After the Battle
After a long silence.
Macht was too exhausted to continue running, so he leaned against the wall and sat down.
A long trail of blood was left on the ground.
Sizzle.
The lord of the Gluck Family took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit it with a match, and took a deep drag.
He then handed the cigarette case to Macht beside him. "Want one?"
Macht turned his head to look at the cigarette pack, without saying a word.
Seeing this, the lord of the Gluck Family knelt down and personally lit a cigarette for Macht.
A man and a demon, two old friends who have been together for decades, were smoking on the street.
"... In the end... I still don't understand anything..."
"... I'm sorry, but I made a promise with you that I would stay with you even to the ends of hell until you figured out what happened."
That was the truth.
"... I know..."
Just then...
The five members of Rienta fell from the sky.
On the way there, Dunkel made another request, wanting to deal with Macht personally.
Since Rienta was also present, Frieren agreed once again.
Macht didn't look at Rienta and the others, but instead focused his gaze on Dunkel, who was walking towards him step by step.
"You're really persistent..."
The lord of the Gluck Family looked at Dunkel, scrutinized him carefully, and then:
"It's Dunkel."
Macht, watching Dunkel remain silent and continue approaching, continued, "... If you take another step closer, I will kill this man."
Although the lord of the Gluck Family was not a mage, it was clear that Macht was already on his deathbed.
"... Old friend, it seems you really are leaving..."
The lord of the Gluck Family patted Macht on the shoulder, leaned on his cane, and walked towards Dunkel.
As he walked over to Dunkel, he said, "Dunkel, give it a quick death."
Macht watched this scene quietly, showing no intention of making a move.
Dunkel held his Staff and aimed it at Macht.
[Ordinary Offensive Magic].
Judging from the name alone, it poses absolutely no threat.
However, its predecessor was the earliest form of [Piercing Magic] created by [The Corrupt Sage] Qual.
Countless humans have died at the hands of this magic.
In addition, humankind is constantly evolving and iterating.
[Ordinary Offensive Magic] If it successfully hits the opponent, it can basically secure the victory.
The next instant, a massive beam of Mana completely enveloped Macht.
Bite.
A crisp sound rang out.
The strongest of the Seven Sages of Destruction [Golden Land], Macht, has disappeared, leaving only a clump of ashes slowly dissipating on the ground.
The [Dominion Stone Ring], symbolizing Macht's willingness to coexist with humanity and offer his loyalty, fell to the ground.
In the distance, several guards who had detected the powerful Mana reaction rushed over.
"Lord Glück! What happened?!"
The lord of the Gluck Family did not answer, but simply looked at the ashes and murmured softly:
"Old friend, I truly enjoyed this journey with you."
The Fortress City of Weise.
Decades ago, the Gluck Family came to this city located on the Northern Plateau because of political struggles.
This was the case for almost all the nobles who came to this city.
This is why the Gluck Family faced considerable difficulties when they first arrived.
But soon, with Macht's help, the Gluck Family gained complete control of Weise.
The city developed rapidly after the infighting among the nobles disappeared.
In just a few decades, it became the most powerful and prosperous city in the region.
Now, with the [Magic That Turns All Things to Gold] broken, Weise has been revitalized.
With Rienta there, there's no need to worry about the injuries on Frieren and the others.
After a quick rest and some simple tidying up, they went out shopping together.
On the street.
The place was bustling with noise; people were talking everywhere.
Decades of Golden Transformation had little impact on them.
After all, Frieren's [Dispel Magic] wouldn't cause people to instantly relive decades of lost time.
On the street.
While Fern was selecting items, Rienta whispered something in Frieren's ear.
"Lady Frieren, you seem far too happy right now."
While in the Schumar Snowfield, Rienta had said that she wanted to stay a little longer in the next city.
Fern agreed.
The Fortress City of Weise perfectly fits this requirement.
Furthermore, since it was sealed away for decades, it was possible to purchase many items that are now very rare.
So Frieren seemed somewhat excited.
Upon hearing this, Frieren quickly composed herself, coughed lightly, and replied in a low voice:
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Rienta was about to say something, Frieren exclaimed and ran towards a magic shop.
"..."
Just then, Fern also picked out the jewelry she wanted and walked over.
He frowned slightly, glanced at the sign of the magic shop, and then looked at Frieren was buying up Grimoire in the shop.
Rienta felt a sense of foreboding.
Although she had mentioned wanting to stay longer, Fern agreed.
However, it didn't specify how long they would be staying.
If this results in a shorter holiday, then it would be an unnecessary disaster.
He also wanted to have some fun for a few months...
Rienta's mind raced, and suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Stark looking around.
Then, with a serious expression, he approached Stark.
"Stark."
Stark: "What's wrong?"
Rienta coughed lightly, trying to maintain a serious expression.
"Didn't I promise to cook you more delicious food as compensation?"
"Now, the opportunity has arrived."
"Take Fern to buy groceries. Buy everything you want to eat. I'll arrange everything clearly for you."
Stark's eyes lit up, and he asked urgently, "Really?!"
"Certainly!"
Rienta answered without hesitation, then took out a bag of gold coins from her [Personal Space] and handed it to Stark.
"Hey, Stark, don't just focus on buying ingredients."
"Take Fern to see the sights first, and be back before sunset."
You know what I mean, right?
Upon hearing this, Stark pondered for a moment, then suddenly realized what was going on.
"I understand!"
"Rienta, you mean, buy some of Fern's favorite foods too, right?"
"..."
Rienta hesitated for a moment, then smiled helplessly and patted Stark on the shoulder.
"Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Go quickly."
Stark, clutching the money bag, happily ran towards Fern.
After exchanging a few words, Fern turned and gave Rienta a meaningful look.
Rienta nonchalance, smiling and nodding at Fern.
Afterwards, Fern and Stark left together.
Rienta breathed a sigh of relief only after the two figures disappeared from sight.
He gave a wry smile and muttered, "What kind of mess is this...?"
After sighing, Rienta decided to go into the magic shop as well.
He wanted to buy several more Grimoire to reward himself.