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Chapter Text

31 Years after the Hero Himmel's Death
Imperial Territory, South of Eiseberg

"Awww it's so cold!" Stark complained, rubbing his sleeves and shivering.

"This region is an especially frigid." Frieren concurred. "We should be close to a small town though. Schneesturm."

The trio trudged through a snowstorm, a few weeks away from the imperial capital. Their journey to Ende continued, the party fresh off their grueling fight in Weise. The two mages were a tad luckier in that they possessed spells to warm themselves up somewhat, which left Stark the warrior to brave the elements on his own.

"It's hard to believe a town could exist in the midst of this snowstorm, Mistress Frieren." Fern noted. "When was the last time you visited it?"

Frieren remained silent, thinking back. "...80 or so years ago. Why?"

The humans sighed. There was a very real possibility Schneesturm was now nothing more than just a cold wreck.

"I can't feel my legs." Stark muttered. Fern looked at him, giving him a glare as she pouted. Stark paled at her gaze. "S-Sorry."

"I'm not carrying you." she said before swiftly turning around.

The three trudged further until they finally reached a gate. Sighing with happiness, Stark followed the other two mages inside, to a quaint town. The interior was untouched by the outside snow, due to the barrier keeping the cold and the storm out.

"Oh, there was a barrier here..." Stark noted.

"Not a particularly strong one, it was destroyed the last time I was here by a couple of demons." Frieren reminisced. "I had to remake it."

"This barrier was created by you, Miss Frieren?" Fern looked at the translucent dome. "It seems rather... fragile."

"If I'd created it now it'd be stronger, but at the time I wasn't as skilled. Regardless..." Frieren smirked. "It does serve its purpose very well, and it's a good sign that you're able to notice minute imperfections in a barrier Fern. Good job."

Fern smiled softly as the three walked further inside. Numerous people stopped their busy work-life to greet Frieren.

"Oh my! It's Mistress Frieren of the Hero's Party!" an old man called out, a crowd gathering around the bewildered elf. She smiled awkwardly as numerous older folk approached her. Fern and Stark were able to worm their way out, watching from a small distance.

"I've never seen her be this popular among townsfolk." Stark wondered.

"It's only logical, given her recreation of the barrier." Fern responded.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Himmel sheathed his sword, the corpses of the freshly slain demons disintegrating into the night sky. "Is that all of them?" he asked.

"Seems so." Eisen walked up to him, surveying the area.

"The two of you aren't hurt, are you?" Heiter walked up to the two of them. "Those were small fry, all things considered."

"Indeed." Himmel said. "Though our job here is not finished."

Heiter tilted his head. "Is it not? I mean, I wouldn't be against another spot of drinks but-"

Himmel laughed. "No. More so that well... It shall snow soon."

"...And the people of Schneesturm will be left defenseless against the elements." Eisen nodded.

"Well, I'd assume they'd have someone to remake the barrier, would they not?"

"Let's find out."

The four returned to the town, speaking with the town's head priest. The bespectacled man smiled at them kindly.

"We cannot thank you enough for your services, Hero Himmel and co."

"You need not thank us. I'm quite sure those demons were here because of us." Himmel looked despondently at the sky. "Do you have a way of restoring your barrier?"

The man paled, before quickly concealing his fear. "Er... Schneesturm has been around for millennia, Hero Himmel. We would not last nearly that long without some way to restore the barrier. Please, no need to concern yourself over us."

"Are you capable of doing so?" Heiter asked.

The priest coughed into his fist. "Given no other choice, absolutely." he smiled warmly.

As the party watched him walk away, Himmel looked at Frieren. "Do you believe that man can do what he says he can, Frieren?"

The elf remained stoic. "He doesn't seem particularly impressive."

Heiter adjusted his glasses. "You mean to say he was lying?"

"Perhaps not maliciously, but yes." Himmel squinted his eyes. "Frieren, do you think you could re-create the barrier?"

"Of course." she noted. "But why? Even if he was lying, it was clear he didn't want us to intervene."

Himmel shook his head. "People have the incorrect assumption that asking for help is a bad thing. Or that they're being a burden. If I have the ability to help someone, I don't want to let it go to waste just because they wish for me not to help. It might sound selfish, but this only happened because of us. We owe it to them."

"...I'm not amazing with creating barriers though. Don't expect too much." Frieren relented.

"I'm sure your worst will far exceed everyone's expectations, as usual." Himmel smiled warmly.

Heading to a nearby rooftop. Frieren readied her staff, before letting out a large beam of light from it. The ray widened into numerous falling beams, each heading to a cardinal part of the town. The townsfolk watched in awe as the mage created a brand-new barrier, akin to a god coming down from the heavens to grant them protection from the elements. Himmel watched his party's mage manipulate the barrier with her staff, similar to a conductor coordinating a beautiful symphony of light, the sparks of magic dancing across the night sky as a translucent dome was formed around Schneesturm once more.

She truly was an angel.

The priest watched in shock, as he ran up to the four, brimming with gratitude. Bowing at Frieren's feet he thanked her profusely. "There is nothing we could possibly do to repay you for this, Lady Frieren. To repay all of you. We shall forever be indebted to you."

Himmel put his hand on the priest's shoulder. "Please, rise. Know that you are not indebted to us at all. In fact, we ask for a small reward."

"In money?"

"That would be nice, but... Frieren, do you have a suggestion?" he looked knowingly at his elf companion.

They exited the town, a new grimoire in hand.

"That one looks super useful. Warming yourself up on a cold, snowy day? I couldn't even imagine how nice that'd be." Heiter exclaimed.

"Well, this spell only works on the caster."

"...Oh."

Himmel laughed. "Looks like you'll have to shiver with the rest of us."

Eisen patted his friend's back. "Then we shall weather the elements together."

--<( ´꒳` )>--

"Hey, Fern. Wanna go and get something to eat?" Stark asked as Frieren dealt with the crowd.

"And leave Mistress Frieren alone?"

Stark took a gander at the elf, who seemed a little too smug with all the attention she was getting.

"She'll be fine. I think."

Stark beckoned for Fern to follow him, knowing that if there was one thing she couldn't resist, it was snacks. And he was a little hungry after trudging through a snowstorm. Fern reluctantly joined him, the two searching for a nearby store.

As Fern took her time to choose between the snacks, Stark took a bite out of a bagel. Despite sitting in the middle of a desolate frozen wasteland, this place had pretty good food! His enjoyment of his food was cut short as a bird landed on his head.

"Ack! Why me?"

"Master Stark, don't move." Fern commanded, reaching for the note the bird was carrying. She unfurled it, silently reading through it before quietly exhaling. Stark wasn't going to act like he was a master at reading Fern, but even he could tell that she was feeling a whirlwind of emotions currently. Likely ranging from annoyance, mild excitement and apprehension.

"Is that from the Continental Magic Association?" Stark asked.

Fern nodded. "Indeed. Unfortunately, it seems I've been called on for yet another mission."

"Again...? Weren't we just finished with one?" Stark complains. "What are the details?"

Fern squints as she reads further, her eyes widening. "This note.... It's been written by Mistress Serie herself?"

"Eh..."

"Mistress Frieren is forbidden from accompanying me."

"What?! Why?"

Fern pouts. "It seems Mistress Serie and Mistress Frieren have unresolved problems with each other. Yet, Mistress Frieren wasn't barred from the other quests we took on."

"Something's up." Stark noted.

"Right. But I can't ignore a direct request from Mistress Serie. Master Stark, you have been also been requested to join me."

"...She knows who I am?" Stark scratched his head.

"I imagine she found out after your battle with Revolte. I imagine a warrior will also be required. Though, she hasn't disclosed what we'll actually be doing, only the location we must meet the other assigned mages at."

Stark wiped the crumbs off his mouth, flexing his hands as he took a deep breath. "Are you really okay with this Fern?"

"...No. But I imagine Mistress Freiren won't have much of a problem staying here."

The two met back up with Frieren, who, in fact, did not have much of a problem.

"Serie doesn't want me to interfere hm?" Frieren put a finger to her chin. "It's possible there's something there she doesn't want me to see. Is it only be who is barred, or is it any non-first class mage?"

"Mistress Serie mentioned you by name, but given the circumstances, I imagine it is a mission reserved for first-class mages."

Frieren thought for some time. "Well, the time will come where you will have to become independent. I don't imagine Serie is stupid enough to bar me from participating if the quest cannot be accomplished by you two." the elf smiled. "I don't mind staying here in the meantime, it seems there is an extensive library of grimoires I can look through and experiment with in this town since my last visit, so I'll find a way to pass the time."

As Frieren expressed her excitement, Stark couldn't help but feel nervous. "Can't you sneak in with us? What if we are out of our depth?"

"You said the same thing when you fought Aura's executioners, Stark. And that ended rather well for the two of you, all things considered." Frieren smiled, patting the warrior on his shoulder. "Don't worry, whatever it is, I know the two of you can handle it."

Fern pouted. "You seem awfully lax about this, Mistress Frieren."

The elf smirked. "Perhaps it is an excuse for me to stay here a while. I'm not entirely averse to all the attention I'm getting."

Fern gave her a look.

"...That's awfully Himmel-sounding of me." Frieren noted. "Regardless, I will make my way there soon to keep an eye on you as well. If they'll allow me, that is." she sighs exasperatedly.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

A few days west of Schneesturm, the pair made it to the location. It didn't seem very impressive, just a small tower in the middle of a forest. Stark looked around the area, wondering if they were the only ones there.

"Wow, looks like we have company hm?" Übel walked up to the pair, the bespectacled Land in tow.

"Oh. It's you." Fern noted.

"Nice place to finally reunite. We totally killed it as a team in the mage exams, didn't we?"

Land adjusted his glasses. "I fail to see how that experience is relevant."

Übel smirked. "So, who's the boyfriend?"

Fern looked over at Stark, then at Übel, then back at Stark again. "Are you referring to Stark?"

"Obviously!" Stark cried.

"How nice." Übel smiled. "It's a double date."

Land rolled his eyes exasperatedly.

"Looks like everyone is here." a voice cut in. The four looked to their right, only to notice Methode and Genau. Methode smiled warmly, greeting Fern and Stark.

"It's a pleasure to meet you two again. So soon after our last quest, too. Where might Frieren be? Did she not accompany you two?"

"It seems Mistress Serie did not want her to come along." Fern explained.

"How sad."

The purple-haired girl looked inquisitively at Genau, expecting him to answer anything. Genau merely looked back at her with uninterested eyes, squinting at the mage.

"Before you ask, no. I have no idea what she's thinking either. Regardless, if Serie contacted you personally, the reason will remain known only to her."

Methode sighed despondently. "A shame. Here I thought I was getting closer with her."

"I'm pretty sure she fears you." Genau added.

"What were we gathered here for, then?" Land interjected.

"There have been reports of demon activity here. And not just any sort of demon, numerous mages have entered deeper into the forest and never returned. At times, powerful mana can be felt, greatly resembling a demon's. Which is rather odd, considering this forest has been unproblematic for centuries."

"A general of the Demon King then?" Land asked.

"Unlikely. This behaviour doesn't match the personalities of any of the known forces of the Demon King. Well, the ones still living, that is." Genau explains. "Whoever it is, they are new, or..."

"...They're nameless." Fern finished the sentence.

Stark paled at this, remembering their encounter with the last nameless demon. "A-Are we sure that's the case?"

Genau looked at him. "No, but it is likely. Which is why we requested you come along. Sending only mages to fight an unknown demon is a bad idea, even if I possess skill in close-quarters combat. If our mystery demon is a warrior, then it'll be difficult for mages to take them out easily."

"...How many demons are we talking here?" Stark nervously asked. "And why was I the only warrior chosen?"

"How many ever there are, it's enough to warrant this number." Genau noted. "Enough whining now, we have a job to do."

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Darkness entombed the heart of Düster forest, as a hulking brute of a man walked up to a small cave, clad only in a cloak. Two other figures stood at the entrance to the cave, which was situated beneath a tall citadel. He grinned as he noticed the two. Pulling back his hood, two large horns at his temples he sized them up.

One was male: a tall man with long, jet black hair draping across his body, as two curved horns went over his scalp. He wore an intricate, baggy cloak, with numerous gold designs and patterns on it. A mask covered the entirety of his face, leaving only his eyes, which were hidden behind his bangs. Though, every so often, glowing red eyes could be glimpsed through the veil, gleaming with sinister intent.

The other was female: a mature looking woman with red hair going to her shoulders. Twin small horns protruded from her forehead, her hair sitting beside them. She wore a rather plain attire, consisting simply of a long, ankle-length skirt, along with a corset over a full-sleeve blouse. She looked incredibly beautiful, her blue eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

"Einzel the Anti-Mage. Viele the Undying. How fortuitous it is to meet you two, after so long." the great demon spoke.

"Rivale, Bloody God of War." Viele mused. "How long has it been? I heard about the Demon King's passing."

"It has been quite a while since. And how boring of a time too." Rivale sighed. "Those blasted humans that killed him are all dead by now anyway. Or in hiding."

"How unfortunate. You won't get to have your fun." Viele responded.

"I will eventually." Rivale waved her off. "So tell me, what are two nameless great demons doing here? I imagine you two wouldn't be very fond of spending your time at this place. When I heard about the deaths, I was excited for a worthy challenge."

"That witch who sealed us didn't leave it at just one barrier. It took me quite some time to undo the first seal, but the other ones placed here will be a pain." Viele sighed.

"There were barriers? Where?" Rivale looked around mockingly.

"Some form of advanced magic, lost to time. I haven't the faintest of idea what this barrier spell is, or how it works, but it prevents Einzel or I from venturing out too far. We've been making do here, trying to gather enough mana for Einzel to break it."

Viele looks at the male demon, who stares at the two of them blankly.

Rivale scoffed. "Still not much of a talker I see."

"I imagine the demons are yet again scattered? A loss as great as the Demon King must be catastrophic."

"I do not care what the other diminutive whelps are doing. The Seven Sages are all dead as well, the lot of them. It is an embarrassing look for those the Demon King deemed so important."

Viele looked surprised by this. "Macht was taken out? By the same hero party that slew the King?"

"No. He died recently. Killed by his own student. A human. Isn't that laughable?" Rivale laughed. "That fool spent his whole life playing nice, and ended up like that. Seems Solitär kicked the bucket too."

"Oh. I was rather fond of her." Viele sighed, her expression barren of any remorse. "Leave it to that brute of a king to let down his race so horribly."

"Speak for yourself." Rivale grunted. "Still, I imagine that elf's goons will be coming here soon."

"It would be a perfect opportunity to gather some more mana. Now of exquisite quality, given it's coming from seasoned mages." Viele clasped her hands together. "It excites you, does it not, Einzel?"

Einzel's posture straightened. In his hand, he manifested a sphere in his hand. The sphere glowed brightly, but seemed empty close to the top.

"Aufnahme seems rather close to completion." Viele mused. "All we must do now is wait. Would you like to join us Rivale?"

Rivale grinned. "Only if I find someone worthy of my time."

Chapter Text

31 Years after the Hero Himmel's Death
Düster Forest, Northern Lands

The party of mages trudged through the dark recesses of the previously thought to be uninhabited forest. On the way, Genau explained the numerous disappearances, noting how the presence of mana in the forest was steadily increasing for close to a month.

"Did Mistress Serie explain who these demons were?" Fern interjects. "Or even their capabilities, at the very least?"

"She seemed rather... closed-off about it." Methode explained. "She did explain that if these demons were who she thought they were, it would be best for you to face one of them, Fern."

"She's already picked out her favourites." Übel sneered. "Did she have such glowing words for me?"

"No. I was the one who chose the rest of the party, excluding Stark." Genau said.

Stark flinched at this. Was this woman trying to get him killed? It was already risky enough coming here without Frieren, and now he has to take on two nameless great demons? He shuddered at the thought. His last battle at the Golden Land was terrifying. When he'd been enveloped with gold, he'd had but a split second to grapple with his mortality.

At least then, he could place his faith in Frieren. The same didn't apply here. He looked in Fern's direction, her face unreadable. In times like these, he always wondered how she managed to keep a straight face. Everyone else here, he was sure had some screws loose. But her? She had expressed her fear to him before. It just eluded him how she managed to continuously suppress it.

"Are you trembling?" Übel asked playfully, noticing his shaking hands.

"Eh?" Stark looked at his fists. "A little, I guess."

"Fern, your boyfriend is a bit of a coward, isn't he?" she mused. "A warrior? Quaking in his boots like that?"

"I witnessed his abilities first-hand against Revolte." Genau glared at Übel. "I care not about whether he's a coward, as long as he gets the job done."

"Hmmm..." Übel smirked. "Have you taken a liking to him?"

"Nonsense. Do you truly think so little of me? We fought in battle once. At most, he is an ally I know the capabilities of. For someone who can copy magic through empathy, you're not the best at it, are you?" Genau retorted.

"...That's a little harsh." Stark muttered.

"Oh, I think I'm hitting a lot closer to home than you think. Ask Four-Eyes how good I am at it."

Land adjusted his glasses. "From what I can tell, you have yet to replicate my clone magic."

"I'll get it eventually."

Methode stopped the group all of a sudden. "Something's odd here."

"Indeed." Genau stepped forward. "...A barrier?"

"Seems rather weak." Übel pointed her staff at it. "Might not even need to use a spell to break through."

"Wait. This isn't a barrier in that sense. It's to keep something contained." Methode explained. "Or rather, someone."

"Be on your guard. We're venturing into unknown territory." Genau warned. "Stark, watch our back for sneak attacks."

The group cautiously walked inside, taking tentative steps to look through the area. The forest at this point seemed to be playing tricks on them, every rustle of a leaf, every skitter of an animal, even the wind itself blowing through the branches.

Genau looked cautiously at Methode. She was more adept at sensing mana, as begrudging it was to admit. Her analytical eyes darted from place to place, searching for any lead on the targets. However, they did not need to look for long. Methode suddenly stopped, putting a hand up in the air.

"There's a trap here." she noted.

"My, my. Never before has a human mage noticed my Schattenstrang." Viele appeared behind them. Acting out of instinct, Fern fired a blast of magic right at her, though the demon avoided it. She gestured with her hands, trapping Methode in invisible wiring. "Now, now. Attack me one more time, and this woman dies."

Without hesitation, Genau leapt at her, manifesting dark winks and slashing the demon's arm off. Her eyes widening, Viele jumped backwards. "Shouldn't you be scared to lose that woman?" she flicked her remaining wrist, but nothing happened. The wires were.... destroyed?

Übel smirked and hefted her staff. "Not if she was never in any danger."

Fern blasted Viele with Zoltraak again, the demon avoiding it as Methode manifested her own staff, aiding Fern in blasting the demoness into oblivion. Viele only lasted so long, eventually being tagged and ruptured by the demon-killing attacks.

As she crumpled to the floor, disintegrating, Genau looked at her with suspicion. "Something is off. This was too-!"

A massive shadow kicked him in the gut, sending him hurtling into a tree. Stark grimaced, drawing his axe and leaping at the mysterious attacker. The massive brute dodged it, before going in with a punch of his own. The fist clashed with Stark's axe, ensuing in an explosion that blew everybody back.

In the chaos, Viele fled, Übel noticing the demon and chasing after her. With a small scoff, Land went after her as well.

A massive grin on his face, Rivale pulled down his hood. "How utterly impressive. It has been a century since my blow was blocked in such a way. Then too by an axe-wielder. I am Rivale, Great Demon, and the best warrior of all of Demonkind. Who might you be, young child?"

Stark took a shallow breath, before grunting and pushing Rivale back. Rivale grinned, putting a hand over his scar. "This injury was given to me by Eisen the Warrior, back in his prime. I so desperately wanted a rematch, yet I could never re-locate him. But you, boy. Your fighting style bears a resemblance to his."

"Lightning Strike!" Stark yelled as he brought his axe down in a thunderous spark, creating a massive crevice in the ground. As Methode tended to Genau, Fern fired at Rivale's general location, hoping to stop him. As a spell grazed his shoulder, a look of annoyance overtook Rivale's face, the demon rising from Stark's attack, mostly unscathed.

"You've missed your cue, Einzel."

Out of nowhere, a massive blast of mana burst from the sky, Fern creating a dome of defensive magic to block it. Einzel landed in front of her, scoffing. Purple energy radiated from him, as Methode fired a surprise attack from behind him. However, Einzel merely caught it in his hand.

"What?!"

Einzel looked at her coldly, before returning the spell back at her at full force. She grabbed Genau and flew out of the way, as Fern fired rapid-fire Zoltraak at Einzel. The demon stopped them midair with his hand, but began to get forced back, his eyes widening from effort. Leaping up the air, he let them miss and crash into the forest behind him.

Rivale grinned. "Bad matchup? Let me do you a favour then. I despise fighting mages, and despise beating up ladies too. However..."

With blazing speed, Rivale blitzed past a tensed Stark and towards Fern, before she could even react, grabbing her by the neck and leaping away.

"FERN!" Stark yelled. The warrior chased after them, each mage now pairing up against the trio of demons.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Stark ran at full speed through the forest and where Rivale had taken Fern, but he didn't need to look for long, as numerous flashes of light illuminated the forest. He jumped into a clearing, where Fern had somehow gotten free and was firing attacks at Rivale. Stark crashed down on Rivale with his axe, only for the demon to smirk, having blocked the axe with his own.

"You've got power, boy. Give me more. Prove to me that you deserve the title of a warrior!"

Stark grimaced as Rivale pushed him away, slamming his weapon in a downward arc. However, the two were blasted apart by another shot from Fern, Rivale clicking his tongue in frustration. He shoved Stark away as he swung his powerful axe at her, breaking her shields as she backed into the air, resuming fire of her endless barrage of offensive magic.

Rivale darted around the attacks. She was fast. Too fast for such a young mage. It was true, dealing with brat mages was a headache after all. However, he doubted it'd take long. It was only a matter of time before Einzel dealt with the other two.

Leaping into the air, he clashed with the hexagonal barrier, Fern swerving around him and firing another beam of light. Allowing gravity to take hold, Rivale let himself fall to avoid the attack. Fern flew towards Stark, the warrior leaping in front to guard the mage as the two continued to fight together, holding the demon off.

However, they were entirely naive to think that Rivale was taking them seriously. The warrior had not known a good fight for centuries, he wasn't going to let this opportunity be taken away from him.

Stark clashed weapons with him again, the two swinging their axes wildly as Rivale very easily gained the upper-hand. Fern fired off powerful offensive spells, but Rivale was smart. The great demon constantly maneuvered himself to always have Stark in her line of fire, making it difficult for the mage to fire off an attack without possibly grazing her comrade.

Quickly shifting positions, Fern moved to the demon's side, shooting a Zoltraak at Rivale, who spun his axe to block it.

"Lightning Strike!" Stark tried the move again, but Rivale caught his axe with his free hand, flinging him towards Fern, who was forced to stop her attacks and catch Stark mid-air with a floating spell. However, Rivale used this as a distraction, slamming his axe into Stark. While the warrior managed to block it, he and Fern were sent hurtling into a tree, Stark maneuvering himself to take most of the impact.

"...Why did you catch him?" Rivale questioned. "Would it not have been easier to dodge?"

Fern looked concernedly at Stark, who was bleeding from his head, struggling to get to his feet. She raised her staff, but Rivale simply grinned.

"Little girl. You are a fast mage. Whoever taught you must be incredibly powerful. But even you must know..." He hefted his axe. "When it comes to close-quarters, nothing is as fast as a warrior."

"Fern..." Stark got to his feet, standing in front of her. "Go. I'll handle him."

Fern's eyes widened. "But Master Stark-!"

"He grabbed you and took off for a reason." Stark glared at the grinning Rivale. "He doesn't want you to fight with that other demon."

Rivale noticed the boy's hands trembling. "You put on a brave front... But you're scared, aren't you?"

Tensing up, trying to power through the fear, Stark glowered. "My master once told me, that a warrior who knows no fear, will ultimately die on the battlefield."

Rivale's eyes widened. "...So that's who it was! I wondered why those attacks felt so familiar. You! You're Eisen's student!"

Stark grimaced.

"Master Stark... he's too strong for you to take on alone." Fern noted.

"I know. But I have to hold him off. At least until you can get help." Stark spoke, keeping his eyes on Rivale. "That's what I'm here for right? I'm you and Frieren's shield."

"How honourable. In truth, you may flee, girl. This old geezer has a score to settle." Rivale smiled. "Einzel would've already won by now regardless."

As Fern flew away, Rivale and Stark continued their battle.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Methode and Genau faced off against Einzel, the gaunt demon regarding them with a glare.

"Who are you?" Methode pointed her staff at the demon. "I haven't heard of any great demon fitting your description."

"...Einzel." The great demon spoke in a hushed, raspy voice. "I was sealed... two thousand years ago... by her."

Genau looked at Methode, then back at Einzel. "Why did she seal you instead of killing you? However strong you are, Serie would be stronger."

Einzel's eyes turned upwards into a smile. "Because... I would have killed her!"

Wasting no more time, Methode fired a powerful attack at Einzel, who merely caught it in his hand yet again. However, before he could do much more, Genau leapt at him, trying to lop his head off...

Only for his powerful niello wing to stop at his neck. Genau's eyes widened. "Impossible..."

Einzel used Methode's spell as his own, blasting Genau, who managed to block it with a barrier. Methode acted quickly, firing a barrage of spells at Einzel. She'd seen how Fern performed against him. The sheer volume of attacks overwhelmed that spell of his, meaning it had some sort of limit. The only question was finding and exploiting that limit.

As she fired off swathes of blasts, Einzel stopped them all with ease, reflecting him in all directions as both Genau and Methode were forced on the defensive. With blazing speed, Genau charged at Einzel, trying to get numerous hits off while he was distracted. The demon did not seem powerful enough to block his attacks, and he wasn't using any magic either. How could this thing merely brush off his attacks? His wings could normally cleave even a demon general in two.

As they continued their onslaught however, they quickly realized how little progress was being made. They were wasting their energy against a demon who only seemed to be getting stronger.

Methode furrowed her brow. Something had to be up. Her spells were getting weaker. Before, Einzel seemed to have some sort of difficulty dealing with all of her attacks, but now he was stopping them effortlessly.

"Aufnahme!" Einzel declared, sending another blast of mana in her direction, the mage just barely being able to block it.

However, her spell cracked. How? She was having no problem blocking the redirected attacks before? She analyzed Einzel carefully. What was that purple energy radiating from him? It almost resembled... a curse? She looked at her hands. They seemed to have that same energy clinging to them. In fact, it was clinging to her entire body. It most definitely was a curse.

She had to use the Goddess's Magic to dispel it, but as she pulled out her scripture, Einzel spoke.

"It's useless." his voice echoed. "You do not possess enough... proficiency."

Words seemed almost foreign to him, as if he did not entirely understand their purpose.

"Strahenklau. The more spells you have... The weaker you become."

Methode's eyes widened as he fired another reflected shot, this time breaking through her barrier and shooting a hole through her gut. Genau tried to attack, but Einzel stopped his wing with his hand. "Aufnahme."

He grabbed Genau's head, sapping the mana from him directly.

"Grk! Urgh!" Genau struggled, breaking free and stumbling back. He tried to put up a barrier, but looked on in horror as Einzel grew wings of his own. Einzel's own niello wings pierced through Genau's gut, before he lifted and threw the first-class mage away.

"I... like these." Einzel flexed them.

Methode shakily got to her feet. A curse that made you weaker based on your knowledge of spells? A spell so counter-intuitive to the pursuit of magic? It was something so... wrong.

"The use of magic should never be limited." Methode spoke. "Yet, to force humanity onto an even playing field, you limit us to just a battle of a specialization. Something no one could achieve, given the amount of time it takes."

"Yes... That elf feared me for that reason... She was powerless against me!" Einzel's eyes glimmered through his dark hair. "Give me your mana, and I will destroy this barrier."

He walked towards Methode, his clawed hands grasping for her skull. However, she readied her tome, blasting three spears of light at him using the Goddess's Magic. He merely overpowered it with a blast of his stolen mana, yet again injuring Methode, who crumpled to the ground. She managed to lessen the damage using a barrier, but it wasn't enough. At this rate, she was going to die.

But... she succeeded in buying time.

From high in the sky, Fern blasted Einzel with Zoltraak, who just barely was able to block with Genau's stolen wings. Fern fired numerous, powerful blasts, Einzel taking to the skies and trying to retaliate. The two played a dangerous game of cat and mouse, Fern tagging the great demon numerous times with her spell as he leapt at her in frustration.

She landed on the ground near Methode, knowing that it was very likely that he'd take a hostage if this kept up.

"Fern... You are his worst matchup." Methode spoke weakly. "His curse weakens those with a high number of spells. Since you know only a handful..."

"He can't stop my attacks." Fern raised her staff again, blasting the demon point blank. Einzel tried to block with his wings, but they soon disintegrated. He put his hands forward, trying to use Aufnahme to stop the Zoltraak blasts, but as expected, he began to get overwhelmed. One of Fern's blasts took his hand off, as he slowly lost control. However, just as she began to accumulate enough power...

"Hold on there, little girl." Rivale walked into the clearing, throwing a body in front of everyone. "You will cease your attack. Lest this poor warrior die so young."

Fern looked at Stark in horror. "...Stark?"

Their party's warrior was in a horrific state. Numerous wounds covered his body as he bled out, his clothes nothing more than tattered rags and his axe broken in half. His arm seemed to be broken, twisted at a bad angle, as he lay motionless in a pool of his own blood.

Stopping her spell immediately, Fern's breath began to quicken. She was too late. Her gaze couldn't stray from Stark, everything else becoming a blur around her. This wasn't supposed to happen. Not on their first mission without Mistress Frieren. Had she been here...

No. They'd have lost even harder if she was, based on this demon's curse. It was on her. She had the ability to defeat this demon. And she'd failed. Stark was going to die because of her.

"Fern!" Methode called out to the started young mage, as Einzel fired a powerful spell. Genau leapt to defend, tackling the demon so the spell just barely missed.

"Retreat!" he yelled out.

Before Fern could do anything, Rivale appeared in front of her, ready to end her right then and there. It was over. She'd failed everyone. She shut her eyes. But the attack never came.

As she tentatively looked in front of her, there he was. Stark, his body mangled and bloody, had stopped the attack with a remnant of his axe.

Rivale's eyes widened. "There's hope for you yet."

"I told you... Fern. I'm your shield." Stark managed.

Rivale merely slammed his axe down, creating another massive gash across Stark. Fern grabbed him and flew away before the demon could do any more, Genau grabbing Methode and taking off along with her.

Fern hugged him close, her eyes welling with tears.

She'd lost him.

Chapter Text

31 Years after the Hero Himmel's Death
Düster Forest, Northern Lands

Viele ran desperately through the endless woods, hobbling as her injuries began to catch up to her. She was being followed, that much was obvious. But every trap she set, every thread ready to dice her pursuers into pieces failed. How? They were making it impossible to retreat...

Suddenly, she was intercepted by Land, firing a blast of offensive magic from his staff that she barely avoided. She manipulated her strings to try and capture him, only for them to be cut into smithereens.

Übel sneered as she leapt at Viele with her staff, using the weapon as a spear. As Viele backed off, she decided to engage in conversation.

"Is it wise to leave your team unattended?"

Übel decided to respond in kind. "I could ask the same to you. But I imagine I'll be the one going back to help. Not you."

She fired off Reelseiden, cutting a tree behind Viele as the demon's arm was severed in the process. She desperately fired off another Schattenstrang, but Übel cut it into nothingness yet again. She felt her body freeze up, two golden rings encasing her.

"H-How? How are you cutting my Schattenstrang?" Viele asked in disbelief.

Übel tilted her head and smirked. "They're just strings aren't they?"

Viele's eyes widened, but before she could do anything else, he head was disintegrated by a blast of magic from Land.

Übel pouted, giving Land a look. "Aww, I wanted to tease her more."

"We're on a time limit here. There's no time to mess around."

"You think Fern's going to have much trouble Four-Eyes?"

Land adjusted his glasses. "...Not particularly, but-!"

He was interrupted as his body froze up, getting caught in the strings.

"Did you really think it'd be that simple?" Viele walked into view.

"Hey, Four-Eyes. Did she steal your magic?" Übel asked the trapped Land.

"Don't give away such details." Land snapped.

"Copy? Oh, absolutely not. To insinuate my Doppelgänger is copied is an insult. They don't call me Viele the Undying for nothing. My enemies would often question why their opponent just kept on coming back. They mistakenly assumed I was immortal." Viele mused. "Though... I imagine there's no real difference."

Übel quickly caught Viele in Sorganiel again, and cut her into pieces, but Viele merely grinned.

"Behind you!" Land yelled.

Another clone grabbed a hold of Übel's arm with Schattenstrang, but the mage quickly cut it.

"Is this what it'd be like to fight you Four-Eyes?" Übel asked amusedly as she fought off the clones. Land remained silent, making sure to keep as still as possible, lest the strings tighten around him further.

"As much as I enjoy this, it seems my hostage over here isn't having the intended effect." Viele noted. "How about we change that?"

With a flick of her hand, she contorted Land's body, breaking his leg and arm. The mage let out a muted grunt, amusing the demon.

"That was tame." Viele's head was cut off, but another clone merely took her place, engaging Übel and making it difficult for the mage to free her companion.

"You can kill him. It's probably not the real Four-Eyes anyway." Übel grinned as she took out another clone.

"Is he now? It warms my heart to know a spell I created is still used today. Even my Schattenstrang was quite popular among demonkind." Viele sarcastically mused.

"Heh. As if. You're probably jealous."

"Jealous? I do not understand. But it is true, it's just something humans often talk about, so I thought it meant something to them. The truth is, the magic I developed is quite easy to understand. Clones have a very easy 'tell' in their mana fluctuation. And based on that..." Viele grinned sadistically. "This human is very real."

Übel's eyes widened as she looked at Land, who merely sighed quietly. "Don't."

The green-haired mage weighed her options. Letting Four-Eyes die was a bad decision, regardless of whether she wanted to keep him around. All these clone magic users did make her a little green with envy, to be honest. And if he died, it'd be impossible to get his magic. This demon lady wasn't an option either, after all, she couldn't empathize with demons.

Though, even if all of this weren't true, she'd still probably save him. She liked keeping him around.

The mage took to the air and used Reelseiden to destroy the strings encasing Land, but Viele took the opportunity to slice her with Schattenstrang, the girl's body getting cut numerous times as both her and Land crashed to the ground.

As the two gathered their bearings, Land gave Übel a tired look. "Why did you do that?"

"Well, this is the real you, isn't it?" Übel smiled.

Land scoffed. She nearly died because of him. Stupid woman. It eluded him as to what her true intentions really were now.

"This isn't going to end. It's unlikely her main body is here at all." Land watched as Viele approached them, Übel stopping her with Sorganiel.

"So you want to run?"

The two were interrupted by a giant blast of light in the distance. Viele smiled at this. "Looks like Einzel is enjoying himself."

Land's eyes widened. This was not good. It was very likely that, given the strength of that blast, the rest were not doing very well. The clashing sounds he'd been hearing periodically had ended too, and that meant one of the warriors had lost. This was deliberate, they were using a divide and conquer strategy.

Using his non-broken arm, he grabbed Übel by the wrist and flew away.

"Whoa! Look at you taking the initiative." Übel smirked, breaking away and flying on her own. She was annoyed. Not only did they lose, but they ran away from a fight as well. She didn't like running.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

"Boy. You seem familiar." Rivale noted.

"What?"

Stark jumped at Rivale again, making sure he bought enough time for Fern to defeat the other mages. His axe clashed with Rivale, the two engaging in a brutal dance of bladwork, Stark dodging and weaving through the hulking brute's swings. In truth, Rivale was barely trying. This child was strong, but nothing special.

But... he'd seen those eyes somewhere before. And that hair...

"It's not just your fighting style." Rivale parried another attack. "No, it's something more."

"Lightning Strike" Stark grunted as he let loose a massive downward swing, creating another crevice across the ground, which Rivale merely sidestepped.

"...Hey. You're from that village of warriors, aren't you?"

Stark stopped. "...Huh?"

"Yes. I remember now. What was it... 10 or so years ago? There was one human. His skill with the sword so graceful, so quick and without openings..." Rivale reminisced. "Everyone else there was useless. But him... What was his name...? Stoltz?"

The warrior froze.

"Brother?"

Rivale grinned. "Brother? I've never heard of such a term. Though, based on your resemblence, you are family. Would you like to know of his final moments?"

"Stop."

"The others fell like dominos. Easy work, not even worth the dirt on my axe. After I killed a certain person, Stoltz came at me with vigour I thought to be lost to history!" Rivale gloated. "The skill he displayed was even enough to draw blood. But, he forgot the simple difference between us. He was human. He tried to overpower me, but that flimsy sword of his could not make a dent in my axe. I broke his weapon. And I broke him."

Stark interrupted him, slamming his axe against Rivale's, but the demon merely chuckled. "That child smiled at the moment of his death. I do not understand why. Humans fear death, no?"

Rivale kicked Stark in the gut, and swung his axe in a downward arc. Stark was floored by the impact, the ground cracking beneath him as his coat was shredded.

"He told me, that he wasn't even the strongest warrior in his village. That one day, someone stronger would come to end me. Was that supposed to be you?" Rivale asked. "No way, right?"

"RRRAGH!" Stark got up to attack fiercely, but his onslaught stopped as Rivale blocked. With a swift slash, Rivale cut Stark's axe in two.

"See? You're all the same. All weaklings. All human." Rivale mused. "In fact. You're an even worse warrior than that brother of yours. How disappointing. The student of the great Eisen, yet so pathetic."

Everything went black.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Fern sat inside the tower they'd met at. Her eyes were stained with tears, but she didn't want anyone to see her like this. She couldn't even remember the last time she cried. Likely when Master Heiter...

She clutched the bracelet Stark gave her. She hated feeling this helpless. She hated being so emotional. Especially when their battle wasn't done yet. For all she knew, the demons would break out of the barrier at any minute. She wanted to kill those demons for what they did, but going into the battle like this...

Could she even win? Without Mistress Frieren, she had no safety net. No one to reassure her. No one who'd step in if things became too difficult.

"Fern." Methode spoke, entering the room she was in. "I've done my best. I think he'll live but... Those wounds aren't fully healed at all. Especially that scar on his torso."

Fern got up, swiftly walking to their makeshift infirmary. She could see Genau keeping eyes on the barrier from outside the window, his wings keeping him aloft in the air. She opened the door, Methode following her in. On the floor lay Stark, covered in what little bandages they had on hand. They too were stained with blood.

"...M-Master Stark?" Fern's voice got caught in her throat, but she refused to show weakness in front of him.

"I'll... give you two some time." Methode said quietly as she walked out.

The mage knelt down near the warrior, Stark's eyes slowly fluttering open as he noticed her near him.

"Fern... I'm sorry."

Fern didn't know how to respond to that. A whirlwind of emotions swept through her mind, and none of them could be conveyed with words. She merely looked at him despondently.

"I..." Stark weakly lifted his hand, sitting up slowly with Fern's help. The bracelet she'd gotten him was gone. "It's gone. I think it... broke."

The mage struggled to keep tears in, one rolling down her cheek. "That doesn't matter. I-I'm just happy that you're alive."

Stark smiled sadly, before memories came flooding back to him. "Fern... I can't do this anymore."

"What?"

"That demon..." he sniffed. "He killed my brother. He killed my father. He murdered my entire family. I... I couldn't move. I froze up."

He looked at his hands, shaking and trembling.

"It's all my fault. If I didn't freeze up, if I didn't get scared, he wouldn't have gotten there. I-I can't be useful to you and Frieren anymore." Stark spoke despondently, all life and motivation drained from his voice. "I ran away from that demon when I was a kid. I ran away from him now. Nothing's changed. I'm the same weak boy I was when Master Eisen found me."

"Why..."

Stark looked at Fern. "Fern..?"

"Why are you blaming yourself?!" Fern cried, tears streaming down her face. "You took on that demon to buy time, knowing you'd lose. Just to protect me. Just to give me an opening. And I failed. Master Stark, I should apologize!"

Stark's mouth was hung open. He'd never, ever seen Fern like this. Forget crying, he'd never even heard her raise her voice. She grabbed him into a hug, shocking him further.

"Please. Stay with me. Don't go."

Tears formed in his own eyes, as he gingerly hugged her back. She sobbed quietly in his embrace. How was he supposed to stay? How could he possibly live with himself, knowing he'd failed to avenge his family? Knowing that he failed to live up to Eisen's example and couldn't even draw blood against Rivale?

Knowing that...

Even though he thought he'd changed. Rivale's words rung true.

Stoltz was still better than him.

He closed his eyes.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

"Stark. Please, open the door." Stoltz knocked on his younger brother's door. "Father did not mean what he said, and you must begin your evening training."

"He did mean it! He always says it!"

Stoltz sighed. "Stark. Open the door."

Slowly, the door creaked open, the young boy's lip quivering as he looked up at his older brother. "I-I don't want to train."

Stoltz walked in. "Why?"

"I don't want to. Please don't make me go. My arms hurt." Stark muttered.

The elder brother patted his younger brother on the head. "Your form was good today. But you need to square your shoulders. Your stance gets worse after the first few swings."

The boy nodded, sniffling.

"Do you really not want to train?"

Stark shook his head.

"Do you promise to work extra hard tomorrow?"

Reluctantly, Stark nodded.

Stoltz smiled. "Alright then. I'll talk to father."

As Stoltz got up to leave, Stark called out to him.

"Brother Stoltz? You also think Father is correct, right? That... That I'll never even be half as good as you?"

Stoltz looked back at his brother, before going back and kneeling in front of him. He put a hand on his head. "Stark. Do you know what makes a good warrior?"

"Someone who's very strong?"

"No. It's not that. A good warrior doesn't need to be the strongest, nor the most skilled, or even talented. A good warrior is someone who works hard. And Stark, based on that, you are a far greater warrior than me."

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Why was he remembering this now? How did any of that matter? All he'd ever been told was that Stoltz was a better warrior than him. Even after all the training he did, he was still not good enough.

He would never be good enough. No matter how hard he worked.

"Get up."

Stark saw Eisen's visage.

"Get up Stark."

"I can't. I've lost."

"You're still alive, aren't you? As long as you can stand, you must."

"It doesn't matter. I'll never be as strong as you. Or as strong as Rivale. Or even as strong as Stoltz."

"...Perhaps not. But you are still a warrior, are you not? Keep getting up. Keep fighting. Keep attacking. Because strength will lose all meaning. As long as you are the last one standing. You will win."

"But... I..."

"Master Stark?"

Stark opened his eyes. Fern was looking at him. She was relying on him. Frieren was relying on him. The rest of the group was relying on him.

"Fern..." Stark managed. "Why do you still rely on me? When I've failed, so many times."

"Because... You keep getting back up." Fern said tearfully. "That's why you are our warrior. And that's why..."

She sniffled.

"That's why you're the strongest warrior, to me."

Stark smiled softly. "I'm sorry for making you worry Fern."

Fern nodded. "How do you feel?"

Stark got to his feet. "Doesn't matter. As long as I can keep getting up, right?"

"Right."

Perhaps he would never be as strong as his master. Or as strong as his brother. But that didn't matter. He was a warrior. And the last warrior standing, wins.

Chapter Text

31 Years after the Hero Himmel's Death
Schneesturm, Northern Lands

Frieren had finished her exploring of the town, and had just picked up a particularly useful grimoire. A spell that allowed her to change the smell of flowers would definitely come in handy at some point. When exactly it would was beyond her, but it never hurt to be prepared. Regardless, it was nearing midnight. She had a choice to make, on whether to go to bed and head over to Stark and Fern the next day, or go immediately.

Part of her didn't want to come off as overbearing. She knew Fern and especially Stark would want her to show up as soon as possible, but there would be times where they'd have to fight without her. It was very necessary for them to accomplish this on their own. And, it seemed Serie believed they could do so as well.

So it came as a bit of a surprise when she saw an old man waiting for her at the entrance to her inn.

"Lernen? I certainly didn't expect you to be here." she said. Her guard was slightly raised at this, but she knew Lernen was not here bearing any hostility.

"It certainly has been some time, Ms. Frieren. The last time we met in person, I unfortunately acted impulsively. So for that, I would like to apologize." Lerned bowed his head.

Frieren gave him a small smile. "Apology accepted. But I get the feeling you didn't come here for just that. Did Serie put you up to this?"

The old mage shook his head. "No, actually. All of us first class mages were forbidden to talk to you until the mission was complete. I am here against orders."

Frieren tilted her head. "It's not like you to disobey Serie."

"Indeed. It isn't." Lernen looked up to the sky. "But, she did have good reason for barring you from going. As you may have surmised, the goal of the expedition to Düster forest was to kill a pair of demons." Lernen explained.

"Are these demons of any particular note?"

"Indeed. I am not sure if you would be familiar with them, though. Viele the Undying, and Einzel the Anti-Mage."

Frieren expression dropped slightly. She'd never encountered such demons before but... Those names did sound familiar. She racked her brain to remember where she'd heard them.

"I've heard of them." she responded.

"Mm. I imagine you wouldn't know the full details. It appears Serie wasn't very forthcoming with the information. I only heard as rumours passed down through the ages. But based on the testimony I've heard, it was Serie's most humiliating defeat."

"...Defeat?"

"She lost to them, rather convincingly. So she did what she could to seal them, being entirely unable to actually land a killing blow. The seal seems to have eroded over the centuries, and they've now escaped."

"Were they a part of the Demon Lord's army?"

"No. It seems they were nameless. Or rather, mayhaps they precede its existence entirely."

This was not good. What was Serie thinking? This was a suicide mission. As much faith as she had in Fern and Stark, they would stand absolutely no chance against demons of that calibre. But she had to calm herself. Serie wasn't so stupid as to let promising mages die so easily. She did see great things in Fern, and would not send her on a mission without some assurance that she'd survive through it.

"...There's a catch. Isn't there?"

Lernen nodded. "Wise as ever, I see. I know very little of this event, despite the years I've spent by Serie's side. But she did once tell me..."

--<( ´꒳` )>--

"You have more wrinkles than I remember Lernen." Serie noted dismissively. The elf lounged on her throne, reading a grimoire. She already memorized the contents of this particular one of course, but she was bored.

Lernen merely nodded defeatedly. "I am turning 53 next week, Mistress Serie."

She clicked her tongue in frustration. "Tch. Humans. You have potential Lernen. Spend your final years wisely."

"With all due respect, I refuse to perish so early."

Serie gave him a smirk. "That's what I like to hear."

The elf turned towards him, looking him in the eye. "What do you hope to accomplish then, in these coming years?"

"...Perhaps further development of the golems I've been creating."

Serie sighed. "As much as I'd tell you to change paths, humans cannot accumulate many spells in their lifetimes. A 100 years is barely enough to specialize into one type of magic, much less master all of it. You're a prodigy, so you can pull it off. Somewhat."

"Your compliments please me greatly."

Serie scoffed. "Don't get used to it."

Lernen nodded. "Only the most talented of mages could even dare to intrude upon your domain when it comes to spell mastery. If I was even one-one-thousandth as proficient as you, it would be an honour."

Serie went quiet, seemingly pondering something. "I suppose... It isn't so bad that you lack the diversity I do. Of course, that makes me the greatest mage to walk this earth. But... There have been times where those with less knowledge benefit. Ignorance is bliss, or so they say."

Lernen looked at her in confusion. "Beg your pardon?"

She waved her hand at him. "Forget it. There's no use in bothering about it right now."

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Frieren smiled. "You think something so insignificant is a hint?"

"Based on the exceeding amount of information pointing towards it, yes. I believe one of those demons used her vast knowledge of spells against her. And could very much do the same to you."

"So Fern was sent for good reason then." Frieren was partly surprised that Serie even bothered to keep her away from this. The two never got along but it warmed her heart that Serie did care. At the very least enough to keep her away without telling her the truth.

"All this leads me to say, that it is very possible for the mages sent to take down those two demons. At least... If there were only two to worry about."

"...What?"

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Genau remained in the air, surveying the surrounding area. Their fighting force was completely accounted for, with Übel and Land showing up a few minutes ago. He'd been healed by Methode's magic, as had their other mages. Stark probably needed more time to recover, but time was not on their side. It was only a matter of time before the barrier began to erode.

"Nice view, huh?"

Genau whirled around in shock, only to see Rivale leaping at him from the tower. He used his wings to block, but the momentum still sent him flying back into the barrier.

Inside, Methode saw this happen, quickly waking the recovering mages. "They're here! We need to take the opportunity to kill the warrior as soon as possible!"

Fern, Übel and Land all joined her in flying outside, as Rivale landed on the ground. He regarded them with a disinterested gaze.

"More mages? How sad." he scoffed. Noticing Fern, he sneered. "How is the boy doing? Don't tell me. Is he dead?"

Fern fired a Zoltraak at him point blank which he easily avoided and jumped into the air. His strike was blocked by Land's defensive barrier, with Methode and Fern firing more blasts of magic. Rivale dodged and weaved, but suddenly stopped in his place. His eyes widened.

"What?

Übel sneered. "Gotcha."

The mages bombarded the demon general with blasts, reducing him to a corpse riddled with holes.

"That was too easy." Methode noted. "Something's wrong."

Land was the first one to realise what was truly going on. Shoving Übel out of the way, a giant shadow cut him down with a swing of his axe.

"Four-eyes?" Übel watched in awe as Land fell to the floor, his shoulder cleaved clean off his body.

"Clones!" Methode gasped. She and Fern engaged the other Rivale clone, as Übel ran over to Land.

The bespectacled mage looked up at Übel. He noticed a mix of emotions on her face, but her trademark smile was gone. It seemed to be replaced with... anger? It certainly wasn't the emotion he was expecting her to have.

"...Why did you save me?" Übel asked, her voice seemingly on edge.

"He was going to attack you. I would've done it for anyone."

"Heh... You're the same way even before death huh?"

Land looked at her. "Do you really think so?"

"...I've kept my eyes on you the whole way through. No way you..."

Land smiled as his clone dissipated. "Who's to say it was the real me when we met up? You're still a ways off from figuring me out, Übel."

An expression of mild surprise drifted across her face, before her trademark smirk returned. "Should've known. There's no way you would've stuck your neck out for me otherwise."

"South of the forest. There's a cave. Meet me there..."

Übel stood up as the clone disappeared, using Sorganeil to restrain Rivale.

"Four-eyes was a clone the whole time. He's telling us to meet with him inside the forest."

Fern and Methode nodded at this. Rivale merely grinned. "Two clone users up against each other? Mages sure are a fun lot."

Rivale was interrupted as Übel cut off his head. The three discussed the information Land had given Übel. None were too sure about what exactly that meant, but there was only one choice. They had to head back into the barrier.

"What about Stark?" Methode asked.

"He wanted to come along but..." Fern sighed. "I... couldn't let him. I didn't wake him."

"Fern. He's a warrior. If we're going to be attacked by clones of this demon, we'll have to bring him along."

"I don't want to lose him." Fern hugged her staff close to her.

Methode smiled and patted Fern's head. "Don't worry. It'll be alright. It seems these clones are weaker than the real deal anyway. But..."

Another clone of Rivale jumped out and swung his axe at them, but Methode blocked it with a barrier. Fern fired her Zoltraak and Übel used Reelseiden to tag the demon, who whizzed past their attacks, trying to get closer. Übel's eyes quickly darted around, trying to get his full body into view for her to use Sorganiel. This thing was fast. Too fast.

Deciding to take the offensive, Übel walked forward, pressuring Rivale with numerous slashes of magic. As he blitzed towards her, she ducked at the last second, allowing Fern to blast him from behind her.

"Good teamwork!" Rivale grinned. It was clear that, due to being a clone, he was taking massive risks. Any damage he could inflict was good damage. At this point he was just fighting on autopilot. Any fun to be had was gone, at least with fighting mages.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

"Fools. They'll wear themselves out, constantly throwing themselves at my clones."

"...Will they now?"

"Huh?!"

Land was behind her. How? How did he...?

"You said earlier. That clones made by your Doppelganger had a 'tell', didn't they?" Land put his staff to her head. "It was something I'd never heard of. At first I thought it was a secret weakness. But no. Your observation was wrong. That clone was not me. It stands to reason that any sort of weakness your magic had..."

Viele's eyes widened.

"Was merely ironed out by the humans that repurposed it."

"How did you find me?"

"I surveyed the forest. Since you never saw where I was, too distracted by the commotion, I was given free reign to go where I wanted. And it was only a matter of finding where the clones were coming from."

"You stole my magic. You damn humans..."

"We didn't steal it. We improved upon it. It was your hubris to assume it was perfect. And it'll be your hubris that leads to your end."

Chapter Text

31 Years after the Hero Himmel's Death
Düster Forest, Northern Lands

Viele grimaced, furious that she'd been found out by this child. This halfwit. How could this have happened? She used to be invincible! Enemies would be terrified of her onslaught! Now, this average mage managed to best her? Impossible.

"Hm... You think you have me all figured out?" Viele mused. With a flick of her wrist, she caught him in her Schattenstrang. His limbs bled, only for him to disintegrate yet again.

He jumped out from behind her, aiming his staff at her, firing a burst of magic which carved a hole through her chest. She looked down in shock at the fatal injury.

"It's ironic that you fell for such a simple trick." Land spoke.

Viele's surprise expression gave way to a calm sneer. "How arrogant."

From behind, Land felt his back get sliced up by wires as he dove forward, the real Viele emerging from the darkness.

"It's rather comical, right? Someone as powerful as me being underestimated by someone as pathetic as you." Viele said. "You've only been alive a few short years, human. Such a simple feint is not enough to catch me off guard."

With another flick of her wrist she dismantled the second clone of Land. "You can keep creating your Doppelgangers, and I'll keep destroying them. I'm in no rush to kill you, rest assured. You may have found my true self, but my job is to merely wile away time."

More Land clones ran in, as they fired numerous beams of light at the demoness. She avoided them with practiced ease. This boy was not as powerful of a mage when he was forced to fight directly. His skill relied on his trickery and deceit, and when it came to such skills, humans had no chance against demons.

She caught all the Doppelgangers with her Schattenstrang, twisting and breaking their limbs as she merely smirked in morbid fascination. "I do wonder... How much mana do your Doppelgangers drain from you?"

The Land clones kept their pokerfaces, as each version of the blond stared a hole through her. "What if I told you they didn't take any mana at all?"

Viele raised an eyebrow. "Oh please. You couldn't fool me with such a simple bluff."

"You already were unable to distinguish between my clones and the real me. What makes you think the mana needed to use your spell remained the same? Zoltraak started off as a deadly spell that took a lot of power to execute. Soon, it ended up becoming so simple that even children could perform it." Land explained, his voice not wavering once.

Viele scoffed. "Even if that were the case, your mastery of the magic is not anywhere near mine. Were you able to create clones of your allies, you actually would've had a chance at beating me. But..."

A fourth Land clone tried to fire an attack from behind her, but she swept him up into the air by his arms with her wires, turning around to glare at him as the three other clones were destroyed. "As you are right now, you're nothing but target practice."

She tightened the strings around his arms, drawing blood as Land didn't let the pain show.

"Tell me, what do you hope to accomplish?"

He panted heavily, blood running down his head. "You said before... That you were simply trying to wile away time... Right?"

Viele narrowed her eyes.

"You... weren't the only one."

She gasped as a wall beside her got cut into pieces, as Übel barreled towards her. Using her Sorganiel, she froze Viele in place. She pointed her staff at Land, releasing him from his trap, all while keeping eye contact on Viele.

"Nice job Four-Eyes. And here I thought I'd finally begun to understand you."

Land looked at Viele, before his eyes widened. "Übel!"

The green-haired mage turned to her left as a wire came dangerously close to slicing her face in half, ducking it at the last second, as it cut off a bit of her hair. The Viele in front of her dissipated the same way Land's did. This magic was starting to become increasingly annoying.

"Her clones have a tell." Land said, positioning himself near Ubel. "She managed to create one in the split second just as you entered the cave. She can creates clones of herself a lot faster than she can create clones of others."

"You." Viele shot Übel a withering glare, as she formed a grid of wires in her hand. "Magic that allows you to cut anything, and magic that allows you freeze anything you see. Quite the powerful combination. Except..."

Viele formed numerous clones of herself around her. "You can't stop all of me."

All clones sent numerous grids of magic wires at Übel, as she cut them all down with Reelseiden. Land stood behind her for cover, as she continued to take on the clones. However, even Übel's reactions were beginning to falter, as numerous cuts from the wires appeared across her body.

Land did what he could to provide covering fire, but it was clear that the two of them alone would not be able to end this.

"How paltry." One of the Viele clones mused. "I'll admit, you two did put up a strong front. But in the end, demons are simply built for fights involving magic. You two could only last for so long."

Übel kept her smirk as she backed away, getting cornered as Land's clone was yet again destroyed. She knew he couldn't do this forever, but-

Her train of thought was interrupted as a grid of wires approached her from behind. She couldn't react to it in time. She managed to slice apart a few of the wires, but it wasn't enough. She shut her eyes, waiting for her impending doom, but she was pushed out of the way at the last second, Land tackling her to the ground as the Schattenstrang sliced up his back and legs.

He collapsed next to her.

"Four-Eyes...?"

Viele sneered as she dispelled all her clones, assuming the battle to be over.

"How predictable. I may not understand these pathetic bonds you humans seem to hold for each other, but this is clear as day. That boy's mana is weak. Far weaker than any of the other clones he sent at me." Viele noted. "As much as you've refined it, a clone made with less mana is not at all durable, so the fact that you're still lying before me means you're the real one. And yet you still chose to hurt yourself to save your ally."

Übel tried to retrieve her staff, but Viele placed her foot on it, creating more threads, as she wrapped one around Übel's neck.

"And you, your 'Sorganiel' only works if you have my full body in view. Yet I'm too close for that now, aren't I?"

"...Stop..." Land crawled, grabbing Viele's foot.

"Quiet. I'll kill you second." Viele glared at Übel. "I'll behead her first."

Übel only managed a small smirk. "Heh... I guess I was right about him."

"...What?"

Viele suddenly felt a searing pain in her abdomen as she began to fall forward, landing on the ground with a thud. Except... As she looked to her right, she saw her legs fall apart in front of her. She'd been bisected?

"Huh...?"

A perfectly unharmed Übel walked up to her. "Surprise."

"A...clone?"

Übel helped Land to his feet. "...I never said I couldn't make a clone of someone else." he managed.

"But.. you... saved... her..."

The two mages watch the Übel clone that Land saved dissipate.

"I'm surprised too. I didn't expect you to put your butt on the line for the fake me." Übel looked at the blond she was holding up.

"I had to make it believable." Land muttered. "Besides. I trusted you to land the finishing blow. And you did."

Viele disintegrated, giving both mages a look that could only be described as murderous, but in resignation. "...You... Won't survive... Tonight..." Is all she managed before dying.

Land coughed up blood as Übel looked at him in concern. His leg had been cut badly, and his back was marred by deep slashes.

"Leave me." Land managed. "Help the others."

"Hmmm. No way." Übel smiled. "I'm not over you duping me with a clone all this while. Your punishment for that is more time with me."

"...How torturous."

Übel gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You know you love me."

--<( ´꒳` )>--

The other three mages watched the clone of Rivale dissipate, scoffing to himself.

"That pathetic wimp died, did she? Hmph."

Genau, Methode and Fern were scuffed up and tired, but they weren't defeated yet.

"Looks like Übel succeeded." Methode said with a slight smile. "Despite her quirks, she's rather reliable."

"We're not done yet." Genau walked forward. "We still have two more demons to kill."

A massive pillar of light erupted from the center of the forest, clashing with the barrier as cracks began to form over the massive dome.

"We're late." Genau scoffed, as the three took to the air, flying rapidly towards Einzel, who was trying to erode and destroy his prison, and escape the forest.

"Fern, we'll distract him, you land the finishing blow. You're the only one who stands a chance." Genau explained.

"Right."

"Now-" Genau's eyes widened as he saw a shadow approaching in them. At the last second, he blocked Rivale's axe with his wings, before getting smashed into a tree. "Fern! Go! He'll try to stop you!"

Methode fired a spell at Rivale, but he cut it in half with his axe. Genau leapt at him, only for the warrior to land a powerful kick to his gut and send him hurtling into Methode. The two crashed to the ground, as Fern couldn't decide. Was she to fly away like Genau asked?

Could she fly away and abandon them? Could she lose more comrades because of her weakness? She had to stop Einzel from destroying the barrier, but in doing so she could very much allow Rivale to kill the other two. That would be two deaths that were entirely on her. She hated losing people. She hated watching her friends and comrades die in front of her while she could do nothing.

What... What would Mistress Frieren do in this situation?

But in the split second where she was processing all of this, Rivale appeared behind her with a murderous grin. He tried to behead her with his axe, only for Genau to block the strike again, before letting loose a slash with his wings. The attack left a gash across Rivale's torso.

"Stop spacing out." Genau said, his eyes trained on Rivale. "Go stop the other one, Methode and I will kill this one."

"Will you, now?" Rivale grinned. "You are strong, winged mage. But you are no warrior. None of you are. My job is to stop one of you from reaching Einzel. So, little mage. You can make this easier, and come with me. Or, you can fail to stop Einzel, and lose your pathetic comrades as well."

"Don't underestimate us." Methode looked at Rivale, making eye contact. "We're first class mages as well."

"I care not for titles. All I know, is that you three are weaklings. It's just that little girl is the one I must kill, and so I shall!" he tried to leap at them, but froze in his place as Methode spoke a single command.

"Kneel."

"Gh!" Rivale's entire body shuddered, as his eyes blanked out.

A beat of sweat rolled down Methode's head, as she tried to get Rivale to fall under her hypnosis magic. "Go... Fern!"

Fern prepared to leave as Genau leapt to behead Rivale, but the demon was able to let out a few words at the last second.

"Leave... And I'll do to these people what I did to that warrior!"

Fern froze in her tracks, before whirling around and firing a beam of light at Rivale. This unexpected turn broke Methode's concentration for a mere second, allowing Rivale to regain control of his body and smash his axe into Fern, who was barely able to block with a barrier. The purple-haired mage went flying.

"No!" Methode flew after her.

"Methode!" Genau called out. "Stop!"

"...What?!"

"He's not our main target." Genau pointed to the pillar of light. "That is!"

"But... We can't just leave her to die!"

Genau sighed deeply. "She made her choice. We'll have to take the other demon on without her. At the very least we could buy time for-"

"What if she doesn't return Genau? She's a barely an adult!" Methode spoke. "We're wasting time here. Come."

He grabbed her arm. "No. We can't let the demon escape. Serie had them sealed here for a reason." Genau explained, before looking at the tower they'd recuperated at. "Besides. You need to have faith in Frieren's students. You and I both know they're stronger than we think."

"...They?"

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Rivale stood across from Fern in a clearing.

"Hah. Humans. So easy to unnerve." Rivale mused. "Were you angry over your comrade?"

Fern fired Zoltraak at him, but he rushed forward, cutting the blast in half with his axe. Fern took to the skies, blasting the earth with rapid fire blasts of her signature spell, as Rivale scurried underneath and avoided them.

If she could keep the distance, she could kill him. Not only did she know that, but the demon did too.

Rivale roared in annoyance as he hurled his axe at her, the mage deflecting the weapon with a barrier. She then shot Zoltraak through the axe and then at the unarmed Rivale, managing to tag his shoulder and burn off a part of his hair.

"Tch. I hate you mages. None of you put your life on the line. None of you live to fight."

Fern remained silent, firing more blasts of pure mana as Rivale manifested his axe again and spun it, negating them before whirling around and throwing the second axe with a curved trajectory. Fern barely managed to avoid it, but as she flew towards him, she saw him smirk, realising that the axe was looping back around to get her.

She was able to use her defensive magic at the last second, but Rivale used the distraction to create a sword and slash at her. She was not able to completely stop this attack, as it left a nasty gash on her right hip.

In midair, Rivale turned and launched a powerful kick, sending her hurtling to the ground. She got to her feet. She was hurt. Badly. Rivale sauntered up to her, swinging his sword down lazily with one hand, as Fern manifested a shield. He sneered as he put a tad bit more effort into the attack.

Fern tried to fire another spell, but Rivale knocked her staff out of her grasp with his free hand, sending her to the ground again.

"Your warrior friend made my heart beat a lot more than you did. It is a shame, really." Rivale mused. "His family said he'd finally be the one to kill me. That he'd get retribution for them. Oh how I wish that were the case. How I wish all these vague threats that humans made would actually come to fruition. In truth, he was weak. As are you.

He pointed his sword at Fern.

"Any last words?" Rivale grinned.

"I'm sorry..."

Rivale tilted his head. "To who?"

He turned around to be slammed with an axe, with such force that he felt his shoulder dislocate. The demon went flying into the dense brush, as Stark hefted his axe, clutching his bandaged wounds.

"Master Stark..." Fern looked despondent, and a bit guilty. Stark helped her to her feet, as she picked up her staff.

"It's okay." Stark said, though it was clear he did feel a little hurt that she'd left him behind. "I'm here now."

"We can kill him faster if we work together." Fern clutched her staff.

"No, Fern. This is my fight. Not yours."

"You can't possibly be serious!" Fern worried. "Last time... Last time he-!"

"I'm sorry if I made you worry. But you shouldn't be here Fern." He looked at the pillar of light, creating more and more cracks in the barrier. "You need to stop the other demon."

"You cannot hold him off Master Stark, please..."

He looked at Fern. "I'm not fighting to hold him off. I'm fighting... to win."

"...Promise me you'll survive."

"I will. After all, I'm the strongest warrior, right?"

Chapter Text

Rivale made his way out of the clearing he’d been smacked into. He noticed Stark standing solitarily in the field in front of him, axe drawn. A massive sneer spread across his face.

“You live? Ha!” the demon boomed. “And it seems your companion fled. No matter. Let Einzel deal with her, I will enjoy this battle human!”

Stark stood his ground, his hands trembling. Breathe.

Fern was relying on him. Frieren believed in him. Master Eisen believed in him. Stoltz would’ve believed in him too. He wasn’t going to let his village’s death be for nothing.

“My brother foretold that I’d come along to kill you, didn’t he?” Stark said, his voice taking a dangerous edge. “Here I am. And make no mistake. I will kill you, demon.”

“I am no mere demon! I am the greatest warrior among all the demons that live and have ever lived!” Rivale pointed his greatsword at Stark. “I am Rivale! And you, you’re just a pathetic human trying to be someone you’re not. You’ll never be Eisen.”

“You’re right.” Stark admitted. “I’ll never be Master Eisen. I’ll never be my brother. I can only be me. But that’s all I need to be, to beat you!”

The two clashed weapons, as Rivale pushed Stark away.

“How does it feel? To lose to the weapon your own flesh and blood used to wield?”

Stark grimaced, but stood his ground. In the blink of an eye, Rivale blazed towards him, slamming into him with a punch. It was over. This boy was injured already, his weapon was haphazardly repaired and his body failing him. He couldn’t survi-

“Was that all you got?”

Rivale’s eyes widened. This boy… He was still standing? He’d taken his punch and stood his ground. He grinned maniacally.

“You… You withstood my fist.”

“LIGHTNING STRIKE!”

Stark’s axe slammed down on Rivale’s body, as he grunted, the sheer force of the strike forcing him down to one knee. The human then slammed his knee into the demon’s face, sending him backpedaling. The two clashed weapons over and over, as Rivale could only defend.

Where did this human get this strength from? He grabbed Stark’s face and slammed it into the dirt, throwing him into a tree. But he got back up.

“RAAAGH!” Stark jumped at him with all the fervor of a rabid animal. He let lose wild and dangerous swings with his axe, as Rivale dodged. He grinned. This human was only prolonging the inevitable.

He kicked Stark in the gut, before swinging his sword downwards in a massive arc, reopening a gash on Stark’s shoulder as his barely stitched together clothing fell apart yet again. The red-haired axe-wielder fell face first into the ground. Yet… He got back up.

“You’re a tough one, I’ll give you that.” Rivale smiled. “Good. Give me more!”

The two engaged in another dance of blades, now faster than ever before. Stark charged, slamming his axe down on the massive blade before using the momentum to jump off and flip over the tall demon’s head, landing behind him. He swung low, but Rivale jumped to avoid the swipe, turning mid air and slamming his blade downwards.

Stark flipped backwards, but Rivale used the new distance to his advantage, swinging wildly at Stark, who could barely deflect his attacks. His axe got chipped further and further, as he took attack after attack.

“What’s wrong boy?! Scared? Fight back! Do you wish to die like your pathetic family?”

Stark gritted his teeth, as Rivale prepared to run the warrior throught he chest with his sword, but Stark side-stepped, swinging his axe with such strength that it smacked the sword of Rivale’s hands.

“...My family’s not dead. They’re still with me.” Stark wielded his axe with both hands. “You don’t understand Rivale. You could never understand. All of those people who you killed, their strength is in me!”

Rivale’s eyes widened. Those same words… This boy… Was just like his brother. Images of Stoltz facing off against him flashed in his mind, as did his duel with Eisen. He created an axe in his bare hands.

“Perhaps I underestimated you.” Rivale sneered. “I never quite caught your name. What is it?”

Stark’s eyes narrowed. “...Stark. Remember it. It’s the last one you’ll ever hear.”

“Oh. I will!”

The two clashed their weapons again, Rivale now using much heavier attacks matching his choice of weapon. These strikes were too powerful for Stark to deflect, as he was flung into a cliffside, falling to his knees.

But he got back up.

“Give up.” Rivale pointed his axe at him. “You’ll die here.”

Both warriors saw flashes of light on the other side of the forest. Stark wiped the blood from his face.

“No… I won’t die.” Stark said. “I still have to go back to Master Eisen and tell him about my travels. I still have to help Frieren get to Aureole. I still… have to be there for Fern.”

“So the great Eisen still lives?” Rivale clutched his axe. “I’ll be sure to pay him a visit once I kill you.”

Stark yet again resumed their battle, swinging again and again at Rivale, who blocked his blows with his sheer strength. The human warrior tried to use his speed to get the advantage, zipping throughout the forest to catch the demon off-guard as he hit him from all angles.

Rivale’s eyes tracked the redhead’s every movement, deflecting each attack systematically, though he was being pushed further and further back, until he felt the rocky walls of a hill behind him. Suddenly, the attacks stopped.

“Hm? Where’d he go?”

“LIGHTNING STRIKE!”

The cliff behind him split in half as the power of the attack met Rivale.

“How precocious!” Rivale swung his axe with equal force, canceling out the attack, but as his axe was embedded in the floor, Stark flew at him. Rivale couldn’t react in time, as Stark swung downward, the ground splintering like glass below their feet as Rivale stumbled backwards from the attack.

Blood. He… He could taste his own blood. He felt his face, this boy… This brat… Had re-opened his scar?

“You… You’re as strong as your master after all.” Rivale picked his weapon back up. “Let’s continue shall we, Stark?”

Stark let loose an unrelenting barrage of swings, the two warriors dynamically clashing through the forest.

“Ha ha! Oh how I wish I could’ve fought more warriors of your caliber! This pleases me so!” Rivale caught Stark’s axe with his free hand, headbutting the human and then readying a powerful swing of his own. The attack rung true, as it yet again created a massive wound on the human’s body, as he yet again fell.

“It’s over.”

Stark stumbled to his feet, coughing up blood. His legs were on fire. His arms were numb. His heart was beating like never before. His ears rung. His vision blurred. He could taste his own blood, and could feel his bones broken, organs ruptured. His brain screamed at him to run. To save himself.

But he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. Not now. Not ever.

“How… How do you still stand?” Rivale questioned, genuinely surprised. “I fail to understand. I’m superior to you. In every conceivable way. You do realise don’t you? You cannot kill me. You haven’t the faintest chance of even mortally wounding me. It shall only grow more difficult from here on out.”

“I… can still stand. So… I must!” Stark charged at Rivale, who was growing angry now, as this boy continued to disrespect him like this. The least he could do was take his death with some honour.

Rivale grunted as Stark’s axe was mere inches away from his bleeding visage. “Enough of this farce.”

He pushed away the weak swing, raising his axe in the air and bringing it down on Stark’s weapon, breaking the poorly mended shaft in twain, as Stark’s weapon broke yet again.

“Just like all the others. You’re human. Your weapons are human.” Rivale smirked. “But I won’t lie, Stark. You did a fantastic job. I shall remember you.”

“…”

“Stark.”

“Brother?”

“You’re the pride of this village. No matter what father says. No matter what anyone tells you. Never forget that.”

“You’re just saying that to make me feel better, Brother Stoltz.”

“No, Stark. I’m serious. You are.”

"Really?”

“As your brother. And as a warrior. I couldn’t be prouder of you. There will come a day where an enemy will doubt you. Where they will overlook your worth as a warrior.”

“...What should I do then?”

“Remind them who you are. You’re a warrior. You’re the pride of our village. And… You’re my pride as well.”

Rivale only saw the boy before him turn into a red blur, before being punched so hard that he felt his own nose shatter. He crumpled to the floor, taken off guard.

What… What had just happened?

Stark stood above him, his fist dripping with the demon’s blood.

“You… You…!” Rivale felt his own limbs tremble. What… What was this feeling? Why couldn’t he stand? Why was his strength failing him now?

“You’re scared.”

Rivale clutched his shattered nose. Scared? That emotion was foreign to him. He couldn’t be scared. Impossible.

“No… I’m not-”

Stark raised Rivale’s own axe above his head. “Lightning Strike.”

The ground was torn asunder as Rivale felt his own body rupture at the attack? How? How was this mortal injuring him so severely when he couldn’t before?

“AGH!” Rivale writhed on the ground, a massive slash marring his abdomen.

Stark coldly walked up to the demon, he raised the axe above his head.

“You…!” Rivale caught the axe mid swing, as the two warriors fought over possession for the weapon. “I will not be felled… By my own axe!”

He shoved Stark away, trying to stand. The axe felt heavy in his arms. His knees buckled. Was this… fear?

Stark punched him again, as he stumbled backwards, the warrior landing punch after punch. Rivale roared, kicking the human away.

“My heart races. My head aches.” Rivale clutched his skull. “This fear you speak of… Both you and your master felt it. I feel it now.”

He grabbed Stark in a chokehold with one hand. “It certainly is a powerful motivator. I felt strength within me that I’d never felt before.”

Stark gasped for air, as he refused to show weakness, trying to pry open Rivale’s hands.

“To have been made to feel fear by a human. Such an indignity.” Rivale mused. Behind him, a massive pillaor of light emerged from the distance, making contact with the dome that had sealed the forest.

“Looks like Einzel succeeded. I’ll keep you alive for now. If only so you can watch how your own comrades failed.”

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Moments earlier...

Methode and Genau performed marginally better against the demon, but not by much. The now one-handed Einzel continued to be able to use his attacks with devastating proficiency, weakening them with Strahenklau and then using Aufnahme to slam them with pure mana.

“Whatever you do, do not let him touch you! Once he absorbs your mana, he’ll be able to use your own magic against you!” Genau yelled out as the two battled mid-air. Methode used her long ranged magic to keep Einzel at bay while Genau attacked from his blind spots.

Einzel and Genau repeatedly clashed at rapid speeds, the demon using the copy of Digardnacht that he’d manifested in their previous fight.

Though, even if this were the case, he could not replicate the skill Genau had spent so long honing. Blocking a strike from Einzel with his own wing, he flew upwards, firing sharp feathers from his wings. Einzel blocked, not noticing Methode appearing behind him and firing.

The shot destroyed part of Einzel’s cloak, but he was otherwise unharmed.

“Enough!” he let out a blast of mana using Aufnahme, pushing both away. He switched his priority to Methode, charging at her.

The skilled mage dodged and weaved through the powerful demon’s attacks, returning spells of her own. However, there was only so much she could accomplish, given Strahenklau’s weakening of her attacks. Not to mention, Einzel’s eyes constantly appeared and disappeared behind his hair, making it difficult for her to establish eye contact.

He punctured through her hexagonal defense spell, creating a gash across her torso. He grabbed her staff with his free hand, but Genau slammed into Einzel, the two hurtling towards the underbrush. He lifted a wing to try and impale the grounded demon, but Strahenklau halved the effectiveness of his wings, Einzel stopping the attack with his hand. He clutched the wing, absorbing the mana used to create it.

“Methode!” Genau yelled out.

The blonde mage flew at Einzel, preparing to fire a point-blank Zoltraak at Einzel’s face, but the demon merely sneered.

“...Perfect.”

A sudden beam of light erupted from his remaining hand, singing Genau alive as he fell back, his body covered in burns and injuries as the huge pillar of light hurtled towards the sky, and thus, the barrier.

“Aufnahme. Destroy this cage. I am finally free.”

The barrier began to form cracks.

“No!” Methode tried to fire another spell, but Einzel got to his feet and fired his feathers at her, as she had to bring up a shield to block them. He blitzed towards her, running her through with his niello wing and absorbing her mana through it.

“It’s… over.” Einzel looked up as his free hand continued to pulsate, creating a pillar of light that began to break and splinter the barrier further and further. Eventually, it shattered. He was free to flee.

Methode coughed up blood, but only returned a smirk. “...No. It’s not.”

A blast that came seemingly out of nowhere destroyed Einzel’s wings, nearly killing him had he not backed off at the last minute.

“That girl. She lives!” Einzel simmered in silent rage. He burst into the air, trying to draw her out.

He saw a burst of light in the distance, using the spells he’d absorbed from Methode to manifest her defensive magic to block the spears of light that threatened to kill him. “How… fast!”

Fern sped towards him, firing spells from directions, peppering the demon with an onslaught of magic. Her face hid her rage, but Einzel sensed her urgency.

“I no longer fear you, human.” He spoke, his voice raspy. “You cannot stop me.”

The two then engaged in battle of the same spell, both using Zoltraak and using their defensive shields at the same time. Einzel smirked under his mask.

“You don’t have the mana… To defeat me.” Einzel spoke again. “I will burn you out.”

“...Is that so?”

Einzel’s eyes widened as the sheer number of her attacks increased exponentially. She was… getting faster? How? How was a human so proficient with this spell? Her skill with this spell… It bordered on demonic!

The demon began to get pushed back, his own stolen proficiency not being enough to counter the sheer power Fern had at her disposal. He began to get tagged more and more, as he began to lose the upper-hand.

“Impossible.” he managed.

“...Hurry up and die.” Fern said monotonously. She had to get back to Stark.

“No...No!” Einzel grunted. “I… Don’t need to fight you!”

Fern’s eyes widened as he changed tactics and tried to flee, as she followed him. But as he turned around to face her… She gasped. He mad eye contact. His glowing red eyes twisted in a sneer.

“...Stop.”

Fern was hypnotized, forced to freeze midair. Einzel took to the air, ready to escape the forest he was enshrined in for so long.

“I shall escape… And return the world to chaos!”

As he tried to escape however, he saw a single figure in the sky before him. His eyes widened as her mana exploded from her small form, flooding the entire sky. He himself was pushed back by it’s sheer volume.

“W...What?”

As he got closer, he saw the figure more closely. An elf. A white-haired elf. She was glaring at him.

“You aren’t going anywhere, demon.” Frieren said coldly.

With a blinding flash of green, she pushed him back as the barrier began to re-construct itself. Like an angel of death, she sealed any and all hope of Einzel's escape along with banning him to his prison yet again.

“No! You dare? YOU DARE?!” Einzel tried to fight the reconstruction of the barrier, but his mana was dwarfed by Frieren’s own, as the barrier slowly reformed. The demon was but a fingertip away, but all he could do was grasp at fresh air, as he was repelled by the newly reformed barrier.

“...Elf…!” Einzel seethed in hatred. “I shall slay your kind like I nearly did before.”

Frieren merely looked upon him with disinterest. “No need. You’re already done for.”

“What-?” he turned around as Fern fired a powerful Zoltraak at him. He dodged the streams of light, but they caught up with him, as he fell to the ground, being forced back yet again as all he could do was get shields up. He couldn’t even see where the magic was coming from, as he was bombarded over and over.

“No...Stop!” Einzel panicked as his stolen magic began to falter. His shields cracked and splintered yet again. “How...How?!”

How did she have such large reserves? Her mana was-

His eyes widened as he finally caught a glimpse of her between the relentless attacks. Her mana flared out all around her. Not nearly as powerful as the elf yet… Exceedingly powerful for a human.

He gasped as a stray spell burnt a hole in his gut, the demon looking down in horror. He crumbled to his knees. Fern landed in front of him, pointing a staff at his head.

“...You… You’re not...human.” Einzel coughed.

“And you’re a pathetic excuse for a demon.” Fern said, before blasting his entire upper body into oblivion as the once terrifying demon crumbled into dust.

She collapsed to her knees. She had to get to Stark but… She was tired. She leaned heavily on her staff. She at the very least had to make sure the others were alright. What was Mistress Frieren going to do?

“I… Can still…” she huffed, before she noticed a glint in the grass before her. She leant over to grab it. It was two halves of… A bracelet. Stark’s bracelet. She’d found it.

“Master Stark…”

She could only see the looming yet familiar presence of a golem approaching her before she passed out.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Rivale gloated as their victory was within reach, but narrowed his eyes as the barrier began to reform.

“Hm? How can that be…? He destroyed the barrier!” Rivale said, taken by surprise. “What is he-”

“RRRAAARGH!” Stark roared as he grabbed hold of Rivale’s horn.

“Wha-?! You whelp, do you wish to die?” He wrestled against Stark, who used both his hands to clutch at the demon’s horn, Rivale clutching at his throat harder, trying to snap his neck.

With another primal scream, Stark ripped the elder demon’s horn from his skull, as Rivale let out a loud grunt of his own, clutching at his bleeding head as he stumbled backwards.

“GRRRAHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Stark impaled Rivale with his own horn, stabbed him through the diaphragm.

“GH!”

Both warriors collapsed. Rivale was in shock. This warrior had overpowered him. HIM. The greatest warrior the world had ever known! He stared up at the night sky. As he struggled to get up, he noticed Stark.

He was already on his feet. As if it was instinctual. He was barehanded, slouched over, and barely alive. This was Rivale’s chance. It was undignified, but he was going to slay this boy here and now. He refused to be outdone. Refused to believe there could be anyone so young yet so strong.

Strength came from experience. It came from living to the fullest, from putting your life out to the rest of the world over and over. It came from wisdom.

How was this boy, barely even two decades old, if that, able to stand up to him? Humans…

Humans were strong.

Rivale hefted his axe, ready to kill Stark, but a blinding flash of light flung him into a tree. His axe fell apart in his hand as his body burnt. He was able to block, but another shot was going to kill him. It was a mage. And a powerful one. He had to run.

Frieren landed next to Stark, pointing her staff at Rivale. “So it’s him. The warrior that Eisen fought.”

Stark gingerly placed his arm on Frieren’s staff. “Frieren… Please… Let me…”

She looked at Stark with a proud smile, before looking back at Rivale, only to see that he’d fled. She sighed. “He’s gone.”

Stark clutched his fist, his breath heavy. “I… wasn’t strong enough.”

Frieren patted his matted hair. “No, Stark. You were even stronger than I thought.”

The boy collapsed in her arms, as she held him aloft.

“He… I had to kill him. For my family… For… everyone he’d murdered that night. I ran away that time… I-”

“They’d be as proud of you as I am. As would Eisen.” Frieren assured. “Besides. He’s the one that ran away this time. Shows us who the real coward is, right?”

Stark only managed a weak chuckle, before blacking out.

--<( ´꒳` )>--

Fern’s eyes fluttered open, as she saw Frieren looking down at her.

“...Mistress Frieren.” she said weakly, as Frieren helped her sit up. “Where are we?”

“Schneesturm. Lernen helped me bring all of you here. Genau and Methode left not too long ago. Your other two friends left last night.”

“Mistress Übel and Master Land survived as well.” Fern noted. “But… What of Master Stark?”

Frieren pursed her lips. “Come with me.”

The two went to Stark’s room, as the warrior was covered in bandages. His breathing seemed laboured. Fern gasped softly, kneeling down and holding his free hand gingerly.

“The priests spent all night treating him. Methode and I stepped in where we could and… We managed to stabilize him. It’s all down to him now. Whether he wakes up or not.”

Fern looked at her master in shock. “You couldn’t possibly mean…!”

“It’s a possibility.” Frieren said. She put a hand on Fern’s shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself.”

“...How can I?” Fern sniffled. “It… It was my fault. I fell for that demon’s bait. I didn’t wake Stark up when we left. I risked everyone’s lives.”

Frieren knelt near Fern, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Fern. You did your best. That’s all that matters. You performed excellently.”

Fern produced Stark’s broken bracelet from her dress. “He told me he’d lost this. I wanted to return it to him.”

“I can get it fixed, if you wish.” Frieren offered. “I have a spell for that.”

Fern hesitantly handed the silver pieces to the elf. “Please do.”

As the silver-haired mage left with the bracelet, Fern brought a stool and sat beside Stark.

“I’m sorry.” she sobbed, her tears dripping down on his hand. “If only I’d been stronger…”

“...C-Cold…”

“Master Stark?”

She wiped away her tears, hearing him muttering in his sleep. His eyes slowly flickered open. He drealily looked towards Fern.

“Fern…”

She wordlessly choked out a sob, shocked to see him.

He chuckled slightly. “I’m… not dreaming am I?”

“Don’t scare me like that ever again.”

“S-Sorry.”

Fern gave him a tearful smile. “Don’t be. You… Saved me more times than I could count. Thank you.”

“...I couldn’t kill that demon.”

“You will the next time, Master Stark.” she smiled softly. “I know you will.”

He smiled bashfully. “I’ll try.”

She gave him a hug, trying not to move him too much as she embraced his head. He reluctantly returned the favour.

“...Um, Fern? Your uh… Chest is… I mean… My face…”

“...Perv.”