Frilian at Elden Ring

Should we send troops to harass them?

"There's no need. Sending too few won't be effective, and sending too many will only invite a siege."

Currently, all sides are in an awkward position: they have enough defense but not enough offense. This can easily lead to a stalemate, and the Confederate army, which holds the fortress of Stoneville, is indeed difficult to deal with.

In the past, they were too weak, so they could easily suppress the Faded Ones by sending a few Night Riders. But now that they have a base of operations, things are different.

"The most urgent task is to send troops to the elevator, the more the better, to block the main road leading to the Yatan Plateau."

Montgomery has made a relatively safe deployment so far; the rest will depend on observation.

"Actually, I still suggest taking the initiative to send troops. You may not know this, but Stoneville City is currently constantly taking in mild zombies, demi-humans, hybrids, dragons, and the like. It seems they have a way to stabilize them. If this continues, they will definitely create a super army. Even if I don't have an advantage in weapons and equipment, it will be very difficult... and there is also the most important point."

"The prestige of Soulfire Queen Frilian is growing in the South, with responses coming from all over. Even the Faded Ones are in close contact with her, where she has replaced the Golden Dynasty."

"Just like the first king."

To say such things would be considered blasphemous, but Montgomery was not one to hold grudges and saw the crisis. The Stoneville regime, which was initially thought to be on the verge of collapse, instead stood firm, grew stronger, and advanced rapidly.

The Golden Dynasty can no longer intervene.

If this continues, the South will become completely untamable. Even if Frilian is defeated, she will still face a group of traitors and rebels harassing her.

History has repeatedly proven that they are not lacking in rebellious spirit; upon closer examination, their record is truly remarkable.

During the Golden Conquest, it became the last tough nut to crack, forcing Gofulei to personally lead the Forge Knights to take action, which shows great respect.

During the War of Shattering, it was the local lord Gofia who raised the banner of rebellion.

A thousand years have passed since then. As the Golden Dynasty weakened and teetered on the brink of collapse, a storm once again swept through the Nymgford region, where forces rallied under the banner of an ambitious Faded One, eager to rise again.

That's backbone.

When the world is at peace, you resist to the very end. When the world is in chaos, you are the first to jump out and attack the capital.

Montgomery didn't want to say things like "bad people come from poor and remote areas," as that would be too arbitrary. But shouldn't you reflect on the repeated provocations the South has given to the Golden Dynasty?

That's why many people are furious.

“I’ve thought it all through. For now, we’ll focus on defense… but we can send more Night Riders to harass the enemy. Also, we should try to win over the Magic Academy and contact the Cuckoo Knights there to secure the northward route through Lake Lienia.”

That's all he can do for now; it's Frilian's turn to play chess next.

……

Kalia Castle.

On the high ground at the edge of the great lake, lush greenery and swaying trees create a rustling sound as the wind blows, making the ruins at the end appear and disappear.

Blazer returned to report at breakneck speed, traveling from the Nymgford region all the way to the corner of the Great Lake, the former residence of the Kalia royal family, now in ruins.

The dilapidated state here is also a disguise; few people know that the Moon Princess still sleeps here.

He looked around; nothing had changed since he set out. In this border region, the unchanging nature of things was the most important thing, and that was normal. In contrast, the rapidly changing situation in Nymgford felt somewhat out of place; it seemed unpredictable and treacherous.

"Finally back home, it's much more peaceful here."

Blazer couldn't say whether the changes in Stoneville were good or bad; he just felt uncomfortable and inexplicably uneasy about the drastic changes.

However, he knew the new fragment king's character and knew he wouldn't easily cause trouble.

"What a big change..."

The Fragment Kings are beings capable of shaking the world, and Frilian, before possessing the Great Rune, had already shaken the stagnant order. The power she possessed was unimaginable for someone who was once a naive and faded being.

A large craftsman was hammering away nearby. He caught sight of Blaze and immediately greeted him, "You're back. So, the Hound Rider is dead?"

Blacksmith Igi is one of the Moon Princess's confidants and can be considered a strategist.

Seeing his colleague nod, he could only sigh. Oh well, it was all the price he paid for fighting against the two fingers.

"Is there anything I need to do while I'm away?"

"As always, some people are hoping that Lady Lani will become the head of the Kalia royal family, while we continue to strengthen our defenses and be on guard against attacks. It's all the same old rhetoric, day after day, year after year."

"Things have changed on my end, you've probably heard about it, right?"

“Yes, the hottest topic in the border region right now is the new Fragment King. I heard His Highness mention before that he would fulfill his promise regarding the Summoning Bell. I never expected that in the blink of an eye, that newcomer has become a very popular figure and will definitely gain the approval of the two fingers of the Round Table Hall.”

Blazer murmured, "With Frilian's eyesight and intelligence, she should be able to notice the abnormality of the two fingers. We have common interests."

"Not even close."

Iggy didn't believe there was any basis for cooperation at the moment, and he was wary of the demigod he didn't know—who knew what kind of person he was?

He gestured to his companion to continue forward; judging by the timing, it should be Lani's awakening phase, a good opportunity to discuss the new situation. Seeing this, Blazer continued his rapid march, heading straight ahead.

As I was pondering this, I arrived at Lani's Mage Tower, where a masked mage was coming towards me.

Servis, who had a penchant for dolls and cunning schemes, was greeted by his colleague with a nod: "I heard you worked with that rising star, the new king. How is she?"

"A strong person with a heart to save lives."

"I have indeed heard some news about soul magic, that it can even cure the living dead, it's unbelievable..."

He kept repeating it, both in disbelief and trying to figure out the specific principle behind it.

"I'll go up first."

Blazer knew very well that Servis was always sarcastic and never said anything nice, so he didn't bother to talk to him much and simply went straight up to the top floor of the mage tower, where a large number of thick books were piled up in the room.

In the very center is a chair, and a snow-white, long-armed blue four-armed doll awakens from its slumber.

"Welcome back, Blaze, your mission is complete."

"I have accomplished my mission, but I have some urgent matters to report... You should have guessed it, it concerns Nymgford."

"Go ahead."

He recounted a series of events in detail, including his first meeting with Frillie, the attack on the Hound Riders, and the fall of Stoneville, ensuring objectivity and meticulousness, and presenting a rigorous logical account, which was corroborated by Blazer's investigation.

For example, there should be a spirit witch who has been with Frillie since the beginning, providing help such as attribute enhancement, guidance and advice. This person is very mysterious and has not appeared.

And soul magic is feasible, because he observed many healed individuals and they performed well.

Out of meticulousness, Blaze even submitted some observational data, some of which was mentioned in a letter from Frilian. Now that she knew the Moon Princess was behind it all, she could have shown goodwill.

A demigod mage naturally has the potential to have research partners, and knowledge should be shared and spread.

"In short, it's not just Lady Frilian's own strength that's formidable, but also the fact that her magic is being taught far and wide. It's said that she's already started teaching in the castle, and she's truly dedicated to saving lives in the border regions. I estimate that the South will soon unite with an unprecedented level of organization, more closely than during the Golden Dynasty or the Storm King era, and the resources they can mobilize will be immeasurable."

Judging by actions, not intentions, is what matters.

I made no attempt to hide the fact that it was an experiment, yet everyone was still incredibly grateful.

Hearing this, Lani nodded, and after a moment of contemplation, she slowly spoke:

"To be honest, I didn't expect things to turn out this way when I sent out the Summoning Bell. She acted too quickly. I could tell that Frilian was quite powerful at the time, but I didn't expect her to defeat both Malkit and Grek in succession. Now the South is the territory of the Faded Ones."

"Your Highness, should we continue to be on good terms with her? Perhaps there are opportunities for cooperation. I don't think she's someone who would be afraid of Twofinger."

"If we can meet again."

Lani had already seen the silent shifts of fate; the seemingly stagnant situation was loosening, swaying in the face of power.

Yeah.

Although Blazer felt that his boss wasn't very enthusiastic about making friends and that their relationship wasn't deep, he had a feeling that they would connect again, which he considered a kind of fate.

"The stars are undergoing a new change; perhaps the Battle Festival is about to begin. Blaze, go to Gailid; you might run into Frilian."

"Could she defeat General Shattered Star?"

Even with all the praise just now, it doesn't change his opinion that the strongest is still Ratahn. Regardless of whether he is infected with the Crimson Corruption, the state of the final battle of the strong is no less impressive, at least at that moment he will be at his peak.

The newcomer, Faded Beauty, is likely to lose in a head-on clash with General Shattered Star.

Victory or defeat is not the point of discussion; what matters is life or death. Without her rule, the South will immediately descend into chaos.

“I’m not sure, but you can set off now. The Faded Ones will collect the Great Runes anyway, and geographically speaking, it’s best to keep the Nymgford region connected to Galid to ensure its safety.”

Lani gazed at the southernmost point, where the old scenery had been swept away and a fresh breeze was blowing.

Although she couldn't predict the specifics, she was certain that the changes brought about by Frilian were still unfolding, and perhaps the long-sealed stars were about to experience a new turning point, which was something to look forward to.

Blazer nodded. In any case, the matter of General Shattered Star had to be resolved, otherwise they would not be able to go to the Eternal City to find the Hunter Finger Blade.

This plan is interconnected and cannot be ignored.

……

The deepest part of the volcano's official residence.

A colossal serpent, with a human face growing from its torso, coiled itself on the boiling lava. Skeletons and corpses littered the surrounding area, serving as its sustenance. It would devour them at the slightest whim, leaving the land almost devoid of life.

King Lakad of the Fragments was unusually lucid today, as his long-lost friend Bernal was visiting.

Even though he had been greatly corrupted by the giant serpent, he still possessed the ability to think, at least enough to assess the new situation. He couldn't help but burst into laughter upon hearing of the ominous demon's defeat.

"Good, at least that filthy son of ominous signs has finally experienced the power."

In the past, Markit led the royal forces in a counterattack to the foot of the Volcano Mansion, almost breaking through layers of defenses and invading. His own foundation was almost burned to the ground, and it has not been fully recovered even now.

"But this means we need to be extra careful with her."

“Your reminder is correct, Bernal. We should try to recruit her as a Herrscher.”

"It's difficult. In fact, in my opinion, a true hero faded has emerged, closer than ever to the Elden Ring, and she has a close relationship with the Round Table."

“It’s okay. We all know that as long as we follow the path planned by the two fingers, we will eventually pay the price, and the price will be a wake-up call.”

"you're right."

Having said all that, the great serpent Raccard returned to hibernation.

Little did Bernal know that he was wondering if his magical soul magic would be enough to suppress the serpent's nature, or at least destroy its raging soul while preserving its current form... But that would have to wait, as the journey from Ningmgford to the volcanic region was still quite long.

The Volcano Palace should act more proactively, for the death knell of the Golden Dynasty has already tolled.

……

Seren set off in a hurry.

Since staying in the basement magic workshop was fruitless and the Origin School Master was nowhere to be found, it was better to find a safe place to stay.

"Disciple, I'm afraid I have to bother you for a moment."

Emerging from the sealed ruins, she saw the bright sunlight and noticed a reduction in the previously pervasive pollution in the air. She encountered few undead along the way, and many of them showed signs of healing.