“…I see.”
 
Frieren felt a tiny bit regretful, but partings were always abrupt, no matter who it was. This time was no different. And it wasn’t as if this was a final goodbye in this lifetime. It was just a different place to get off the carriage.
 
So they would meet again.
 
Frieren swallowed down the various emotions swirling in her chest.
 
“Well, I can’t stop you then.”
 
Himmel gave a gentle, faint smile.
 
“Hey, Frieren. Sleeping was fine, but having a silly conversation wasn’t so bad either, was it?”
 
“Yeah, it … Read the rest

“Mmm… five more years…”
 
“That’s way too much sleep,”
 
“Haha, Frieren’s morning grumpiness is as bad as ever, I see.”
 
“Even bears in hibernation don’t sleep as much as you.”
 
Lively voices reached her ears.
 
Reluctantly, Frieren decided to get up.
 
The familiar faces of the three were looking at her. Next to Frieren was a bespectacled priest who had his hair slicked back. And sitting diagonally in front was a gruff-looking dwarf in a heavy helmet – Heiter and Eisen, the members of the Hero’s party. They were all crammed into the carriage, making it feel quite cramped.
 
“Good … Read the rest

“…That’s underhanded.”
 
“That’s why I won,”
 
Flamme says shamelessly.
 
“What would you have done if I hadn’t saved you?”
 
“I could have managed that height on my own. Your downfall was losing your composure in the face of an unexpected event and underestimating my true abilities.”
 
Frieren is left speechless.
 
It’s a despicable fighting method. But the more despicable, the more effective. That’s something Frieren has learned all too well from observing Flamme’s lifetime of deceiving the demon race.
 
Will the day come when I can defeat this person? While thinking about that, … Read the rest

Chapter 5: Sousou
 

A horse-drawn carriage was slowly making its way down the endless road.
 
This was not the kind of carriage used by farmers or peddlers, but one meant to transport people. The box-shaped passenger compartment had seating for four, with two people facing each other. It was not overly spacious, but still a luxurious mode of travel.
 
Currently, there were two passengers –
 
an elf with silver hair, and an elderly woman.
 
The two sat across from each other, silently gazing out the window. Outside, a lush green meadow stretched out. The tall grass and plants were … Read the rest

 
“If we could understand each other, humans and demons wouldn’t have been fighting for a thousand years.”
 
“But the war is over now.”
 
“And you lost your sight when the village was attacked.”
 
“Maybe the demons have their own circumstances, too.”
 
“Circumstances?”
 
“I don’t know, but…”
 
Vil looks down, lacking confidence.
 
Aura found it strange. It sounded like Vil wanted to coexist with the demons. Even after having his village attacked, his comrades killed, and his sight taken.
 
“Aren’t you angry at the demons?”
 
“I am… angry, I think. But … Read the rest

“ …… With all due respect “
 
Draht stared intently at Lugner. He had the arrogant gaze characteristic of a young, powerful demon.
 
“I don’t understand why you are following Lady Aura. Even if she’s one of the Seven Sages, if she can’t fight, she have no dignity. If you’re afraid of retaliation for defecting, you should just kill her when you get the chance. With the Demon King dead, there’s no one left to punish you.”
 
Lugner smiled.
 
“That’s a very demonic opinion.”
 
Draht, taking Lugner’s response as positive, happily raised the corners of … Read the rest

“‘Do something’ you say…”
 
“Don’t forget your role as the executioner.”
 
Aura’s attitude was one of complete indifference, as if leaving it all to someone else. Perhaps it was because Aura’s mastered magic was [Spell of Obedience], or perhaps it was just her natural disposition. Although Lugner maintained a calm expression, he was inwardly conflicted. He knew that a violent solution was the quickest way, but now was not the time for that.
 
“…Forgive me, but with our current forces, I’m not confident we can repel them. We should retreat.”
 
“You want me to retreat again … Read the rest

Aura gazes intently at the elf with silver hair tied in twin braids.
 
The elf’s magic is remarkably refined. Elves are said to live far longer than even demons. Likely, they have dedicated long years to honing their skills. However, the raw magical power itself is not that impressive. As long as Aura has the Spell of Obedience, the elf is no threat.
 
The elf speaks up fearlessly, facing the undead army.
 
“Aura of the Guillotine, turn back now.”
 
“And if I refuse?”
 
The elf aims the tip of their staff at Aura.
 
The … Read the rest

Chapter 4 – The Wandering Scales
 

 
“Hmm, so another hero has been born, has he?”
 
“Yes, Lady Aura,”
 
the young-looking demon replied, to which Aura narrowed her eyes as she reclined deeply into her throne.
 
Despite it being daytime, the king’s chamber was dimly lit. The walls were blackened, and cobwebs hung from the ceiling. However, Aura’s throne was meticulously maintained, as if to ostentatiously display its power.
 
Deep within the forests of the northern kingdoms stood this ancient castle.
 
It was once owned by humans, but now it has been occupied by Aura’s demonic forces, becoming a stronghold … Read the rest

 
The unconscious Louisa was hidden in the bushes to keep her safe from monsters.
 
There was about an hour left until the end of the test at sunset. The sky in the west was tinged with crimson, and the temperature was beginning to drop.
 
Kanne still hadn’t cleared the task. In addition to whether she could defeat the monster, whether she could encounter the monster within the time limit was also a concern. That’s why Lawine and Kanne were hurrying to search for the monster. The setting sun was shining on their backs.
 
“I’m thirsty… Lawine, … Read the rest