Frilian at Elden Ring

"The first change is that we are constantly attacking, even going to Galid to help the Red Lions eliminate the corrupt creatures."

Opinions varied, and the final answer awaited from Hyde:

“The strategic positioning is different now. In the past, Stoneville City was often used as a front-line fortress, and only then were the city walls useful. Now it doesn’t matter much, and its function is no longer limited to just one area.”

"Haven't you realized yet? Before His Majesty occupied the royal city, the real capital was right beneath our feet."

"So we changed our approach, strengthening mining, agriculture, and engineering here, and preparing large quantities of materials for any eventuality. Understand?"

"As ordered!"

It must be admitted that Hyde's words hit the nail on the head: it became a capital city.

Therefore, its military role was not so prominent, and it was even quite different from the Storm King's reign in the past. This is because he did not then rule over the three lands of the Weeping Peninsula, Ningmgford, and Lienia.

Moreover, connections between different regions were not as close as during Frilian's time. In other words, many new functions were assigned by the current structure, but they had to adapt.

The nobles present took a deep breath, their faces serious. Indeed, this trend would not stop; their burdens were heavier, and many problems would be difficulties they had never faced before.

But so what? It will only get stronger.

If their abilities continue to improve and keep pace with Frilian's expanding influence, their power will only increase accordingly.

Being loyal to the king is one thing, but keeping up with his pace is also very important; one must be determined.

After looking around, Hyde nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. Recognizing this, we can focus more on supplying resources to the front lines. The real bridgehead is now the Magic Academy. In the future, we will actually be safer."

"And I'm sure Galid will also come under His Majesty's rule, then Stoneville will truly be the center surrounded by three places."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up with anticipation.

"However, Crimson Corruption is very difficult to deal with."

“That’s right, so we need to move the research results from this magic laboratory over.”

Hyde produced a secret letter: "His Majesty has ordered us to relocate some of the mage personnel."

"I see. Whether it's concentrating resources or sending apprentices for further training, that's the best choice."

"Let's get moving. Don't keep them waiting too long. From now on, Stoneville City needs to be efficient and act like a true super capital."

"Yes."

The vision that Hyde painted today is enough to keep everyone here so excited they can't sleep.

……

The magic workshop inside Stoneville City.

For safety reasons, this place is partially buried underground and protected by layers of barriers set up by Frilian, so the light is dim and various lighting magic is required.

This was no problem for the apprentices, who busied themselves with tasks and discussed their new findings. Even without the leaders, Frilian and Seren, they maintained their enthusiasm.

"We've taken another step forward; we can now suppress the suffering of the zombies."

"Yes, once the pain is suppressed, reason will return."

"Unfortunately, we can only do simple work, and we are not capable of reversing the zombification process. They need to go to the academy for treatment."

"That ability must be unique to Her Majesty Frilian. No wonder she is called the Soul King."

"Ugh……"

Despite their best efforts, true soul healing remains unique and difficult to replicate. The more they study it, the more they discover that it is based on a complete magical system, profound understanding, and, most importantly, talent.

Throughout history, Frilian's talent has been considered top-notch. As a faded being, she has already made a name for herself outside the borderlands, and her basic skills are something that these apprentices do not possess.

However, everyone has other topics to cover.

For example, Professor Tops' research on rebound fields has now become a popular field of study in Stoneville.

I spend all day writing and drawing on the blackboard and chatting idly, but in reality, I've been guiding many students who aren't very talented, and even helping many warriors master the basics of force fields.

He no longer needed to worry about the infighting in the academy; he could focus solely on his research.

The apprentices looked at the bald man in the corner of the workshop who was circling the blackboard. Even with his stubble, it didn't affect his concentration. He often worked day and night without eating or sleeping.

Tops is satisfied with the status quo; as long as he can conduct research, that's enough.

Not to mention that many people call themselves teachers, and their achievements are highly regarded. Isn't that better than being mistreated in academia?

Even so, he still wanted to go back and see...

click!

The broken piece of chalk in his hand interrupted his thoughts. Tops turned to his head and said, "Don't be so ambitious. Soul magic has reached its limit in suppressing the suffering of the undead. Every step forward is a matter of talent."

"Indeed."

"Take a closer look at the rebound field; it should at least allow you to survive a little longer against a typical mage."

"Professor, you are also talented, you don't know that, do you? It's thanks to the fact that many soldiers know this kind of magic with low mana requirements that they were able to save their lives in the Battle of the Church of Bonds."

The members of the Southern Army would try to learn the Tops Force Field whenever they exerted a little effort. Although there were various limitations and constraints, it was at least another means of fighting the enemy.

Especially when facing the royal army, who are proficient in all kinds of magic and prayer.

"Wait, what did you say?"

Suddenly, Tops stared in disbelief: "What? The Battle of the Church of Bonds? What happened?"

"what?"

"Has His Majesty attacked the magic academy?!"

The apprentices couldn't help but laugh; it turned out that the professor, who never left his house, hadn't been paying any attention to major events.

After a long explanation, everyone told him about the situation that had been going on for some time, including but not limited to the conflict in front of the academy, the cooperation between the Moon Princess and the Soul King, the defeat of the Full Moon Queen, the second defeat of Malkit, and a series of other events... collectively known as the Second Lienia War.

After Radagan led the Golden Army south and established a glorious dynasty, war broke out again in the Lake Lands, ending in a swift victory for Frilian.

They recounted the victory with great pride and enthusiasm, for it was a great victory achieved by the main force of the South, a place that had been considered a remote and impoverished backwater by your royal city of Rodel. Now they could finally hold their heads high.

Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, Tops scratched his head, his brow furrowed, as if images of a battlefield were flashing through his mind.

"What are the college's losses?"

"Don't worry, they suffered few losses because of the swift victory. However, His Majesty and Professor Seren have eliminated many traitors, who are a destabilizing factor."

"I have to go back no matter what."

"Just in time, Lord Hyde conveyed His Majesty's order: the magic workshop will be moved to the academy. Judging by the time of day, it should be time to set off."

Upon learning of this dramatic change, Tops couldn't sit still; he had to see what had happened to his homeland. He couldn't imagine the devastation a powerful mage like Frilian could cause. He hoped the academy was at least partially intact; he didn't expect much else.

Soon the escorting soldiers were reorganized and began moving supplies with the apprentices.

The so-called relocation is done in batches. Some of the better performers will go to the college for further studies first, where the resources and teachers are undoubtedly top-notch.

Yeah.

Although Tops had been ostracized, they still acknowledged their worth. Now that Her Majesty was in charge, they were certainly better than before when academic cliques held sway; otherwise, she wouldn't have ordered their arrival.

After all, it's common knowledge that this laboratory is Frilian's precious treasure.

Not far away, Hyde called out loudly, "Hey, Professor Tops, remember to put in a good word for me when you see His Majesty."

The nobles were not without regrets. They even moved their workshops there, which showed that he would not be returning anytime soon and would likely be stationed at the front lines of the magic academy for quite some time.

The group prepared to set off in a grand procession.

Only then did he come to his senses and observe the interior of Stoneville, which had been completely transformed. The bricks and stones on the ground had been repaired, all the pits and craters in the city walls had disappeared, the fortifications were now much stronger, and flying dragons circled around and patrolled from time to time.

The streets of the city were bustling with people, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares filled the air, making it feel like a market.

Looking out of the city gates, one can see that the hillsides surrounding Stoneville are already filled with houses, taverns, stables, and other facilities...

A city and town have likely formed a complex on Storm Hill, and how many people, like myself, have come here drawn by its reputation? Or perhaps they are people who have recovered from the zombie state? Did they bring life?

"vitality?"

Tops muttered to himself, “Actually, Lake Lienia is quite lively, but it’s full of wild beasts and monsters, and people can only stay at home.”

The South was among the first to experience a bustling scene of recovery.

This was brought by Frilian; even she would find it unbelievable if she came back and saw it.

The fact that the borderlands generally support the King has an underlying logic. His military power, with just a little protection, can rouse the tenacious people. Not to mention that the Soul King also repaired the undead disaster after the magic ring was broken and suppressed the Deadborn and the Madfire.

Even without these three things, the remaining monsters are not a problem; the Southern Army is already capable of handling them.

"I hope Lienia will see this day soon."

At the same time, Tops heard the students calling out to him, and knew he had to hurry to the academy as soon as possible.

It's been a long time.

The only thing that made him nervous was probably how to face it.

……

Lienia Avenue.

From Storm Hills, descend to the highlands east of the lake, where an ancient, paved road stretches towards the Magic Academy.

Although a long time has passed, it remains sturdy and reliable, enabling carriages to travel quickly.

The laboratory members and guards formed a large procession along the main road, with Stormhawks circling overhead, ready to pounce on any potential enemies. Even under Freyrenton's rule, it didn't mean there were no monsters to bother them.

The cleaning work is far from over.

Suddenly Tops smelled something burning and muttered, "Could there be a forest fire?"

"It was our people who cleaned up the battlefield. Some of the equipment that couldn't be taken away and was severely damaged was burned on the spot. Look."

Following the direction a guard was pointing, there was clearly a small squad.

The two sides greeted each other with smiles, which in a sense meant they had already reunited, because the presence of these soldiers meant they were within the military radiation range of the magic academy, giving them a strong sense of security.

"After the war?"

Looking around, Tops noticed the fresh scent of grass and soil, but it hadn't rained. Looking at the numerous deep pits, he knew the ground had been turned over.

The literal meaning of "completely turned upside down" still leaves one trembling with fear despite the lingering magic.

"His Majesty was the one who met the royal army in that area ahead. I was fortunate enough to witness it. It was truly dark and gloomy, with thunder rumbling at every turn. I couldn't see the front line from behind the army formation, but I could feel the ground shaking."

The surviving soldiers recalled with pride: