In a fantasy world plagued by demons, monsters, and magic, Y/n, an immortal swordsman with an undying curse crosses paths with an ageless elf mage, Frieren, and her group. To find a way to rid himself of the curse, he joins them in their trip to Aur...
"So that's Äußerst, the largest magical city in the Northern Lands..." Stark marveled, his eyes wide as he took in the sprawling city before us. We stood atop a large hill in the Kühl Region, overlooking a vast lake with the city nestled at its center, connected to the mainland by an impressive bridged road. From our vantage point, the city gleamed under the sun. What started as a humble town floating on the lake had transformed into a grand city with the establishment of the Continental Magic Association.
"We still have a long way to go," Frieren noted, her eyes fixed on the distant city. "Let's hope we can hitch a ride on a carriage," she added as she began leading us down the hill, our footsteps crunching softly on the path.
"So, the plan is to stay until we complete the first-class mage exam," Frieren continued, her voice calm yet determined, "and then we'll head into the Northern Plateau,"
"I don't think there's any particular reason I have to get certified. I won't be able to use it for long, anyway. You should take the test, Fern," Frieren remarked, glancing over at Fern.
Fern sighed, her expression tinged with frustration. "You really don't know this stuff, do you? Not just anyone can pass. Of all the skilled mages out there, only a fraction ever reached the rank of first-class. I certainly couldn't do it,"
"Not with that attitude, Fern," I said with a grin.
Stark, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "I meant to ask this before, but why do we have to be accompanied by a crazy powerful mage to enter the Northern Plateau?"
"To increase the chances of survival. That area is known for having an abundance of magic-wielding monsters. There was a time where you couldn't even imagine to cross into the Plateau," the elf explained.
"I remember a time when we didn't need a high-class mage to go through the Northern Plateau," I sighed.
"Yeah, yeah...." Stark retorted. "Gramps.." he grew a small smug grin.
"You best remember who's stronger, Stark," I countered with a smile.
As we continued our trek, my mind wandered back to the last couple of months and the bond that had slowly but surely grown between Frieren and I. I thought of the little moments we shared, each one more precious than the last. The memory of her standing by the fireplace, presenting me with the staff she'd chosen-carefully wrapped in red silk-flickered in my thoughts. Her expression was a delicate mix of shyness and worry, as if she were unsure whether I'd treasure it.
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(This image was commissioned by me and drawn by my friend.)
It was sweet, and it touched me deeply that she would go out of her way for something so thoughtful.
Then there was the time in the Offen Mountains. I remembered how she had fallen ill, her usual strength replaced by a vulnerability I'd never seen before. Without thinking, I had reached out and took her hand, feeling the coldness of her skin seep into mine. It was a small gesture, but it meant more than words could capture. The conversation we had stayed with me-the way she asked about love, hesitant and curious. I hadn't expected her to want to understand it, but I was glad she did. Talking about my past with Liebe, sharing those intimate fragments of my heart, felt strangely right.
