[Sinseki Era — Year -21]
[Central Lands · Outskirts of Strahl, the Holy Capital]
After parting ways with Mut in the small town, only three remained in the carriage heading toward Strahl.
Gut sat beside his master, occasionally asking Serie questions from the magic tome in his hands. Meanwhile, Himmel leaned against the other side of the carriage, gazing out the window at the faint white silhouette of the Holy Capital ahead.
From this distance, one could already make out the dome of the Great Sanctuary.
Perhaps it was a case of nerves when nearing home—or maybe it was unease about the nearing conclusion of their research—but as the carriage drew closer to Strahl, Himmel's light humming gradually faded.
Only when he clutched the notebook brought back from the Etwas Mountains did the solid sensation beneath his fingers begin to calm his heart.
Their research on the Spell Book had spanned twenty-eight years since the day they defeated the Demon King. Even someone as talented in Divine Magic as Heiter was once baffled by the blank pages of "Pilgrimage of Time · Wings of the Bird."
Only after pooling the wisdom of many did their interpretation gain momentum—yet even now, it remained an incredibly difficult endeavor.
For decoding the Spell Book was never a one-generation job.
Each chapter and each divine spell had always been passed down and built upon by generations of saints and monks.
It had been 1,500 years since the Goddess had descended and delivered the Spell Book, yet humanity had only deciphered less than 3% of it.
To fully interpret its most mysterious chapter in one generation was simply wishful thinking.
However, Heiter, a master of literature and scripture, had found a viable route.
"Pilgrimage of Time · Wings of the Bird" had indeed been studied by predecessors, though none had completed it.
Heiter's plan relied on extracting every pilgrimage record across 1,500 years that mentioned this chapter and cross-referencing them with data from the corresponding branches and monasteries.
Thanks to the central status of Strahl in the Goddess's faith, sects across the continent would periodically send representatives there for worship and exchange.
While they might not have brought every detail, general research directions were often submitted.
Using this, Heiter drastically accelerated the research—combining ancient knowledge with his talent.
Past High Priests might've considered this strategy but lacked:
Heiter's absurd talent to discern promising research threads across schools.
The ability to overcome political and regional conflicts.
While Divine Magic transcends borders, its scholars did not. Even in a sanctuary like Strahl, drawing on sectarian wisdom involved enormous resistance.
Some monasteries had been overrun by monsters—retrieving records was a task only someone like Himmel could accomplish.
As the hero who defeated the Demon King, no one dared obstruct Himmel, and his strength allowed him to retrieve even the most inaccessible materials.
Thus, both Heiter and Himmel were indispensable.
As the carriage bumped gently forward, it neared Strahl.
Because of the king's upcoming coronation, security at both the Royal Capital and Holy Capital had been heightened.
Even far from the city gate, a checkpoint had been set up.
"Step down and show your IDs," a guard commanded, knocking on the carriage.
But at a glance inside, he spotted Himmel.
"Hero-sama!"
Instantly, the soldier halted the inspection and shouted back, "Let them pass!"
The carriage rolled unimpeded into the city.
However, just as the driver was searching for an inn, a group of knights in silver armor surrounded the carriage—clearly from the Royal Guard, leading them in a predetermined direction.
Inside, Gut gestured toward the knights.
"…Sorry," Himmel sighed. "Looks like I've dragged you into this."
"These are Royal Guard knights from the Royal Capital. They're here just for me."
"Seems this is where we part ways."
Serie nodded without much emotion.
But Gut, interested in copying Heiter's attribute, asked:
"Hero-uncle, will you meet with Archbishop Heiter in the Royal Capital?"
"Of course," Himmel answered, surprised. "Do you follow the Goddess, too?"
"If you want to meet him, come to the coronation—I'll introduce you."
"No need," Gut declined.
His main goal was to see if Heiter's trait could be copied. But his main quest hadn't yet been completed—meeting Heiter now would only be for appearances.
Better to stay and complete the intro to Spell Reversal Magic with Serie.
"Well, alright then."
Himmel accepted with some regret. "After the coronation, Heiter and I will return to Strahl. We'll be in the Great Sanctuary. If you need us, that's where to find us."
Shortly after, the carriage stopped outside the Sanctuary.
A noble man in gold-embroidered robes approached. His magical aura revealed him to be a seasoned mage.
He gestured for the guards to disperse and knocked on the carriage.
"Hero-sama, please come with us."
"His Majesty and Archbishop Heiter await you."
With a sigh and smile of resignation, Himmel disembarked.
A luxurious carriage awaited him.
But the noble man lingered, his gaze fixed not on Himmel—but on Serie inside the carriage.
The overwhelming magic she exuded was hard to ignore.
"Are you perhaps the great mage Frieren, companion to Hero-sama?"
"You've got the wrong person," Serie replied coldly. "Now get out of the way."
Seeing she wasn't the famous elf, the noble's enthusiasm dimmed—but he still offered politely:
"Would the powerful mage lady like to attend His Majesty's coronation?"
"Not interested. Move."
His face twitched—but he backed off. Once the carriage left, he called a servant.
"Find out who that elf is."
If she's someone untouchable, fine. But if she's just some wild elf from the woods—she'll learn what it means to offend a Royal Capital noble.
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Powerstones?
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