The Imperial Capital

"I think we should go to the Imperial Capital and see. If the Shadow Warriors are really hostile to mages, perhaps we can do something for the magic world."

Dugu Qing may seem very lazy, but when faced with a real problem, he's more eager than anyone to solve it and avoid leaving regrets for the future.

"After all, the empire is a magical civilization left behind by our teacher, and I can't just sit idly by!"

Thinking of the gentle Flamme, Frieren immediately made up her mind to travel to the Imperial Capital.

Dugu Qing led the old village chief to a room, preparing to interrogate him like a criminal, demanding information about the Shadow Warriors.

The old village chief was very frank, telling everyone bluntly that he had lost contact with the organization thirty years ago, and that Frieren was the last mage on the assassination list...

The old man's frankness was somewhat direct and touching.

Dugu Qing recalled what the villagers had said during the day: that the old man had lived in the village for decades, and that his family was a well-known model family. So she softened and let the old village chief go.

"This can be considered a way of putting my profession aside. From now on, I will no longer engage in the activities of an assassin."

The old village chief, his confidence severely shaken, turned and walked away dejectedly, his hunched back drooping.

The next morning, the sun shone brightly.

Frieren led the group away from the village, continuing along the old mountain path.

The group hurried along and arrived at a flooded forest, where the river was a meter high and flowed endlessly.

"There's a main road we could have taken, Frieren."

Looking at the rushing water, Stark almost burst into tears.

"The main road is easy to walk on, but we can't dwell on the past, can we? The mountain path is a bit more difficult, but walking on it makes you feel very grounded!"

Frieren smiled sweetly, holding her suitcase, and stepped into the water without fear.

Stark smiled helplessly and could only follow, stepping into the water.

"Today, I'll also experience what it's like to wade through water."

Fern followed closely behind Frieren, moving forward cautiously.

"I don't want to experience the childhood fun of being washed away by water!"

Dugu Qing shrugged, used his Sage Immortal Magic to fly into the air, took the briefcase from Frieren's hand, and followed closely behind Frieren.

In the 31st year of the Xinshi Era, in the Imperial Capital, Eisberg.

Frieren, Dugu Qing, Fern, Stark, after overcoming countless hardships and dangers along the way, finally arrived at the gates of the Imperial Capital.

The group walked through the heavily guarded city gate, preparing to enter the city and enjoy a delicious meal.

Two figures appeared simultaneously: Jian Ze Fa'erxiu from the Continental Magic Association stood on the north and south sides respectively, blocking the way from the front and back.

"Lady Frieren, we have a task we'd like to ask you for help with."

Frieren glanced at Fa'erxiu, who had a serious expression on his face, and silently looked back at Dugu Qing. Both of them regretted taking the Continental Magic Association's exam and becoming Level One Mages.

There are so many tasks!

First there was the divine skill of Revolte, then the Golden Land of Macht, what else is there now! It probably won't be simple either!

"Sigh! I long to go back to my forest castle!"

Dugu Qing stepped forward and placed her hand on Frieren's shoulder, looking weak and listless.

Frieren lowered her eyes and nodded, heartbroken.

"Tell me! What is the mission this time?"

With both Fa'erxiu and Jian Ze taking charge and issuing the mission, Frieren was already prepared to face difficulties.

Fa'erxiu frowned slightly as he gazed at the bustling, noisy street scene, a sense of unease creeping over him.

"This isn't the place to talk. Come with me."

He turned to look at Frieren, and softly suggested leading everyone to a secluded, deserted cabin.

The cabin was eerily quiet, the rooms were empty, and there wasn't even a single extra household item.

Jian Ze stood by the table, spread out a map of the Imperial Capital, and explained the mission with a blank expression.

"This mission will be carried out by seven Level One Mages. Ubel and Lanto have already formed a team and gone to gather intelligence. My mission, Fa'erxiu, Frieren, Dugu Qing, Fern, is to protect Serie from assassination at the National Day Ball."

"Assassinate Serie!"

Stark was shocked. Even as a warrior, he had heard of the name of Serie Mage of God reigned over this era!

Now someone actually has the audacity to try and assassinate Serie —what an outrageous act!

If it fails, that's fine, it'll just make us a laughing stock.

If successful, the world situation will likely undergo an unprecedented upheaval, and probably no mage will forgive the assassins!

At that time, the entire Continental Magic Association will surely use every means at its disposal to eradicate the enemy completely!

Thinking of the chaotic situation ahead, Stark shuddered and trembled.

"It's unbelievable that someone would want to assassinate Serie."

Before Fern arrived, she had considered that the situation in the Empire might be very dire, but she never expected that someone would be so depraved as to try to assassinate Serie!

This is simply unimaginable, utterly unbelievable!

"According to Linai'er, Level One Mage engages in espionage within the Empire, the Empire's infamous assassination agency, the Shadow Warriors, is indeed secretly plotting to assassinate Lady Serie."

Jian Ze's gray hair, like a cloak, moved without wind, resembling a fist, radiating a chilling aura, clearly indicating his dissatisfaction with the Shadow Warriors.

"Shadow Warriors, it really is them! It seems they're planning to use the warriors' advantage in close combat to launch a surprise attack on Serie!"

With a flick of his wrist, Dugu Qing exuded an aura of dominance, showing no fear of close combat.

"In this operation, Fa'erxiu, Dugu Qing, and I are skilled in close combat, so we must cooperate with each other to protect Lady Serie."

Jian Ze glanced down at the two of them, his long hair swaying slightly with his subtle movements, his tone calm and steady, without a trace of unnecessary emotion.

Jian Ze's words confirmed the command for this mission, simple and clear.

Frieren and Fern were both speechless.

"What other information do you have about the Shadow Warriors?"

A faint chill spread across Dugu Qing's face as she looked at Jian Ze and Fa'erxiu.

"The Shadow Warriors was once a sharp blade in the emperor's hand."

"However, because of its excessive power, it frequently interfered with the succession after the emperor's death, auctioned off the throne, poisoned emperors, and produced many powerful ministers within its organization. Several emperors were even commanders of the Shadow Warriors... It was deposed by the emperor more than a decade ago. Now it has no official backing, but its unpredictable actions make it even more terrifying."

Jian Ze's finger traced the imperial palace on the map, his expression solemn, as he began to speak in detail.

"I see! Then this Shadow Warriors is indeed difficult to deal with."

Dugu Qing and Frieren exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of unease.

After carefully finalizing the battle plan, everyone raised their hands in farewell.

Dugu Qing, along with Frieren, Fern, Stark, strolled through the streets and found a rather secluded-looking hotel to stay in.