Frilian at Elden Ring

The short journey through the fortress was almost equivalent to the magic I had collected before, and it was practically free. No wonder it is the temple with the most magic in the world.

Frilian sensed the runes flowing into her body after the dragon's death and was certain that her growth in Lake Lienia would be a leap forward.

"You are a genius. Very few people can use magic as soon as they learn it."

"After all, I've seen all sorts of different magic, so I can draw inferences from one instance to another."

"It's easier said than done..."

Melina, with her fading magical talent, was used to such things and had more confidence in Melina's supposed research into the secrets of life's creation; it was likely to work. After all, besides her, there probably wasn't a normal demigod mage to be found in the entire border region; she was irreplaceable.

At the same time, Frilian found the key on the corpse. It was heavy in her hand and covered with traces of barrier magic.

correct.

Anyone who has seen the seal at the entrance of the magic academy knows that there is a connection between the two, and it can definitely be opened.

"Should we investigate the surrounding area first?"

"Yes."

The silver-haired girl gazed into the distance. "And I've sensed it ever since the sun went down. There's an aura of death on the east side of the academy. It might be contaminated and produce undead beings. We can't ignore it."

The two exchanged a glance and nodded, then set off. After all, these monsters were a common threat that the entire border region had to face, and they should be eliminated if they encountered them.

……

At the academy's main gate, a large number of Cuckoo Knights gathered, their iron hooves pounding through the water plants, banners fluttering, and the air filled with the clatter of metal armor.

They came at the invitation, ready to fight together against the menacing Southern army.

The extra manpower was used to build fortifications on the spot, surrounding the gate defenses in layers, leaving no gaps.

The academy's approach is to relinquish control over its surroundings.

The focus should be on tightening defenses, especially creating as many magical barriers as possible. After all, they know all too well the destructive power a demigod mage can unleash; setting up large-scale formations would be suicidal. They need to create layers upon layers of buffer zones.

The leader of the Cuckoo Knights dismounted and said coldly, "I don't understand why you've gotten into this mess, provoking a newly crowned Fragment King so early on."

The mages were momentarily embarrassed.

Finally, Aiken said quietly, "Don't rush to blame us; the Cuckoo Knight won't escape either."

According to reports from spies who have been observing the city of Kalia for years, the Soul King, who has always acted openly and honestly, has most likely made contact with the royal family. Since there was no war, it can be assumed that an agreement has been reached.

Besides, even a fool could see that the quasi-king and the divine beings had a basis for cooperation.

Now King Nymgford had a series of reasons to deal with these usurpers: to reclaim his teacher's sect status, to seize the Great Rune, to conquer Lake Lienia, and to avenge his future partner.

Since it will definitely not end peacefully, there is only one battle left, and we must hold on firmly.

"You won't be able to hold out for long. Your opponent is a demigod, and sooner or later he will be able to break through the magic academy's defenses."

"Will not."

"What strategies are left now?"

The leader of the Cuckoo Knights was suddenly greeted by a Night Rider who leisurely rode his warhorse across the defensive line. Although he was alone, his heroic and powerful aura was intimidating, and the scene fell silent.

He didn't need to introduce himself; the entire border region knew that the evil omen demon's subordinate, Wang Cheng, was the king's representative.

"The Blessed King's army has already assembled outside the elevator and can rush to the aid of Lake Lienia if necessary, provided you agree to open the magic defense."

"Aren't you facing off against the Southern Army on the east side? You can't spare any resources, can you?"

"They're just a rabble from the south. Apart from Frilian and the Farran Undead Legion, no one can stop us. If necessary, we can annihilate the army of Nymgford at any time. Once we leave Stoneville, they pose no threat."

"..."

The Night Rider's straightforward words struck a chord deep within.

No one would underestimate the strength of the royal city. The legions of the Great Tree Guardians, the Knights of the Golden Tree Faith, the Knights of the Ancient Dragon Faith, the Perfumer, the Sons of the Omen, the Forge Knights, the Gargoyles, and so on are too numerous to count, enough to overwhelm a demigod.

If it weren't for the fact that the core of Rodel's forces was too solid, possessing countless heroes and not giving the demigods any opportunity to create gaps in combat power, they would have fallen long ago.

Now, the Blessed Ones have chosen to send a portion of their forces to suppress the Southern Army and have also extended an olive branch to the Magic Academy.

Should they accept it?

Admittedly, the offer is very tempting, but wouldn't it be like inviting a wolf into the house?

The Cuckoo Knight is all too familiar with the trick of usurping someone else's place.

This was practically their specialty, allowing them to establish a foothold in the Lake Lienia region and become a military force to be reckoned with.

Although it lacks a strong core fighting force, the sheer size, wide distribution, and extensive infiltration of this area make even the Night Cavalry think twice; it is no less formidable than the core area of ​​the Yatan Plateau.

Aiken and the Knight Commander exchanged a glance.

He said quietly, "How can you be sure that the King of Blessings' army didn't conquer the academy along with it?"

"If that lord had wanted to, he would have leveled the lake area long ago."

"Don't talk to me like that. Ultimately, we have no reason to put you in the defensive barrier. You can fight the Stoneville City army on the eastern highlands. Defeating them will be the same as ending things for the academy."

"Correct."

The Cuckoo Riders also expressed their support, saying that since they had already boarded the bus and secured their positions, how could they leave any openings for those who came later?

The Night Rider shook his head regretfully.

A bunch of cowards who don't believe the promises of the Golden Dynasty are clearly treacherous and judge others by their own standards. Are we going to let such people hinder the restoration of the border region?

In comparison, Frillie was far better, but unfortunately, that wasn't something he should be considering.

Could you please explain the source of your vigilance?

"I see you're an honest man, and you should be able to pass on a message to the Prince of Blessing, so I'll speak frankly..."

Aiken said seriously, "The worst-case scenario is that we will be conquered. Many of us have died, but the academy will still exist, or even become the king's supporters. After all, Frilian is clearly ambitious for that position, and more and more people are surrounding her."

"Everyone knows that investing in her has a future. She is a fragment king who is dedicated to repairing the world and has announced her goal to the world openly and aboveboard."

“I’m not trying to slander the King of Blessing, but he’s too mysterious and has no ambition to become king. How can we feel at ease?”

Showdown.

There are too many factors of distrust.

It's a very simple principle: we follow a king so that we can be rewarded for our contributions later, sharing in the glory. What's the benefit of following someone who clearly doesn't want to be king? Waiting for the inevitable victor to settle scores? That's foolish.

Previously, there was no choice, and everyone gave King Cifu face because he controlled the capital. Now it's different; the second option has caused unrest among the people.

"Hey, what's the point of you not answering? Why doesn't the Blessed King sit on the throne?"

"This is not something you should know."

The Night Riders turned and left, giving a final instruction: "We will coordinate with you on the east side to attack the Southern Army from both sides."

Those academy members who remained behind either mocked, worried, or smugly accepted the situation, but none cared what would happen to the Blessed King. "Although your power is great," they reasoned, "you're not destined to be king, and you'll never be an investment target, so I won't even bother considering you."

After seeing off the Night Cavalry's rear guard captain Henry, he sneered, "You academics never intended to end up with bloodshed, did you?"

"of course."

"I almost believed that nonsense about holding out to the death."

Aiken laughed. "To put it bluntly, the current ruling faction in the academy isn't the type to stand firm. What are we supposed to protect? There are only four armies left in the world that still have the power to fight for protection."

"You mean the Royal City Army, the Southern Army, the Red Lion Army, and the Sacred Tree Army?"

Therefore, what they actually hoped for most was a bloodbath in eastern Lienia, where a defeated Frilian would have to offer more favorable terms, and the indecisive Blessed King would be unable to get his hands on the Lakelands, thus achieving the best of both worlds.

The area around the academy gates was bustling with activity as mages and warriors alike worked to build layers of defense.

It's simply a matter of making the attackers pay a price so that we can raise the price. In any case, no matter which foreign conqueror comes, the academy will still stand.

……

East of Lienia, around the elevator.

The Night Cavalry, who had rushed back without stopping, charged straight in. The armies on both sides parted to make way for them. There stood the Tree Guardians, Gargoyles, Night Cavalry, and a large number of regular soldiers, numbering as many as 20,000, a vast and boundless army.

If we include the lowly beings like mountain demons and zombies who are simply laborers, their numbers would double.

He was curious how the army cobbled together by Nymgf could possibly fight.

Back then, even the demigods had to launch a royal alliance to attack the capital, only to be defeated. Now, even without the protection of the city walls, their field combat strength is the strongest in the world, and they cannot be challenged.

He drove deeper into the enemy lines, and at the end, near the elevator, he found military camps. He dismounted and stepped into the most luxurious main tent.

Markitt, seated at the head of the table, was looking through documents.

The guards on the flanks were mainly trusted Night Riders, while the other Rhodes Knights kept their distance.

Pity.

Ultimately, it was only through the so-called Blessed King's order that the troops were barely mobilized, coupled with the prestige gained by the evil spirits; otherwise, don't expect the royal army to obey orders.

They have boundless motivation to defend the city.

Offensive tactics are barely feasible, but what they lack most is an absolute core commander.

At most, the Royal Army and a Child of Evil will actively defend and attack to the elevator area. Going further ahead will be dangerous, and we are unwilling to give such great trust to Malkit as a blasphemous being.

"Report, we have received a reply from the college..."

Upon hearing this, Malkitt showed a worried expression, especially when he relayed the other party's hints that he should become king. He felt even more regretful, thinking that being a guardian was enough for him and that he should not continue to overstep his bounds.

He gazed south, where Stormhawks, the eyes and ears of the Southern Army, flew overhead from time to time.

A standoff?

In reality, the two sides engaged in small-scale skirmishes at most with scouts. It is likely that Frillian ordered them to advance only to the area below Stoneville, without even leaving the city walls' firing range. Therefore, their only objective was to contain the enemy.

The Royal City Army was not allowed to easily set foot in the Lake of Lienia region, thus buying time for the Soul King to act alone.

Markitt asked, "Do you think the magic academy can hold out?"

"Definitely. Even the most powerful Golden Army and His Majesty Radagan couldn't conquer it after a long siege, which shows how strong the Academy's defenses are."

"It will take at least a long time."

"Furthermore, I don't think that given Frilian's personality, she would resort to an aggressive, destructive attack; she would only go slower."

Opinions varied, and perspectives differed, but all agreed that the magic academy wouldn't fall so quickly. A newly ascended demigod, with its limited resources and combat power, couldn't possibly conquer it, let alone the numerous natural barriers of the lake region.

If that place were truly easy to conquer, both sides would have already dispatched large armies. It's not because of the rampant powerful creatures, the numerous ruins, and the overflowing lakes that it's so dangerous...