This was intolerable! Even if the Black Knife Assassins were only given their name due to a temporary mission, in reality, they were Numen warriors, possessing a warrior's pride.
Wasn't Frieren's obvious act of holding back an insult? Could it be she truly wasn't a pursuer from the Golden Order?
"I already told you I'm a Tarnished. I don't have some deep-seated hatred for you."
"That remains to be seen."
The Black Knife Assassin, Auluo, snorted coldly.
Despite talking tough, her actions betrayed her words as she took a step back, creating distance. Her offensive intent wasn't as strong as before. Regaining her stance, she braced herself, enduring the pain, preparing to face the enemy who might very well deliver her final rites.
Ever since committing the grave crime of assassinating the great prince Godwyn, she had been constantly fleeing pursuit. Perhaps this was the end of the road.
"Since we have no fundamental conflict, why can't we talk? For instance, each takes what they need – I heal you, you give me information."
"During this long pursuit, I've seen too much deception. It's useless."
"Then I'll have to neutralize your combat ability first."
Facing the Black Knife Assassin, who possessed an instant-death ability, Frieren discarded her shield, adopting a style utilizing both her staff and the Uchigatana – countering deadly power with offense, meeting her head-on.
The ring!
As Frieren lowered her shield, the golden ring revealed on her left index finger caught Auluo's eye. She felt she'd seen or heard of it somewhere before, perhaps holding some special meaning... but she had no time to recall further.
Facing such a strong opponent allowed no room for error. Even empowered by the Rune of Death, she felt no confidence in victory.
Frieren's aura was simply too overwhelming, incredibly sharp and imposing.
The next moment, Frieren was upon her.
Farron Flashsword thrust towards Auluo's right leg, clearly aiming to destroy her mobility. Auluo decided not to dodge. Instead, she thrust her Black Knife forward, unleashing the Blade of Death Ash of War at point-blank range, a deadly arc sweeping outwards.
She hadn't expected Frieren to forcibly retract the magic sword under such circumstances while simultaneously dodging sideways. The attack still missed her body.
Conversely, Auluo's own leg was grazed, and she had expended a significant amount of energy.
Agility was the silver-haired girl's greatest strength. Even facing a Black Knife Assassin, she held the upper hand. Her footwork, honed through thousands upon thousands of battles, was practically flawless.
The enemy wasn't exceptionally fast, yet Auluo couldn't even touch the hem of her clothes, causing her brow to furrow tightly.
Something's wrong.
Frieren was actually attacking, occasionally firing Soul Arrows or Swift Glintstone Shards, but naturally, their speed wasn't enough to hit the Black Knife Assassin either. Moreover, she fought lackadaisically. Was Auluo supposed to believe a powerful mage had such poor aim?
The two dodged each other's attacks; the power of the Death Rune and magic flew back and forth, resulting in zero meaningful engagement, even creating a slight sense of absurdity.
"You're trying to wear down my stamina—"
Anxious, Auluo prepared for a quick conclusion, but hesitated between going all out or conserving a sliver of energy to continue fleeing. In any case, she lunged forward with a thrust.
But as ill-luck would have it, her blade struck the pristine white Uchigatana. Sparks flew with a sharp clang.
"Hesitation is defeat."
Frieren executed a sudden upward parry, knocking the Black Knife flying. Simultaneously, she swung her staff like a heavy club, smashing it brutally into Auluo's abdomen. The immense force left the Numen woman paralyzed and utterly drained of strength.
Unsurprisingly, she collapsed to the ground with a thud. Already severely injured and now exhausted, she fainted on the spot.
Acquired [Assassin's Crimson Dagger] Talisman. Restores HP upon landing a critical hit.
Melina quickly materialized, saying, "That was too dangerous just now! Do you know how terrifying the power of Destined Death is? Don't take such risks; even Golden Godwyn couldn't withstand it."
"Don't worry, I know my limits. Besides, I've already won."
"You intend to heal her?"
"Yes."
"I hope she isn't someone ungrateful who can't recognize good intentions. But do you truly possess healing methods? I could teach you an Incantation..."
Before she finished speaking, Frieren cast the miracle spell, Sunlight Heal – the same one she had used previously to save her fellow elf.
Sure enough, the Black Knife Assassin, who had been on the verge of death moments ago, gradually improved. Her life force was clearly returning rapidly; her breathing and heartbeat grew stronger, a stark contrast to her earlier weakness. Her life had been saved.
However, Frieren wasn't some naive do-gooder. Necessary precautions had to be taken. She trussed Auluo up securely with ropes and, for good measure, took out a flail and wrapped its chain around her neck, ensuring she'd be thoroughly intimidated.
In a daze, Auluo recalled her flight from the Royal Capital, how many companions had met untimely ends...
Suddenly, she was bathed in sunlight, warm and reassuring.
She awoke with a start, her gaze sweeping around to understand her situation. She couldn't help but say, "Interrogating me is useless. Only the assassin leader knows the most information. We just followed orders."
Doesn't matter. Besides information, I also need you to obediently accept treatment. If you don't cooperate, I'll whip you with the flail and then heal the wounds.
"Don't—"
The Black Knife Assassin, who had seemed tough as iron until now, spoke with a trace of pleading in her voice, genuinely frightened. In the distant homeland of the Numen, the Horned Ones treated their kin in such ways, only a hundred times more cruelly – it was part of their race's collective memory.
Frieren didn't understand why the other woman had suddenly become compliant, but she was happy to see it.
"If you know fear, then cooperate with my Sunlight Heal. Without your magic actively accepting it, its effectiveness will be greatly reduced."
"Yes, I obey."
With that, the healing proceeded much more smoothly.
After her injuries recovered and the ropes were untied, the two faced each other, eyes meeting in the complete silence. One was a prisoner, anxious and uneasy; the other contemplated how to handle the situation.
"So, do you plan to continue fleeing afterwards? Spending your entire life hiding from the Golden Order's pursuers?"
"Although I hate it, we deserve our fate. Furthermore, the current state of the Lands Between was never the Black Knife assassins' intention. We each served our masters, fighting for our beliefs, yet it clashed into the worst possible outcome."
Auluo was deeply dejected. While weakened, she hadn't had time to think about anything else, but now she faced unprecedented confusion.
"Coincidentally, as someone ambitious enough to meddle with the Elden Ring, I'll eventually become hostile to the Erdtree faction anyway. I can offer you sanctuary."
"Huh?"
Frieren declared solemnly and clearly:
"I'm not joking. I intend to become the Elden Lord, and I can't do that without support. I hope you can witness the Lands Between return to order with me, ultimately creating a prosperity far exceeding that of past golden ages. You Black Knife assassins were merely used; you don't need to dwell on it too much."
"Besides, each new ruler brings their own court. How can there be so much absolute right and wrong? I will grant you protection. If you have any grievances or vendettas concerning your homeland, feel free to speak. I will help."
After pondering for a moment, Auluo asked quietly, "May I see your ring?"
The silver-haired girl extended her hand. On her slender finger rested the ring – proof of the beast's recognition, a sign of its willing servitude to this master.
"Certainly. It's called the Spectral Steed Whistle, the medium for summoning my mount, Torrent."
It seems this item Melina gave me holds extraordinary significance, so many people recognize it.
The Black Knife Assassin knelt on one knee.
"Lady Frieren, that magnanimity of yours... is precisely the reason for kingship."
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