The Strongest Layabout
In the 29th year of the Xinshi Era, in the Fabel Village, among the Northern Countries.
As the New Year drew near, the residents of the plateau, threatened by the Demons, lived in constant fear of death, and rarely held any festive celebrations to welcome the New Year.
Feeling slightly disappointed, Dugu Qing accompanied Frieren to a new village.
The village elder, who was chopping wood, put down his axe and issued a quest, asking the adventure team to help clean the statue of the Hero.
The reward is magic that scratches the itchy spot on your back.
This task was a piece of cake for Frieren, and the rewards were even more substantial.
She readily agreed.
They arrived at the village square with Dugu Qing, Fern, Stark.
The hero statue standing in the center of the square has a side-swept fringe, a small mustache, a bow tie, an overcoat, a wide cloak, and a wise gleam in its eyes.
Stark was surprised, "Who is this old man?!"
Dugu Qing and Fern both looked at the statue with unfamiliar eyes.
Frieren gazed at the statue of the Hero of the South, filled with nostalgia. "Is this the first time you three have met him? He is the Hero of the South."
"Although Himmel was the hero who defeated the Demon King, he wasn't the only hero. Many heroes have challenged the Demon King, and among them, the Hero of the South is known as the strongest hero among humankind."
Seeing that Dugu Qing and the others did not know about the Hero of the South, Frieren, like a considerate teacher, explained the story of the Hero of the South to everyone.
Long, long ago, an evil demon Demon King threatened the safety of all races in the world with incredible and terrifying magic.
Elves, dwarves, humans... all races are shrouded in the shadow of the Demon King.
The Seven Sages of Destruction under the Demon King's command were even more ferocious and powerful, having killed countless people and controlling key locations on the continent, wielding immense power.
At that time, humanity was scattered and hopeless.
Hero of the South emerged out of nowhere, annihilating countless Demon King's Armies with lightning speed that shocked the world.
He fought a decisive battle against the Seven Sages of Destruction, who stood at the pinnacle of the world at the time, eliminating three of them, and perished together with the omniscient Schlacht, inflicting heavy damage on the Demon King's Army.
He paved the way for the later hero Himmel to defeat the Demon King, thus establishing a superhero who laid the foundation for world peace.
In Fabel Village, many people were liberated from the rule of the Seven Sages of Destruction because of that battle, so they are very devout in their faith in the Hero of the South.
After telling the story, Frieren raised her hand and cast a spell to cleanse the statue.
The stains on the statue vanished instantly. She turned around, found the old village chief, obtained the magic to scratch the itch, and happily handed it to Dugu Qing.
Dugu Qing flipped through the Grimoire, amazed by the simplicity of magic. She learned it in the blink of an eye and started scratching herself.
Fern looked at Dugu Qing and joked,
"Actually, if Dugu Qing had tried a little harder, he might have been able to challenge the Hero of the South and become the strongest hero."
Frieren nodded in agreement.
"That's right, the Hero of the South is very strong, but he is still human and his lifespan is only a hundred years. Dugu Qing, on the other hand, you are an elf. With a little effort, you can easily snatch the title of the strongest hero."
Dugu Qing shook his head indifferently.
No matter how famous you are, it's useless! Humans will only ever believe what they want to believe.
Compared to that, being an ordinary person is probably happier!
At least a hundred years from now, right and wrong, merit and demerit, honor and disgrace will all fade away with the wind, leaving no trace in the world. Wouldn't that be better?
Stark chuckled mockingly, "Dugu Qing doesn't seem like the type to work hard for titles. I think he could try his luck and get the title of 'Strongest Lazy Hero'!"
"Go to hell!"
Dugu Qing could do that, but it would be too sarcastic for others to say it, so he pushed Stark.
Amidst laughter and chatter, the group arrived at the hotel and entered their rooms.
Frieren put down her suitcase, lay down on the bed, and recalled a scene from many years ago.
In the lush green forest, the weather was fine and sunny.
The Hero of the South suddenly appears and invites him to join his party to defeat the Demon King.
By then, Frieren had grown accustomed to the peaceful, elegant, and self-sufficient forest life, and refused without a second thought.
The Hero of the South uttered a lot of nonsensical words, predicting the future.
Frieren's tranquil and serene state of mind was disturbed at that time.
Later, Himmel came knocking on their door.
Faced with the cruel Demon King's Army and the ravaged humanity, Frieren, after careful consideration, stepped forward and accepted Himmel's invitation...
He fulfilled the prophecy and also achieved his own fulfillment.
From then on, I embarked on a clear and definite adventure...
Looking back now, Frieren really can't tell whether living in the forest was happier or adventuring was.
Or perhaps, everything is alright.
After resting overnight at the inn, the group continued their journey.
In the 29th year of the Xinshi Era, in the Count Dacht's Domain, among the Northern Countries.
As Frieren entered the city, the Earl Dacht, years ago, involuntarily flashed through her mind, recalling the scene where he threatened Himmel's squad to complete their mission.
She utterly disliked the local nobles and, not wanting to linger for even a quarter of an hour, quickened her pace and headed straight for the market.
I'm planning to leave as soon as I finish shopping.
Stark and Fern, with their youthful spirits, couldn't help but slow down and appreciate the lively scene around them.
Frieren turned back and urged, "Hurry up, we need to leave immediately after we buy the supplies!"
"Aren't you going to spend the night in the city?"
Dugu Qing looked at the food stalls on both sides of the road, slowed down, and felt a strong urge to rest there.
Frieren rarely wore a stern face. "Dugu Qing, don't you know? Time is a finite thing."
Dugu Qing, Stark, and Fern followed behind Frieren, finding it very strange that Frieren, who usually loved leisure, would actually save time.
Frieren didn't explain. She went to the market, bought the necessary supplies, stuffed them into her suitcase, and strode towards the door.
"Thump~"
A noble carriage slowly came to a stop, and a butler in a suit stepped out. He walked respectfully to Frieren, placed his hand on his heart, bowed, and invited Frieren to the Earl's mansion.
Frieren was deeply impressed by the arrogance of the local nobles and turned to leave.
The butler spoke of Himmel.
Frieren's movements slowed down immediately. After some hesitation, she accepted the butler's invitation.
"Have you noticed that Frieren's expression changes strange every time Himmel is mentioned?"
Stark put his hand to his mouth and whispered something to Dugu Qing.
Dugu Qing nodded thoughtfully.
The Earl's Residence, Banquet Hall.
Five steaks were laid out on the spotless dining table.
Dugu Qing, Frieren, Fern, Stark savored the savory steak and drank the delicious milk, gradually lowering their guard.
Earl Dacht sat in the main seat, looked at Frieren, and frankly told her that his family heirloom sword had been stolen by Demons and asked her to help him find it.
This family heirloom sword was stolen by the Demons decades ago, but was recovered by Himmel's team. Now it has been stolen again, and Frieren, not wanting Himmel's efforts to be in vain, had no choice but to grant the request.