge more. Although the exchange was brief, she could see the opponent's profound foundation; they definitely had other tricks up their sleeve. And a mage's domain was impossible to estimate; she had to maintain the maximum margin for error to cope with any sudden situations.
Her gaze locked onto her opponent. Rennala was practically spamming combos, without stopping, and showcasing different styles from the Carian and Glintstone schools, making it increasingly difficult to dodge.
"No, even for a thousand-year-old mage, the amount of mana is exaggerated. It's the effect of a Great Rune!"
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