Dialogue

City Hall, at the entrance.

When Denken, Dugu Qing, and their group arrived at this place.

A man with long, purplish-red hair, a burly build, wearing a dark green military robe and a navy blue cloak, came forward respectfully, as humble as a servant.

"We've been waiting for you for a long time, please come in."

Denken received instruction from Macht during his childhood and became acquainted with Macht. Therefore, he believed that Macht was communicable and was not afraid of him.

Fern, Stark intimidated by Macht's reputation as the strongest, watched Macht, his hands on his weapons, ready to fight at any moment.

Frieren tucked her head into her scarf, quietly observing Macht's expression.

What an expression that was!

The dough was perfectly smooth, without the slightest wrinkle.

His cold, indifferent eyes held no warmth whatsoever.

Only someone like that would turn the entire Weise into gold for a vague and unattainable goal!

"These are all my friends, please treat them well." Denken was confident that Macht wouldn't act rashly, and greeted Macht familiarly.

Macht's gaze, like ice that had never melted, filled with endless chill, swept over the crowd before landing on Dugu Qing. He was captivated by Dugu Qing's handsome appearance and showed a momentary tremor.

"Welcome, esteemed guests. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am the magic advisor of the Glück Family. Please feel free to guide me."

Dugu Qing blinked, surprised that Macht was quite polite.

Frieren wouldn't be deceived by the Demons's appearance and language, she stated frankly.

"This isn't our first meeting. We fought each other six hundred years ago, have you forgotten?"

Macht had no recollection of this matter.

At that time, Frieren hid behind the pillar, without a world-renowned reputation or the title of a legendary magician. She was just like a passerby, cannon fodder. Even if her name were revealed, she would not be remembered.

"How about I help you remember?"

Macht's reaction was too lukewarm; Frieren couldn't accept it at all.

After all, she was so frightened that she turned pale and it took her a hundred years to heal her golden arm!

And the other party didn't even know who she was! That's infuriating!

As soon as the words were spoken, Fern and Stark, who had been tense all along, raised their weapons simultaneously, and a battle was about to break out.

Macht placed his hand on his cloak, his eyes filled with disgust, yet he had no choice but to prepare to use the Diagoldze, which even he himself found somewhat tiresome.

Denken spoke up, "Stop! We're not here to fight."

Macht bowed in apology and led the group into the magnificent hall.

The group sat down on the leather sofa, wary of Macht.

Macht picked up the teapot, poured a cup of hot tea for everyone, and distributed it to the crowd.

Seizing the opportunity, Stark approached Frieren and whispered,

"Hey, Frieren, were you trying to fight it just now?"

Frieren a little disappointed. "I just wanted to confirm something."

Macht picked up his teacup, took a sip, and a warm smile spread across his face.

"What you wanted to confirm? That's quite surprising. What conclusion did you reach?"

Frieren admitted, "The conclusion is, I really can't beat you."

Macht sat upright on the sofa, calmly looking at his teacup.

"Why fight! I have no loyalty to the Demon King and will not seek revenge for him. Besides, I have always hated fighting; my greatest wish is simply to find a way to coexist with humanity."

Dugu Qing let out a soft snort, his heroic spirit surging forth.

"But while you were searching for a way for humans and Demons to coexist, you killed countless people. This is proof of your heinous crimes. Besides, is there any need to search for a way for humans and Demons to coexist? Fighting, killing, conquering, enslaving—aren't humans already coexisting with Demons in the same world?"

Upon hearing this, Macht gently put down his teacup and looked at Dugu Qing with surprise.

Who are you?

It was rare to see Macht proactively inquire about other people's identities, so Denken introduced Dugu Qing's background.

"His name is Dugu Qing. He's Frieren's teammate and also my friend."

Macht pondered the meaning behind the name Dugu Qing.

"Dugu Qing, your words are profound! But the way of coexistence I seek is one without killing, quiet and undisturbed. Just like your name suggests, tranquility and harmony in the world."

Dugu Qing almost laughed out of anger. No killing, so you turned the entire Weise into gold? No killing, so you keep conducting evil experiments, your whole body reeking of death.

Macht's ultimate goal, however, leads to a path littered with corpses, and the only outcome can be the enslavement of humanity by the Demons race. Only in that way can he achieve his so-called peaceful coexistence.

This is something that humanity can absolutely not accept.

"Hmm, I see. This conversation was a complete waste of time!"

Frieren was afraid that if the conversation continued, the two would start fighting, so she stopped talking.

"In that case, let's call it a day!"

The more Denken learned about Macht, the more he realized the insurmountable chasm between humans and Demons. He stood up and led everyone away.

Outside the Golden Land, inside the wooden house.

Denken took off his coat and asked Frieren, based on their earlier encounter, what were his chances of winning against Macht?

Frieren clearly stated that, given the current situation, the chances of defeating Macht are still very low. Perhaps, given two months, she could use her powerful analytical and deconstructive abilities to crack the magic of Diagoldze.

That way, she can kill Macht and restore the entire Golden Land.

"For the next two months, I will focus all my mental energy on deconstructing magic. My daily life will be taken care of by Fern!"

"No problem, leave it to me!"

Fern readily agreed.

Dugu Qing recalled the projection he had just seen, lost in thought.

"I think the reason Macht sought a way to coexist with humans is because it saw the abundance of human emotions and desperately wanted to experience them, to escape the loneliness and boredom of long years. Perhaps, Frieren, you could start from this point."

"Well said! Actually, Dugu Qing, your deconstruction skills are also superb. Why don't we work together?"

Frieren readily agreed and invited Dugu Qing to join the deconstruction.

Dugu Qing had absolutely no interest in this and shook his head in refusal.

The following day, the deconstruction began.

Frieren was practically turned into an infant; she couldn't move her hands or lift her legs, and Fern took care of all her needs, from food and clothing to daily life.

Fern took care of Frieren like a mother, with tenderness and care.

When Stark got up, he was stunned to see Frieren looking like a puppet. He quickly went over, pinched her cheeks, and rubbed her head. Seeing that she didn't react, he laughed happily.

"How interesting."

"That's a bit disgusting, Stark."

Fern pushed Stark away in disgust, moved Frieren in front of the mirror, and tied her hair into two ponytails.