Having made her decision, Frieren promptly summoned the Water Mirror Demon, which arrived the same day thanks to the speed of Flight Magic.
rendezvoused.
After all, Elf Town and the North Wind Fortress were adjacent, making travel between them very convenient.
Thus, two identical elven girls stood upon the lecture hall's stage. Aside from the Water Mirror Demon's characteristic waxy white appearance, they were nearly indistinguishable, their mana signatures almost perfectly matched. She deliberately suppressed her mana until it was on par with the Water Mirror Demon's.
The latter blinked blankly, a little nervous under the many unfamiliar yet intense gazes, but as long as it didn't detect hostility, it wouldn't react. Moreover, with its creator right beside it, instinct told it there was no need to worry about danger.
Being with Frieren was the safest place to be.
"As you can see, if we are talking solely about the technique of controlling demons, I have already achieved it. By the same logic, if there were a suitable demon, I could puppetize it as well. Technically, it is feasible."
She omitted factors like the non-replicable First Flame and the Old Gods, as this was essentially a publicity stunt.
Since the Empire hadn't revealed many technical details about its so-called demon control, why should she show her hand? Best to start by putting on a rival show first.
Let's have a drink and talk later.
A case of demon control publicly demonstrated by a Mage of the Mythical Era was naturally more convincing. The facts were right before them, witnessed by all.
The keen eyes of so many mages couldn't be mistaken, and they immediately clicked their tongues in wonder:
"I'd heard rumors about this before, but I never thought it was true."
"As expected of the Vice-President. To think she was already researching this during the expedition to the Grave of the Demon King. Combined with the Water Mirror Demon's power, it's no wonder she could hold back the demonic race's offensive back then."
"That's right, that explains it perfectly. And it means it has several instances of real combat data."
"Much more practical than the Empire's claims."
"The court mages only claim to have the support of a magical kingdom and demon technology, but the real technology is right in front of us now."
Thinking about it carefully, the Empire's claims didn't hold up to scrutiny; they seemed more like bargaining chips. Of course, given its sheer size, everyone took it seriously and held their noses to negotiate.
But now Frieren had presented irrefutable results.
Isn't that better than some vague, ethereal technology? At the very least, the Empire's bargaining chip was no longer so unique.
She didn't forget to have the Water Mirror Demon show off a little. Its powerful magical bombardment, stamina, and flight were all top-tier; an average Great Mage would be no match for it. In everyone's eyes, it was likely on the level of a Sage of the demonic race.
In fact, this was far from its limit. The time Frieren used it as a "Scarlet Rot launcher" was what was truly terrifying.
That part remained a secret.
"Vice-President, don't tell me you thought of this strategy long ago?"
Beside her, Wien whispered the question. He was delighted to see Frieren's grand display, as he also couldn't stand the Empire's eagerness to expand by shifting its strategic focus away from the demonic race.
"I'm not that farsighted. It was just a spur-of-the-moment idea, but the effect is quite good."
Planning meticulously before acting wasn't her style; she mostly reacted to situations as they arose. The reason she appeared to have trump cards now was simply due to her vast accumulated experience. A sudden whim might lead her to plant a seed that could sprout in the future. For instance, who could have predicted the Water Mirror Demon would have this use?
At this moment, it was soaring freely in the branch's training grounds. Its incredible flight speed made it impossible for its sparring partner to catch up, and its impenetrable defense was as solid as a fortress.
It even displayed combat intelligence.
It was by no means comparable to low-level monsters that fight purely on instinct. Frieren's creation was astonishing. It was hard to imagine just how many resources had been invested.
They clearly saw the Water Mirror Demon dodge, weave, teleport, and even use illusions, smoothly unleashing a breathtaking array of spells.
The next moment, it showcased its ultimate technique:
Ping!
The crisp sound came from magic. A ripple effortlessly blocked an attack spell and sent it back along its original path. Fortunately, it wasn't aimed at the sparring mage but flew past their shoulder, still leaving them with lingering fear.
A long, dead silence fell. No one had expected a demon puppet to be capable of this. What incredible combat talent.
"Alright, that's enough. You should return to your post."
Following Frieren's command, the Water Mirror Demon obediently restrained its power and prepared to leave, leaving behind only a fleeting glimpse of its brilliance.
No further demonstration was needed. The results were plain to see, and they were astounding enough to shake the world.
To say now that the allied forces of humanity had gained a powerhouse on the level of a Sage of Destruction not only increased their chances of victory but was also a great morale booster. The credit would certainly go to the Mage of the Mythical Era.
Therefore, her attitude was all the more important. The onlookers cast inquiring glances at her. What did she think?
"President Serie established the Association with the initial goal of popularizing magic. Later, when the war broke out, it was given the objective of protecting and nurturing mages, binding it to the strategy of confronting the demonic race. Our philosophy is to protect and nurture, and more broadly, to fight for the future of humanity."
Frieren scanned the crowd and said coldly, "Let me ask you, does the Empire's current behavior align with this theme?"
"Regrettably, the fundamental principles of the Association are incompatible with the Empire's actions."
"Therefore, we will absolutely not join them. We will maintain our independence as we have always done, striving for that future where magic changes people's lives for the better."
"All of you may seek your own paths elsewhere as you see fit."
She had made her stance clear.
She disapproved of the Empire's current actions. With the Demon King still looming like a tiger watching its prey, this was no time to relax. Admittedly, the Sages of Destruction were powerful, and their losses were a devastating blow, but what truly made the demonic race what it was, was the Demon King.
Until he was eliminated, any strategy that deviated from this path was a mistake, and would even be considered an enemy of Frieren.
The mages were lost in a myriad of thoughts, their expressions varied.
This declaration, at this very moment, was a public call for the Empire to maintain pressure on the front lines. They should seize the momentum to expand their gains.
This was the judgment of the Association's Vice-President, and her identity was more than just that. As the greatest hero in the war against the demonic race, the de facto leader of Elf Town, a Mage of the Mythical Era, and the acknowledged teacher of many mages, her influence was immeasurable, with far-reaching connections.
Moreover, she herself was her own greatest backer, possessing overwhelming strength and a record of being undefeated in battle.
"I will depart for the headquarters tomorrow to deliver this decision. It's late today, so everyone should rest."
After speaking, Frieren waved her hand and strode briskly out of the training grounds.
"Vice-President, we will all follow your lead."
"That's right. We didn't become mages to get entangled in the Empire's power struggles. Our enemies are the demonic race."
"Her Highness Frieren has shown me great kindness. We will support your decision to the end."
"I will use my connections to reflect this matter in detail..."
Wien watched the silver-haired girl go, filled with emotion. Unwittingly, her influence had grown so immense. No wonder Miliardel had mobilized to support her childhood friend.
Now, it all depended on the Empire's reaction. What was happening at the headquarters, thousands of miles away?
The fastest messenger familiar should be getting close by now.
***
Association Headquarters.
Inside a reception hall in the grand building's side palace, Flamme sat anxiously at a long table, her legs together and her hands on her knees.
Only when a servant brought her tea did she speak stiffly: "Hello, Lady Carol."
"No need to be so tense. I just came to say hello."
The uniformed woman spoke with a beaming smile, but her background as a Shadow Warrior still made one instinctively wary. After all, the Empire was founded on the principle of fighting humans, a concept tinged with blood.
The perceptive Flamme naturally sensed it. A few months ago, she would have been unable to suppress her disgust, but her experience working at the headquarters had taught her to be more flexible.
Have I become more tactful? If my master were here, what would she do?
"Great Mage?"
"My apologies, I was just thinking how much reception work there has been these past few days, and so many documents to read. I'm a bit tired..."
She spoke the truth, but there was also a hint of complaint. Weren't all these meetings a result of the Empire's special envoy's visit? Socializing was just as tiring, especially when dealing with such a cunning group of people.
The people of Elf Village were warm and harmonious. That was a true sanctuary that soothed the body and soul.
"Then I won't beat around the bush. To put it plainly, the Empire hopes you will join the Mage's Association we are establishing. The benefits are generous and everything is negotiable."
"Please, be sure to consider it carefully."
"—Can you offer the privilege of granting magic, like President Serie does, or a classroom that teaches new spells, like my master's?"
Flamme didn't mince words either, posing a counter-question that struck at the heart of the matter.
"We cannot."
When it came to the level of mythical-era powerhouses, Carol couldn't prevaricate. A 'yes' was a 'yes,' and a 'no' was a 'no.' Miracles were not uncommon in their hands, and this was precisely the foundation that supported the Association's influence.
The convenience provided by the two Mages of the Mythical Era was the biggest selling point.
Serie unconventionally provided Great Mages with exceptionally rare spells, some of which were revolutionary. How many top-tier powerhouses, connections, and resources had she cultivated through her apprenticeship system? It was impossible to measure. If mobilized, it would likely be an overwhelming force—such was the power of the elite path.
Frieren, on the other hand, walked the commoner's path. She taught without discrimination, publishing countless volumes of magical knowledge, and her three great achievements—Healing Magic, Attack Magic, and Flight Magic—were unprecedented.
Although she herself only acknowledged Flamme as her one disciple, many mages felt they owed her a debt of gratitude and considered her their teacher.
After all, the knowledge Frieren provided was simply too precious. Even true magic masters might hide their secrets and take them to the grave. But she was willing to promote the popularization of magic, making her influence, in terms of breadth, greater than Serie's.
Did you two plan this?
As long as they were united, it would be difficult for the Empire to find any weakness.
Furthermore, Carol judged that the President was unpoachable, so she could only try to chip away from the side:
"Great Mage Flamme, the Empire has its own privileges, such as unrestricted access to our Grand Archives. Additionally, the technology of the Sareytania will also be open to you..."
She painted a magnificent picture, but the red-haired girl merely nodded politely, her attitude unreadable.
Though she appeared calm on the surface, Flamme was keenly aware that she was at a critical historical juncture. How could she possibly make a judgment with her limited experience? It was too much to ask.
If she told her master, would she answer with a nonchalant "decide for yourself" or something else? If it were the former, wouldn't she have agonized over this for nothing?
Most of the time, Frieren was quite aloof. Especially since becoming a Great Mage's apprentice was, in a sense, a form of graduation.
Besides, in an elf's perception, it was nothing more than a brief exchange, destined to be washed away by the long river of time, leaving nothing behind.
"You are waiting for that Vice-President's decision, aren't you?"
Flamme didn't answer directly, but Carol's sharp senses picked it up. It was expected. If she were in the same position, she would also consider her benefactor's judgment. After all, the debt of saving her life and the grace of teaching her the path was too significant.
To be blunt, even her own parents couldn't elevate a mere commoner child to the level of the high nobility.
Admittedly, she had talent, but fate does not favor talent alone. Geniuses whose talent is never realized are a dime a dozen. The key is the platform and the channel, and that is the teacher's job.
Frieren was very responsible.
"That Vice-President became actively involved in worldly affairs partly for her apprentice, I suppose," Carol sighed, a hint of envy in her tone.
"I'm not that important. The main reason is that Master wants to protect her hometown."
"Such a master-student bond is rare. I have no intention of breaking it, much less would I dare to sow discord. I just feel that the way elves and humans think is different. On the long timescale, Lady Frieren wouldn't be troubled by such a small matter. Even you yourself said you weren't important, right?"
Flamme showed a thoughtful expression.
Suddenly, she rubbed her temples and finally shook her head, replying: "I can't give you a definite answer right now."
She had finally given a clear stance, but Carol was not disappointed. Instead, she smiled, smoothed her uniform, and sat up. Bringing the conversation to a close felt quite relaxing.
"I may trouble you again in the future. Goodbye for now."
It was a pity there was no room to wedge between the master and apprentice. Moreover, with Flamme's prodigious perception, she must have noticed the psychological suggestion. Even if she hadn't, she would have subconsciously resisted the magic's influence.
This was less a spell and more a technique, one that required phối hợp with rhetoric to succeed.
A shame.
Since she had failed, there was no need to linger, or she would seem too bothersome. Wouldn't that just make an enemy? One cannot judge a book by its cover.
According to the Empire's estimates, Flamme was no less than one of the Sages of Destruction, a strategic asset for the human faction, with an even more limitless future. She wasn't even twenty yet. It was best to remain on good terms.
As Carol left the reception hall, she passed by and greeted Cine. The President's secretary also looked like she was in a hurry.
Cine shot her a hostile look. The two mages' auras clashed for a moment, an even match, but after a brief friction, they went their separate ways.
"That person didn't do anything to you, did she?"
"I'm fine. That level of emotional sensing doesn't even count as mental magic, just a little negotiation tactic."
"It's a skill honed from interrogating prisoners. You should realize what kind of people these Shadow Warriors are."
As soon as she learned a Shadow Warrior officer had approached Flamme, she had dropped her work and rushed over, only to find Flamme handling it brilliantly, giving nothing away. Even the renowned Carol had returned empty-handed.
It was to be expected.
In terms of combat experience and perspective, they were inferior. In terms of talent, even more so. How could a group focused on fighting other people compare to the tempering of the demonic battlefield?
The red-haired girl yawned:
"I'm getting tired of all this... By the way, is the President still talking with Lord Buck?"
"It shouldn't drag on much longer, because the Vice-President is about to arrive, and a letter from her has already been delivered ahead of her."
_____
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