The mission of a Kindling Maiden, one who can perceive the illusory flame, is to ignite the Erdtree with her own body, paving the way for a Tarnished to become Lord.
But she is also a partner who experiences trials and tribulations alongside the Tarnished, making sadness inevitable. That's why Melina maintained her distance, avoiding excessive interaction with Frieren, and hoped her mission wouldn't be exposed.
Now, however, Bernahl posed the risk of revealing it.
"Who could possibly replace a Finger Maiden? I'm quite curious, though of course, if it's inconvenient to say, then never mind."
"Mm, actually, she's not the type who likes being in the public eye."
"As long as you can properly use the Maiden's supportive abilities, that's fine. Everyone has their secrets, and it's not my place to pry. But there is one warning I must give."
"Please, enlighten me."
Frieren sensed this man held a wealth of information, likely related to the deeper lore of the 'game.'
"...How should I put this? One day, you will have to set foot in the heart of the Golden Order. Even if it means sacrificing someone important who has accompanied you for a long time, would you still do it? I'm not asking a question, merely suggesting you prepare yourself mentally."
"I once had such companions. Before everything vanished, I preserved a possibility... that one day, we might meet again."
She gently touched her chest, where the First Flame resided – a power capable of creating and destroying worlds.
At the end of Dark Souls, Frieren had exhausted every means to preserve a fragment of everyone's soul in a world where the Flame was fading. Combined with magical theories from different worlds, there was always a chance – like the Erdtree's system in Elden Ring, which seemed promising.
Moreover, upon her arrival in the Lands Between, several embers had scattered from the Flame, flying off to unknown destinations. Perhaps they too had merged with the Lands Between, offering even more possibilities.
Besides, her game-like magic occasionally yielded extractions like 'mods' – things like New Game+ saves or one-hit kill abilities.
Frieren believed firmly in possibilities.
"I possess the resolve for sacrifice, but the ultimate goal must be a complete and satisfactory conclusion. More than becoming Elden Lord, I prioritize saving others. The former was told to me by my Finger Maiden; the latter is because I failed to save her in time."
"—That is a perfect answer, exceeding my expectations."
Bernahl had nothing more to criticize. Since this individual possessed the pride of the strong and the power to potentially defy fate, she would naturally carve a different path.
Now, what he felt more was envy, coupled with respect for this exemplary Tarnished.
Good.
Melina, who had been listening intently, breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he hadn't directly mentioned the need to sacrifice the Maiden's life, it was fine.
And perhaps she was just overthinking things. Judging by Frieren's currently detached demeanor towards everything, when the time came for sacrifices to be made, she likely wouldn't hesitate, nor would she grieve for long.
Finding such a Tarnished was indeed fortunate; the long years of searching hadn't been in vain.
"I almost forgot." Changing the subject, Bernahl's tone finally became more spirited. "I want to teach you some Ashes of War. This power rightfully deserves to be passed on."
"Then I thank you in advance."
"It is I who should be thanking you. It's my pride to have a warrior like you wield these skills. By the way, I believe your Storm Stomp could be even stronger..."
Talking about combat reignited his passion.
Greatly inspired, Frieren's eyes lit up. Following Bernahl's ideas, she could imbue the Ash of War with greater physical destructive force, mingled with magical influence, shifting Storm Stomp towards devastation and repulsion. Guaranteed to shake the heavens and earth once unleashed.
It was said that long ago, the might of the first Elden Lord, Godfrey, was enough to upheave the very earth, even defeating the Storm Lord. Could she possibly match, or even surpass, that ancient power?
He believed Storm Stomp deserved to shine much brighter, to truly live up to its name and invoke a storm.
In addition to that, Bernahl shared other Ashes of War, including but not limited to Endure and Impaling Thrust, mostly basic ones.
Basic was good.
After all, Frieren didn't have the spare time to delve deeply into the power of numerous Ashes of War. Simple skills sufficient for combat would do; in truly high-pressure situations, magic was still paramount. It was only because the Dark Souls magic she had currently unlocked wasn't powerful enough; otherwise, the earlier spar would have ended much faster. Of course, she likely wouldn't have gained Bernahl's resonance that way either.
After their exchange, she confirmed that he could certainly be called a good teacher.
He was practically an expert on Ashes of War.
In Bernahl's hands, it almost became a field of study. His insights were like a secret manual, each piece of guidance sparking enlightenment and clearing the path forward.
His master-level experience alone indicated he hadn't come close to using his full strength earlier. His true depth was unfathomable; he was likely a major character from the late game, or perhaps all demigods were this strong?
Lost in thought, Frieren absorbed about seventy or eighty percent of what he taught.
"...Although you weren't paying full attention, I must admit you are exceptionally talented."
"I've taught you what I can in this short time. The rest you must comprehend through your own experience. Remember, the same Ash of War will manifest differently depending on the user."
Bernahl stood with his arms crossed, calling out loudly. Night had fallen deeply, the stars shone brilliantly, and it was probably getting cold.
He offered his concluding remarks, preparing to depart.
Having had a thoroughly satisfying fight was fulfilling enough. He hadn't expected someone could fully inherit these skills, experiencing a flicker of passion for life he hadn't felt in a long time.
So fast.
Time flew by; unnoticed, the third day had passed. Yet Frieren felt no fatigue. If anything, experiencing the wonders of the Lands Between had banished any idleness. Perhaps she should be more proactive, traveling day and night to activate all the Sites of Grace first.
"Thank you. After resting a bit, I'll head towards Castle Morne to help, just as you suggested."
"Of course. And I shall spread the name of the 'Funeral Spellblade.' Perhaps the Lands Between will become a slightly better place with one more powerful individual of good character."
"How can we meet again? At the Roundtable Hold?"
"...Not the Roundtable Hold. Journey north to the Altus Plateau. You might find me again in the volcanic region to the west. But it's not a pleasant place... you'll understand later."
Bernahl clearly didn't wish to delve deeper into this topic and waved his hand in farewell.
From start to finish, he had been remarkably outgoing, generously offering help and sharing crucial information, yet simultaneously shrouding things in even more mystery. He glossed over many important points, leaving the ultimate truth unclear.
Although Frieren wanted to ask about the various secrets of the Golden Order, their relationship hadn't reached that level yet.
Time to prepare.
With that thought, she began packing her belongings, intending to continue her journey under the cover of night to avoid attracting trouble from any of Godrick's soldiers drawn by the commotion.
After summoning her Spirit Steed, Melina sat behind her. However, for some reason, she deliberately kept her distance, not leaning close. Wouldn't maintaining balance be more tiring when riding at full gallop like this?
"Is there something you need to tell me?"
"Yes, it's about Finger Maidens. Frieren, I am ultimately not your original Maiden. They exist entirely for their Tarnished, whereas I have my own mission. Therefore, it's not certain we will walk this path together until the very end."
"That's perfectly fine. If you feel you should leave, then go. If you run into trouble, I'll come whenever you call."
She misunderstood. Melina thought. The point is for you not to care at all.
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