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Chapter Text

924 years after the death of Himmel the Hero, Aureole

The ancient hero was sitting on a hill overlooking the path to heaven, a distant yet fond look in his blue eyes. It felt like just yesterday Frieren had visited and yet it had been over eight hundred years. The experience of time in Aureole, Himmel mused to himself, must be similar to how elves experienced time during life. 

“Even in the afterlife, you’re still pining,” Eisen stated as he and Heiter walked toward their friend.

“Come on, Himmel,” Heiter said, holding up his near ever-present pint of heavenly alcohol, “It’s your one thousandth birthday!”

“How do you even keep up with the days here?”

“No one else bothers to celebrate birthdays in death,” Eisen added. 

“He just wants another excuse to drink,” was Himmel’s reply.

Heiter laughed wholeheartedly, “I don’t need any excuses-”

The priest stopped abruptly, eyes widening in shock. The two warriors immediately tensed in anticipation of trouble. Old habits die hard, even after death. Heiter then took a breath before smiling.

“It appears you have a special guest for your birthday, Himmel.”

Himmel and Eisen glanced at each other in confusion before they felt her presence approaching as well. It was a feeling of warmth and comfort, like a mother’s embrace, yet so overwhelmingly powerful that Himmel almost dropped to his knees. He’d only felt her presence like this once before: the moment after his death, before he awoke in Aureole.

The Goddess of Creation materialized in front of them out of pure mana and light. She was a silhouette of sunlight with angelic wings spread as if in greeting.

“Himmel,” her voice rang, “Heiter, Eisen.”

“Goddess,” Heiter bowed.

“No need for that,” she said, hand reaching out to pat him on the head before ushering him to stand. “Please follow me, and I will explain.”

The Goddess then began walking with purpose, leaving the three souls to follow after in a bit of a daze.

“A very, very long time ago,” the Goddess started as if it were a fairytale, “Before even what humans refer to as the Age of Myths, I warred with a being that is both my equal and opposite: a god of destruction. Or… perhaps ‘Demon God’ would be an appropriate term for this being.”

They followed behind her, passing leisurely across the hills and farther away from the populated areas, as they listened intently.

“Eventually I was able to seal the Demon God. However, fragments of its mana escaped and took on new forms. Over time those fragments became what you mortals refer to as ‘monsters’ and ‘demons’.”

“That’s why they disappear into mana particles when they die?” Heiter asked.

“Yes,” the Goddess confirmed. She paused as they reached a canyon. She glanced at them with a smile and then glided down on graceful wings.

“This is certainly interesting,” Himmel commented.

Eisen nodded before jumping. He fell straight down like a rock. 

“I know it won’t harm us but I’d rather not,” Heiter said. As if answering his prayer, an oddly shimmering rope ladder appeared before them.

“Thank you, Goddess!”

Himmel couldn’t help but laugh at that. 

Once they reached the bottom, the Goddess began walking again. This time she remained silent until they reached a cave with a powerful barrier of her own making. The cave seemed familiar to Himmel, though he could not place why that was.

The Goddess then continued her explanation, “The creatures born from those fragments are troublesome but certainly not impossible for mortals to handle themselves. However, there is something much more dangerous.”

“The seal,” Himmel stated, “If something is sealed, it will inevitably become unsealed.”

“Exactly,” she replied, “The Demon God’s seal will fail within the next decade.”

The Hero’s Party that defeated the Demon King (minus one elven mage) glanced at each other. The pieces of why the Goddess had appeared before them was falling into place.

“What can we do to help?” Himmel asked.

An emotion akin to satisfaction and pride glowed from the Goddess’ ethereal face.

“I have been preparing for the seal to break since the moment I first defeated the Demon God. The Holy Scriptures, my Monuments, and especially…” As the Goddess explained, the barrier around the cave entrance faded. 

Himmel sucked in a gasp as he saw just what rested inside the strangely familiar cave, “The Hero’s Sword.”

“Yes, I created the Sword of the Hero for the sole purpose of defeating the Demon God once and for all.”

“But how is it here?” Eisen questioned.

“Within this cave, space-time overlaps,” the Goddess said, “Anyone who touched this sword in life, is able pull it out of the stone here in death. They will then be revived in a body matching the one they had when they first touched the sword. In short you will once again have the body of a twenty year old but keep the memories and mind of your current self.”

Himmel looked from the mythical sword he’d once dreamed of wielding to his companions. He’d of course accept the Goddess’ request. However, he was a little disappointed that Heiter and Eisen wouldn’t be able to join him on this new world-saving mission. They had never touched the Hero’s Sword after all.

“It’s not like you’ll be alone,” Eisen spoke.

“I bet Frieren will have the same look on her face when she sees you as when she accidentally time-traveled,” Heiter smirked before pausing and really looking at the Goddess, “That was part of your plan?”

The Goddess just giggled mischievously. Once the chiming of her laughter faded, she turned to look Himmel directly in the eye.

“Himmel the Hero, will you forgo your eternal rest and return to the mortal coil to vanquish the most existential threat humanity will ever face: the Demon God?”

“Of course, Goddess,” Himmel replied with a slight bow. 

The satisfaction and pride practically radiated off her like a hearthflame.

“I’m off on another adventure,” Himmel said, turning back towards his friends.

“Good luck,” Heiter replied, “Give Frieren our love when you see her.”

“Stark, Fern, and all the others will want to send their love as well,” Eisen added with an unusual amount of sentimentality in his voice.

“Of course. I’ll see you after a second lifetime.”

With goodbyes said, Himmel approached the Sword of the Hero and placed his hands on the hilt. Using all the strength in his technically non-corporal body, he pulled. To his surprise the sword slid out like a knife in butter. A wave of dizziness suddenly slammed into him. He stumbled to the ground. It was cold.

Nothing felt cold in Aureole. 

Himmel looked up to find himself alone. No Heiter. No Eisen. No Goddess. Just him and the real legendary sword still in his hands in a cold, empty cave.

“I really am alive again,” he said aloud to himself. The sensations of being alive: the texture of the cave floor, the earthy smell, the chill in the air, his heart rapidly beating in his ears, the rasping of his breath, the oddly youthful sound of his voice. It was all overwhelming.

He just sat there, trying to adjust to the whole living thing again. Finally, after what felt like hours, Himmel stood up with determination flashing in his blue eyes.

“...I need to find Frieren.”

Then his stomach growled.

0 years after the rebirth of Himmel the Hero, Ruins of the Village of the Sword, Schwer Mountains  

Chapter Text

Ruins of the Village of the Sword, Schwer Mountains

Morgen woke to birdsong. The air was chill in spite of the sun’s ascent into the pink-purple sky. The girl let out a long groan before somewhat reluctantly crawling out of her sleeping bag.

“Morning,” she murmured to the wind. The only reply she got was the birds scattering at the unexpected sound of her voice.

Morgen then began unpacking for the day. She had barely made it to the town’s ruins before nightfall yesterday, only having time to set up a protective barrier and her sleeping bag. Today she needed to set up camp properly. 

Once that was done, she could begin her search for the cave that she suspected still held the Sword of the Hero. It was a perhaps heretical theory: the Legendary Hero had never truly wielded the Hero’s Sword. However, after the decades of research Morgen had done, the thought had struck her and wouldn’t go away. Mother just said she was getting stir crazy and needed to travel a bit. 

However, first was breakfast! The birdsong returned as Morgen pulled out her portable hot plate and a few ingredients from her supply pack. She was humming softly as she stirred the porridge when-

Mana - so condense it formed a brilliant golden light - beamed up into the sky.

Morgen turned wide-eyed at the lightshow. “What in the…” 

A moment later the light faded yet she could feel the rumble, like thunder after lightning strikes. It was holy magic, the goddess’s magic, on a scale right out of the stories of the Mythical Era.

With curiosity overtaking caution, Morgen grabbed her Holy Scripture and rushed toward the epicenter. She covered distance swiftly, decades of treating mountains and forests as a playground giving her movement grace and confidence. Dried leaves and morning frost crunched beneath her boots until she finally made it to a small cliff overlooking a clearing. She paused to catch her breath while looking for a safe way down.

Morgen almost sensed the monster too late. Only her training saved her: she cast Divine Shield faster than she could move her body. The holy barrier blocked claws that were easily twice Morgen’s size. 

Morgen turned to fully face the beast that had attacked her: A giant mountain lion with three growling heads stared at her as if she were its breakfast. Was this the Lord of the Mountain the legends had spoken of? There was no way she could fight it; and, her only hope of escape was down a cliff. Could she make it?

Three pairs of glowing red eyes bored into Morgen. Her knees gave out. She dropped listlessly to the ground, suddenly certain of her impending doom. The Lord of the Mountain raised its giant claw again, as if it were a housecat toying with a mouse. Morgen braced for the impact.

All three of the heads were suddenly severed. Standing between Morgen and the now dissipating monster body was a young man in an antiqued white cloak. He sheathed his sword and then turned to her, holding out his hand.

“Are you alright, Miss?” He asked. His eyes were a gentle blue; and, there was something about his face that was vaguely familiar.

Morgen sucked in a shaky breath, forcing herself not to burst into tears, before replying, “Yes, thanks to you.”

She took the offered hand and let him pull her up. Her legs were still weak but the swordsman steadied her.

Once she’d regained her composure, he asked, “You’re not from the village?”

He was trying to be subtle about staring at her pointed ears. Morgen tensed a moment before fully processing his words. His clothing. That sword. The goddess’ magic. 

Just who was this mystery man?

“...Let’s go to my camp,” she finally replied, “If the porridge isn’t burnt, we can discuss everything over breakfast.”

“That sounds nice.”

Himmel followed the elven girl towards, if he recalled the direction right, the village. While youthful appearances were always deceiving among elves, he couldn’t help but think of this elf as childlike. If she were human, he would have estimated her age to be around thirteen. While on the shorter side for her presumed age, her limbs were lanky like she was in the middle of a growth spurt. Her hair was choppy shoulder length and more strawberry than blonde. However, it was her pale purple eyes that really made her appear young to Himmel. They were alert but sparked with hope and excitement in the way only children’s eyes could. 

In contrast, the way she moved gave away her elven nature as much as her pointed ears. Her steps were deliberate, graceful, and more than anything else leisurely. 

Her outfit was practical: shorts with leggings, well-worn boots, and a simple blouse with a hooded vest. Himmel noted the book of Holy Scriptures tucked securely into her vest pocket as well. Perhaps their meeting wasn’t just a lucky coincidence.

“Just because I’m the only elf you’ve ever seen,” the girl said in a slightly defensive tone, “Doesn’t mean you can gawk at me.”

“Apologies if I made you feel uncomfortable,” Himmel replied, “Though you’re the second elf I’ve met.”

She glanced at him like she didn’t quite believe him but didn’t say anything. They continued walking through the mountain forest in an awkward silence.

At least until they came to an abandoned village that had long been overrun by nature. What few buildings still remained were derelict and overrun with early spring vegetation.

“What happened to the village?”

“According to records I found,” the elf girl answered, “Around three hundred years ago, there was a period of drought and famine in this region followed by one of the worst winters in recorded history. Many mountain villages like this one never recovered and were abandoned.” 

Himmel nodded solemnly.      

Once they reached the center of the ruined village, it was clearly set up as a camp area. There was a strong protective barrier even a meathead like Himmel could recognize, simple bedding left out, and a strange flat tile with a cooking pot sitting on top. The girl rushed over to said pot and quickly checked the contents.

“It’s still edible,” she declared.

A few minutes later the two were sitting across from each other, eating slightly burnt porridge.

“Thank you for the food,” Himmel said once he had finished.

“You did save my life,” she replied, also sitting her empty bowl to the side, “I’m Morgen by the way. I came here on a… personal research project.”

Himmel studied Morgen for a moment before deciding to be completely transparent. Afterall, there was no way any half-decent holy magic user would miss the massive amount of holy magic that must have been used to revive him.

“I’m Himmel the Hero,” he formally introduced himself, “The goddess revived me to wield the real Hero’s Sword against a demon god that will break its seal within the next decade.”

Morgen stared at him blankly a moment before bursting out in laughter.

“Sorry, sorry,” she apologized in between laughs.

Himmel just smiled, “It does sound insane when said aloud. I doubt anyone but Frieren will believe me.”

Once Morgen stilled her giggles and caught her breath, she replied, “Either you are a hardcore cosplayer.”

“Cosplayer?”

Morgen continued without explaining that word, “Or you are telling the truth. Considering the impossibly massive surge of holy magic I sensed earlier, I’m inclined to believe you.”

“That’s reassuring,” he said, “It’s been nearly a thousand years. My knowledge is outdated.”

“I imagine the world has changed in a lot of ways since then,” Morgen agreed, a thoughtful expression crossing her face, “How about I take you to the monastery where I grew up? You should be able to get your bearings and come up with a plan from there.”  

Himmel considered it before agreeing, “That’s a good idea.”

“I do have a question for you,” Morgen said, “About the Hero’s Journey.”

“Go for it.”

“If you were revived with the Hero’s Sword, it should have been where you were buried,” she paused for dramatic effect, “Unless you never pulled the Hero’s Sword in the first place?”

Himmel chuckled, “I never wielded the real Hero’s Sword in life. Just a replica I was given as a child after I saved a merchant. I was a fake hero with a fake hero’s sword.”

“I knew it!” Morgen proudly shouted before seeing the surprise on Himmel’s face, “I mean, you were a real hero! But my theory about the Hero’s Sword was right!”

Himmel just smiled fondly. Morgen’s smug expression reminded him of the only other elf he knew.

0 years after the revival of Himmel the Hero, ???

An elven mage lay sprawled sideways across a luxurious bed. Her long silver hair haloed around her head, while the fluffy blankets were half-kicked onto the floor. Her eyes fluttered open, staring at the ceiling above in a daze.

“Was that a massive space-time fluctuation…”, she murmured. 

The mage slowly sat up and glanced at the clock across the messy, book filled room to her even more cluttered desk. With the time registering as barely past sunrise, she flopped back down on the mattress and cocooned the blankets around herself.

“I’ll deal with it later…”

Chapter Text

2 weeks after the revival of Himmel the Hero, Raad Region

Himmel stared wide-eyed at the road sprawling before them. It was his first real glimpse of the future. Despite being a few days' travel from the nearest town, still surrounded by forests and farmland, the road was filled in with cobblestone as if they were in a bustling city.

“If we’re lucky,” Morgen said, “We can catch a ride and be in town by tonight.”

“Tonight?” Himmel asked, his voice incredulous.

Morgen pointed in the distance. Himmel looked over to see a strange carriage closing the gap between them with surprising speed. As it got closer he realized that there was no horse or mule at all.

Morgen quickly answered his silent question, “It’s a mana-powered machine. Even people with no training in magic can use them so they’ve become very popular in the past few decades.”

Morgen then slipped her hood over her head, effectively hiding her elven ears, before waving at the approaching carriage. The carriage slowed to a stop beside them; its bed filled with fresh produce on the way to the marketplace. The middle-aged man inside glanced over them, in particular eyeing Himmel’s appearance.

“Adventurers, huh? Need a lift to town?” The man asked jovially. 

“That’s kind of you, mister,” Himmel replied.

“I can bless your produce with long-lasting freshness in return,” Morgen added, “I may be young but I’m a skilled priestess.”

“Well, I won’t say no to that, kid!”

As the two travel companions settled down next to the crates of vegetables, Himmel leaned over.

“Young?”

Morgen’s cheeks puffed out in a pout as she whispered back, “I’m only fifty four.”

Himmel blinked, considering it for a moment.

“I suppose that is young.”

The sun was setting, turning the sky a brilliant golden orange, as they passed through the town gates. While the town had grown and buildings had changed over the millennia, the sight of the bell tower was nostalgic. He still clearly recalled the adorably clueless expression on Frieren’s face as he placed the mirror lotus ring on her finger.

The jerky halt of the carriage pulled Himmel out of fond memories. Before the merchant could say anything, the hero jumped out of the carriage bed and started to unload the crates. 

“Where would you like these?”

“At that stall,” the merchant said, pointing.

Between Himmel, the merchant, and a stall worker all the crates were soon unloaded. Morgen, head still hooded, then stepped in front of the produce and prayed. The vegetables glowed a greenish hue a moment before the light faded. It was a common but effective blessing used to extend the shelf-life of food supplies. 

The two adventurers soon parted ways with the merchant. As they strolled down the street, passerbys kept giving Himmel second glances.

“I know I’m handsome,” he said with a flourish, “But I didn’t think I’d stand out this much.”

“Your outfit belongs in a museum,” Morgen bluntly replied, looking at him like she was questioning how this was the legendary hero that defeated the Demon King.

Himmel took another look at the clothing of his companion and the townspeople passing by. While the various outfits were comparable to what Himmel was familiar with, there seemed to be both new fabrics used and minor stylistic differences.

“I suppose I’ll need to update my iconic look,” he noted.

“Did the goddess fill your wallet with money when she reincarnated you?” Morgen replied flatly. 

Himmel couldn’t tell if that was a joke or a serious question. Either way, he patted down his empty pockets. 

“...I’ll have to find a job first.”

“I have enough money to get us dinner and inn rooms for tonight at least,” Morgen said before a mischievous grin slid across her face, “With a little extra leftover.”

Himmel suddenly didn’t know what to expect from his young elven friend but he had a hunch it was trouble.

Not an hour later Himmel found himself sipping a pint at a tavern and inn, while he watched Morgen annihilate a group of rough looking adventurers at a game of poker.

“Damn, kid,” the dealer - an older lady with sharp steely eyes - said as she pushed the winnings across the table, “I thought I was just humoring you when I let you join.”

Morgen’s smug grin widened, “I’ve been gambling since I could hold the cards.”

“Didn’t you say you were raised in a monastery?” Himmel called over in amusement.

“I was! The nuns there taught me how to play.”

Despite their losses, the adventurers at the table couldn’t help but laugh at that.

“How corrupt,” Himmel muttered fondly. 

From the corner of his eyes, he noted two other adventurers sitting at a corner table. One was wearing a dark cloak and had a mage’s wand tucked into his robes. He was whispering to his companion, who had scars scattered across his shoulders and arms. A war axe leaned against the wall behind him. Their attention was completely focused on Morgen.

Himmel sighed, more disappointed than anything. He had been looking forward to a night of not being on alert even when resting.

With her winnings collected, Morgen stretched her arms and yawned. 

“Thanks for the fun, but I think I’m going to call it a night.”

There were a few jokes about it being her bedtime but Morgen brushed them off and got up from the gamblers’ table. Himmel quickly swigged down the rest of his drink and stood up as well.

“I’ll walk you to your room,” he said, while staring past her directly at the suspicious adventurers.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” she replied, her eyes flickering quickly towards the men, “But if you insist.”

Once they were up the stairs and in the empty hallway, Morgen pulled her hood down for the first time since they had met the vegetable merchant. Her pointed ears wiggled slightly as if they were enjoying their regained freedom.

“Don’t worry about them,” she said, “There’s no way a novice mage like that could break my barrier. Any thoughts of a quick money grab from a ‘helpless little girl’ is a pipedream.”

“You play up your apparent youth to get people to underestimate you,” Himmel noted. 

“I am young,” she once again insisted with a slight pout.

“A normal teenager would insist that they’re ‘mature’ and ‘grown up’,” he rebutted.

Morgen just shrugged in reply.

Himmel’s smile was a little bittersweet as he reached out to pat her head. 

“Growing up so out of pace with everyone around you must be difficult.”

Not for the first time the hero wondered why the elf equivalent of a young teenager was traveling alone. She said she was raised in a monastery and had mentioned her mother a few times, but something about that felt off to Himmel. He just couldn’t bring himself to ask such a personal question to a child he barely knew.

Morgen, having tolerated headpats for a second too long, caught his wrist and looked up at him with stormy purple eyes. 

“My head is not for patting.”

Himmel laughed as he retracted his hand, “Okay, I get it. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Himmel the Hero.”

The night was thankfully uneventful; Himmel slept soundly in the comfy inn bed and didn’t stir until the first rays of morning drifted in through the window. He quickly got prepared for the day, only pausing briefly when he picked up the Hero’s Sword. Ever since he’d pulled it from the stone it had seemed no more special than the replica he’d wielded before. What secrets were sleeping inside this blade? 

His pondering was interrupted by a rapt knock on the door. He clipped the sword to his belt and then went to answer.

“Good morning!” Morgen greeted, bright and cheery. Her hood was already back over her head.

“Good morning,” he mimicked, “No sleeping in?”

She tilted her head in thought before replying, “Sometimes I think you’re comparing me to some else.”

“Sorry about that,” Himmel said a little awkwardly.

“I’m just teasing you,” was her response, expression flat but eyes twinkling with amusement, “Anyway, today we’re going clothes shopping. You stand out way too much in that outfit.”

“Do we have money for that?”

“After my winnings last night, of course.”

Morgen grabbed his hand and started tugging him down the hall. Himmel just let himself be pulled along.

By midday Morgen was idly swinging her feet as she sat on a bench at the third clothing boutique they’d been to. During her research on Himmel and the Hero’s Sword, she’d come across a few references about the Hero’s vanity but this was…

“That’s too offwhite.”

“That pattern clashes with the design on my sword’s sheath.”

“That belt is gaudy.”

This was a painfully nitpicky vanity on full display.

“The magic resistance on this isn’t very good.” 

Well, at least he had some concept of practicality.

“Do you have this in a shade that will make my eyes pop?”

Morgen let out a huff and stood up. “While you decide on… that, I’m going to get lunch.”

Himmel barely seemed to notice her leave as he closely examined two shirts that were exactly the same except for a slight variation in hue.

Outside the boutique, Morgen let her nose lead the way. She soon found a small but busy deli; and, after a short wait, she was happily munching on a tasty sandwich. She had just taken the last bite when an arm suddenly slung around her shoulders.

“Hey, high roller,” the scarred warrior said as he casually pinned Morgen against his side, “Let’s have a private chat.”

She’d made the mistake of letting her guard down. Now she only had two options: she could make a fuss and hope her secret wasn’t revealed in the process. Or she could go along quietly and hope this was just a simple shakedown.

“...Fine,” she replied grudgingly.

The warrior, his grip tight, led Morgen away from the crowded marketplace and through the twisting streets. Along the way he pulled her Holy Scriptures from her pocket and tossed it aside, leaving Morgen feeling even more cornered and helpless. Finally they entered a seemingly deserted alley. Morgen narrowed her eyes at one particular spot next to a few empty crates.

“I got the brat,” the warrior announced.

The air shimmered as the illusion magic fell. Next to the empty crates was the mage.

“I can see that,” he replied in an exasperated tone. The mage walked up to them with his wand pointed right at Morgen’s head. Her heart pounded in her ears as she tried to think of an escape.

“If this is about me cheating at cards-” 

“We don’t care about that,” the mage interrupted before using his wand to pull the hood down from her head.

At the sight of her pointed ears, the warrior smirked, “You were right after all.” 

“Of course I was,” the mage replied.

“HELP!” Morgen started yelling at the top of her lungs only for the warrior to cover her mouth turning her yells into muffled screams. Morgen bit the warrior’s hand. He cursed at her but didn’t let go. It felt like she was suffocating, like she would pass out from air deprivation. As her body began going limp, Morgen supposed that’s what they wanted. 

A familiar voice suddenly cut through the alleyway.

“I’m giving you one chance to release her.”

Oh , Morgen vaguely realized at the brink of unconsciousness, He’s why I let my guard down.

Himmel stared at the scene before him with narrowed eyes. His companion had gone completely limp in the warrior’s grasp. He was glad he’d long learned to listen to his intuition and went to search for her in time. 

“You must be from far up north to not know,” the mage said.

It was a clear stalling tactic but Himmel decided to bite, “Not know what?”

“That your little elf friend has quite the bounty on her,” the warrior continued, “All elves do. The King of the Central Lands has a major grudge against them, but in particular he’s after an elf child with strawberry hair.”

Cold anger seeped into Himmel. A bounty on all elves? Were the few remaining elves being hunted down by humans? Why was Morgen in particular being singled out? Was Frieren safe?

The mage continued, “The elf brat might be more cooperative with a familiar face around for the trip. We’ll cut the bounty with you-”

“I’ve heard enough,” was all Himmel said as he reached for the hilt of his sword.

The mage started to utter a spell but Himmel was faster. He hit the mage with the pommel of his sword right in the stomach. The man immediately crumbled like paper. He then turned to the warrior still holding Morgen.

“More money for us then,” he said, letting Morgen drop to the ground. 

The two fighters clashed. While the warrior was clearly skilled with the axe, he was limited by the tight alleyway. Added with Himmel’s far greater experience, the hero quickly out maneuvered him and kicked him to the ground. A split second later the blade of the Hero’s Sword was against the man’s neck.

“I do not wish to spill human blood, especially not with this sword,” Himmel stated, “Surrender.”

Morgen stirred to the sounds of armored shoes on cobble and chattering. There was the familiar tingling feeling of healing magic, though it was a little strange being on the receiving end of it for once. 

“There’s nothing to worry about,” a voice assured, “Only minor bruising, and she’s waking up now.”

“Thank goodness.” That was Himmel’s voice.

She blinked her eyes open to see who she assumed to be a city priest hovering over her. Morgen practically sprang up, her hands going to her head. Relief filled her as she realized her hood was firmly back in place.

“You shouldn’t move so fast,” the priest chastised.

“I know what I can handle,” Morgen said and then muttered quietly under her breath, “I’ve been a priest longer than you’ve been alive.”

Morgen glanced around the alleyway. Himmel was standing just a few steps away, while some city guards were arresting the two attempted kidnappers. Once the tension slipped from Himmel’s frame, he gave Morgen a disapproving stare. Almost the exact same stare her mother used to give her when she was being rude.

“Ah, um, thank you for healing me.”

Himmel nodded, satisfied.  

“You’re welcome, child,” the priest replied, helping her to stand.

Morgen then turned to Himmel, “Thank you for saving me… Again.”

The hero smiled fondly, “Anytime.”

Morgen, feeling a bit better yet desiring a distraction, peered closely at his outfit. It was clearly made with modern fabrics that were stronger, longer-lasting, and had far better magic-resistance than his old clothing but…

“How boring,” she declared, “You’re basically wearing the same outfit as before.”

“There’s no improving perfection,” Himmel stated.

“You really are cosplaying yourself.”

“I still have no idea what that means.”

“It’s for the best. Your ego is big enough as is.”

“Says the person I just rescued,” he teased, “Perhaps I’ll return the present I got for you.”

“You bought me a present?” Morgen perked up for a moment before frowning, “With the money I earned?”

“Money you got gambling,” he clarified, “Do you want the present or should I return it?”

She just silently held out her hand. Himmel chuckled as he pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it to her. Inside was a pair of hair barrettes shaped like a particularly cute version of the goddess’ wings. She stared at them blankly for long enough that Himmel began to question if she didn’t like them. Then Morgen looked up at him with teary eyes.

“It’s perfect.”

The next morning, with supplies restocked from the remaining poker winnings, the two adventurers left the town behind. Once away from any watchful eyes Morgen pulled her hood down, again freeing her pointed ears and showing off her new hair accessories.

“I didn’t want to pressure you into talking about it yesterday,” Himmel stated, “But I need to know: why does the King of the Central Lands have a bounty on you?”

Her expression turned thoughtful before she gave her answer, “...I suppose he views my existence as a threat.”

“That just brings up more questions.”

“It’s a story best told by my mother.” 

Chapter Text

1 month after the revival of Himmel the Hero, Morgenrot, Schlucht Region of the Southern Lands 

The early summer heat of the Southern Lands caused sweat to drip down Kraft’s neck but otherwise he stood stoic. His breaths came out slow and steady. All around him were the dissolving bodies of monsters.

Soldiers - the majority sporting injuries and even those few that did not had grime and exhaustion etched deep into their faces - stared at him in awe. Behind them was a small city, its walls and protective barrier on the brink of collapse.

Silence stretched across the battlefield as ancient memories flashed through the monk’s mind: a city burning, the acrid scent of smoke and blood, people screaming.

“Sir Monk,” a man in high ranking armor approached, “I’m the Captain of the Guard here. I extend my utmost gratitude. You just single-handedly kept a vital trading city from falling and saved countless lives.”

“While I am glad I was able to help,” Kraft replied, “A word of warning: I haven’t seen a surge of monsters like that since the Demon King first rose to power three millennia ago. It’s likely humanity as a whole is now facing a war for our very existence.”

1 month after the revival of Himmel the Hero, the northern coast of the Schleier Sea, Halbinsel Region

The rural road was simple dirt; far more in line with the roads of the past. However, the mana-powered carriage remained an enjoyable novelty for Himmel. The rush of wind as they sped towards their destination was sharp with the sting of sea salt. Meanwhile the hints of dark ocean blues through the lush trees was a pleasant sight. 

Soon the carriage came to a slow bumpy stop. Himmel turned towards the front to see that a few downed trees were blocking the road.

“Just when I thought it would be a smooth trip,” the driver - and their current escort mission - said with a sigh.

“I’ll have it moved in no time,” Himmel flashed a smile as he replied. Just as he was about to hop down from the carriage, Morgen tugged on his shirt sleeve.

“We’ve got company.”

“We do,” he confirmed, “It’s nothing you can’t handle.”

Morgen’s cheek puffed out in annoyance. “You could help.”

“If you need help, I’ll step in,” the hero assured, lightly patting her head, “The only thing you lack is practical battle experience, and there’s only one way to get it.” 

There was a loud splintering sound as another tree was felled. A monster then appeared from the forest. It was something between a bear and a moose with glowing red eyes. The beast bellowed and charged at them. In a single heartbeat, a holy barrier surrounded the carriage. The monster slammed straight into said barrier, stumbling back in slight disorientation. As she let the barrier fall, Morgen pulled out her Holy Scriptures with one hand and pointed up to the skies with the other.

“Divine Judgement!”

Static tension filled the atmosphere for a brief moment. Then lightning arched down from the sky and struck the beast. The smell of singed fur filled the air but the hearty monster was merely stunned.

“Three Spears of the Goddess!”

As the battle between priestess and monster continued, Himmel calmly went about removing the downed trees from the road. Much to the bewilderment of the person they were escorting.

One brief skirmish and a few more hours of traveling later, the group of three arrived at their destination: a small fishing village. Immediately Himmel knew something was wrong. The villagers were grim faced and weary. There was also a notable lack of fresh fish for a village that sustained themselves on said fish.

“Thank the goddess you’ve returned”, an elderly man greeted, “Was your supply run successful?”

“Yes, but Elder,” their client replied looking around, “What happened?”

“A terrible sea monster appeared a week ago,” he answered, “We lost two fishing boats to it. The only survivor was Mowe…” 

The woman gasped, eyes tearing up.

Himmel and Morgen glanced at each other briefly before Himmel stepped forward.

“Apologies for interrupting but my travel companion and I came here intending to cross the bay to the Monastery. I understand you may be hesitant to send any boats out, but this would not be my first time defeating a sea monster.”

The villager elder eyed him doubtfully. 

“This isn’t some mere sea monster. It’s a leviathan ,” he hissed that word like a curse, “I’ve sent a request to the Continental Magic Association. No boats leave until they deal with it. I’ll arrange for you two to use a spare room for now.”

“It would be best to have a strong mage when fighting a leviathan,” Himmel admitted, sitting their pack of travel supplies down. The spare room was little more than a quickly rearranged storage shed with two cots laid out. It wasn’t much at a glance but such a small village didn’t have much to spare to begin with, especially not with their current crisis.

“Why exactly?” Morgen asked.

“They’re almost completely impervious to physical attacks,” he answered. Then his eyes shone with fondness and nostalgia.  “...Frieren could easily knock one out with a lightning spell.”

Morgen gave a bittersweet smile as she spoke, “When you talk about Frieren, you remind me of how my mother talks about my father.”

Himmel chuckled, “Is that so?” 

“Back to the leviathan issue,” Morgen quickly changed topic, “With the recent surge in monster activity, there’s no telling when the Continental Mage Association will be able to send someone.”

“The village will likely run low on food and funds before then,” Himmel noted, “Morgen, do you think you can do it?”

Morgen blinked. “Me?”

“You may lack battle experience, but you are still a priest with over forty years of training and a few powerful attack spells up your sleeve.”

“...If I hit it with everything I have…”, she muttered thoughtfully, “I could at least stun it. Probably.”

“I can work with that.”

“Still it means nothing if we don’t have a boat.”

Himmel smirked as he turned back to the door and opened it. Standing there, having clearly been eavesdropping, was a man with all the toughened poise of a lifelong sailor. Bruises from his brush with death still lingered on his face and arms.

“You’ve been watching us since we arrived,” Himmel stated, “You’re Mowe, right?”

“Yes. I lost my brother and cousins to that monster,” he replied, “Maybe it’s revenge or just survivor's guilt… but if you two truly believe that you can defeat the leviathan then I’ll get you a boat.”

1 month after the revival of Himmel the Hero, Äußerst, Kühl Region

A detailed map of the Northern Lands created by illusion magic sprawled out before the gathered First Class Mages. Across the map were hundreds of red points marking urgent requests for assistance.

“This is unprecedented.”

“The Southern Branch has reported a similar situation.”

“And yet the Central Lands remain silent?”

“There’s no way that fool of a king would come groveling to Mistress Serie, even if his country were on the brink of destruction.” 

“Where is Mistress Serie? I assumed she’d be leading this meeting.”

“She left for the Northern Plateau as soon as the reports started coming in.”

“That’s not like her.” 

“Her exact words were: Leave the Northern Plateau to me. If any of you tried to go there now, you would die.”

1 month after the revival of Himmel the Hero, the Schleier Sea, Halbinsel Region

The sun had long set when the small fishing boat set sail. Mowe bustled around the ship, setting course for the last area the leviathan was spotted. The waves were gentle yet an eerie mist hoovered above the Schleier Sea.

“I know we wanted to avoid causing a scene,” Morgen stated, “But is it wise to pick a battle at sea in the middle of the night?”

Himmel noted that, despite her calm expression, her hands were trembling. 

“Apologies, it seems I briefly forgot how young you truly are. There is no shame in running if you’ve changed your mind about this. Even the strongest of warriors get scared.”

Morgen took a deep breath and then leaned against the railing. Her purple eyes peered pensively toward the dark, foggy horizon.

“Before I met you, I’d never fought any monsters. Even though I trained really hard, whenever I ran across a monster I would typically hide until the monster got bored and left…”

The hero had to hold back a chuckle as he replied, “How elvish of you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” 

Himmel put his hands up placatingly, “Nothing really. Just that you’re…patient.”

Morgen huffed in annoyance, “My point is I’ve decided I don’t want to spend my life hiding.”

“You’re a very brave girl,” Himmel replied as he patted her head.

She flushed and swatted his hand away. “I may be young but I’m not a little kid.”

“Of course not. You’re more than capable,” he answered. Then his tone became almost smug, “After all, I couldn’t call myself a Hero if I put you in real danger.”

“...That’s a mixed message,” Morgen said flatly.

Himmel was about to stay something but then stopped himself as an intense, serious expression settled on his face. Morgen turned her attention to where he was looking: a massive shadow only noticeable due to lines of bioluminescence running down its back was rapidly approaching the boat.

“That’s it!” Mowe yelled, “Brace!”

Himmel gripped the ship’s railing with one hand, while he looped his other arm securely around Morgen. The boat violently rocked as one of the most massive monsters Himmel had ever laid eyes on rose up from the depths. The leviathan looked like a cross between a whale and sea dragon, only ten times larger than either. It could easily crush a battleship if it wanted; and from the way it stared down with pale white eyes, it intended to crush them.

“Remember the plan?” He asked.

“Yes.”

He let go, trusting the tiny elf would manage to stay on her feet now that the waters had settled somewhat, and unsheathed the Hero’s Sword. At the sight of it the leviathan immediately let out a ferocious roar.

“Thought so,” the hero muttered to himself.

While the sea monster was focused on Himmel, Morgen stepped back and pulled out her Holy Scriptures. Mages had taken to the skies nearly a thousand years ago. However, priests had only discovered an equivalent spell about one hundred years ago. Morgen herself just recently started learning it and had yet to use it outside of practice. Still determination steeled in her eyes.

“Wings of the Goddess.” 

Her feet lifted off the deck as she began to float upward. As she flew higher and higher into the night sky, the aerial view of the battle made her stomach tense. Mowe was doing his best in keeping the little boat from being caught by the leviathan's flailing tail or gaping mouth; and, Himmel couldn’t strike while they were too busy keeping the ship out of the monster's reach. It was up to Morgen to make an opening for him.

The priestess pointed a finger towards the starry sky and began pouring mana into her spell. Static built up around her until her strawberry hair stood on its ends and the atmosphere crackled with barely restrained energy. Then she poured even more mana into it as she waited for the ideal moment. After what felt like hours but was probably not even two minutes, the leviathan was in the perfect position to strike without catching the boat in the crossfire.

“Divine Judgement!”

A massive bolt of pure white lightning - more powerful than Morgen expected - arched down from the starry sky and stuck true. The leviathan let out a screech as it began to spasm. Mowe positioned the boat quickly, getting close enough for Himmel to make his move.

The hero wasted no time jumping onto the still spasming monster. He climbed up its draconic neck until he reached the single weak point in its otherwise impervious body: a small gap in its scaled armor right where its spinal cord connected to its skull. Then he plunged the Hero’s Sword into its weak point. The leviathan spasmed one last time before going still. 

As the monster began to disperse into mana particles, Himmel sheathed his sword and dove into the water below. Once he’d swam back to the boat, Mowe reached out a hand to help pull him aboard. Morgen, meanwhile, floated back down and practically collapsed onto the deck. 

“That was close,” she muttered, “I almost didn’t have enough mana to fly back down.”

Himmel smiled as he replied, “You really gave it your all. Good job.”

“You’re both amazing,” Mowe said, a little tearfully, “My family has been avenged, and it's safe for us to fish again thanks to you two.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. There’s no way that would have gone so smoothly without your expert sailing.”

An orange-purple dawn rose over the waters of the Schieler Sea as the miraculously barely damaged fishing boat approached the cavernous dock at the bottom of the sea cliffs. A young nun - no older than eighteen - waited impatiently as Mowe secured the boat and Himmel helped the exhausted elf disembark.

“Lady Morgen! Welcome back!” She exclaimed the second Morgen’s feet touched dry land. “That was your lightning spell wasn’t it? You’ve become even stronger! And have you gotten taller?”

“Rosette, please, I told you not to call me ‘lady’,” Morgen replied, suddenly looking even more exhausted, “And it hasn’t even been six months. There’s no way I’ve gotten taller.”

“If you say so,” the nun sing-songed, “Anyway, introduce me to your friends.”

“Right,” Morgen said, turning between the excited nun and bemused hero, “Rosette, this is Himmel. He’s an adventurer that’s helped me a lot and is here to do some research. Himmel, this is Sister Rosette. She’s new to the monastery so I’ve been tutoring her.”

“New?!” The young nun huffed, “I’ve been here two years now.”

“Yeah, new,” Morgen asserted, “And this is Mr. Mowe. A fisherman from the village across the bay. He was kind enough to ferry us over.”

“I’m not sure kind is the right word considering that leviathan,” Rosette scolded, “When Sister Vera said you were fighting it, Lady Edel about had a heart attack!”

Morgen cringed like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. “Where is mother?”

“In the memorial garden,” Rosette answered, “She wanted to come greet you, but we all convinced her to wait there.”

“Thank you for that.”

“I’ll go fix breakfast and prepare guest rooms. I’m sure our victorious heroes need rest,” Rosette said with a grin before turning to leave. 

“You two go ahead,” Mowe said, “I want to inspect the damage first.”

“Alright, come on, Himmel,” Morgen said as headed towards the stairs as well, “I’ll introduce you to my mother.” 

The dock was built in a sea cliff cave with steep stairs carved out of the stone and tunneling up to the monastery itself. Mana-lights lined the walls to guide the way until eventually morning sunbeams shone through an open door. Himmel blinked to adjust as they stepped out into a courtyard of sorts. Well fortified walls surrounded the monastery, while the courtyard had both a vegetable and herb garden as well as a place to do laundry. Morgen led him around the garden to a smaller fenced garden. Inside were blooming bleeding heart flowers surrounding a single gravestone; and, sitting on a bench before the grave was an elderly lady. At the sound of their approach, she turned to look at them with eyes that, though slightly clouded with age, were a very familiar shade of purple.

“Mother, I’m home,” Morgen greeted.

Himmel stared a moment before dumbly stating, “She’s human?”

“I’m actually half-elf,” Morgen admitted with an embarrassed flush, “I…didn’t really know how to bring it up without explaining the entire situation.”

“You must find this man very trustworthy to risk bringing him here,” her mother interjected.

“Yes, of course,” Morgen replied, “Mother, it may be hard to believe but this is the Himmel the Hero.”

The elderly lady somehow managed to make raising an eyebrow appear dignified and elegant.

“I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Himmel the Hero. My name is Edel and, once upon a time, I was the Crown Princess of the Central Lands.”

Chapter Text

66 years before the rebirth of Himmel the Hero, Central Lands

Two horses galloped freely away from the Royal Capital of the Central Lands. A brown painted mare, whose raider’s long strawberry blond hair flowed wildly behind her, sprinted ahead. The other quickly caught up.

“Princess,” a woman in light armor chided, “Stay close to us.”

“Apologies,” the princess replied, “I’m just excited I was able to convince father to allow this trip. It’s a once in a lifetime event, after all.”

“His majesty is wrapped around your fingers, your highness,” the maid, sitting side-saddle with the lady knight, stated cooly.

The princess laughed as they continued.

The trio traveled swiftly and efficiently. Finally, after four days, they approached their destination: a perfectly round lake that reflected the sky as if it were a mirror. It was a well kept secret as part of a protected nature reserve. 

“It seems someone else had the same idea,” the princess noted as their horses trotted closer.

A man in worn but well-cared for clothing and a sword on his hip sat perfectly still in the grass as his gaze overlooked the lake. His most notable feature was not the blue-purple sheen to his dark hair or his handsome profile but his large, pointed ears.

“An elf?” The princess murmured.

“Princess,” the lady knight warned. Despite the elf’s relaxed posture, she had this instinct that he had been aware of their approach far longer than they had been aware of him.

The princess seemingly ignored her guards’ concern and dismounted her horse to approach the rest of the way on foot. 

“Apologies for intruding,” the princess greeted, “My companions and I have come here to watch the Comet tonight.”

As the elf stood up his silver-grey gaze fell onto the princess. Though she wore an outfit fit for horseback riding and camping in the outdoors, it was obvious she was from a wealthy family at a glance. He gave a polite, if a bit old-fashioned bow.

“I am Luft,” he replied, “A simple adventurer here to watch the Comet as well. I have no objections to unexpected company, if my presence doesn’t bother you or your entourage.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mister Luft. Please call me Edel.”

The unlikely group settled down to await nightfall. Slowly the sky shifted from blue to orange to purple. The stars began to sparkle as the night grew deeper. Soon a trail of purple-white blazed across the starry sky. Then, for one beautiful moment that only happened every two hundred years, the comet aligned perfectly with the north star. Time seemed to pause as the two celestial bodies embraced.

“There’s an old tale behind the Polaris Comet,” Luft said, eyes seeming lost in the distant past, “My mother used to tell it to me when I was very young, though I hadn’t thought about it until recently when I met another elf who reminded me of the story.”

“I’ve never heard of any myths associated with this,” Edel said with genuine curiosity, “Would you mind sharing it?”

“A long, long time ago, even by elven standards,” he started with a bit of humor, “An elven mage and dwarven warrior fell deeply in love. Though they lived a happy life together, the dwarf soon died of old age. In her grief, the mage buried him among the stars. Every two hundred years since the two lovers are able to reunite when the comet and north star align.”

Princess Edel of the Central Lands turned from the - for her - once in a lifetime stellar event to the unfathomably long-lived man sitting next to her. Questions spun in her mind but she couldn’t quite bring herself to voice them aloud.

“Thank you,” she finally settled on.

Time resumed as the celestial embrace ended; and, the comet passed out of the lake’s reflective surface.

“Are you crying, dear?” The maid whispered to her knightly partner.

“That’s just a really romantic story,” the lady knight whispered back as she took an offered handkerchief from the maid. 

A few hours later, in the dead of night, Edel’s eyes began to flutter from exhaustion.

“Pri- Miss Edel,” the maid said, “I have your sleeping cot ready.”

“In that case, I’ll take my leave,” Luft said, stretching as he stood up.

“Why are you leaving in the middle of the night?” Edel asked as she suppressed a yawn.

“I’m sure your guards would be much more comfortable if a strange adventurer wasn’t nearby while their mistress slept,” he answered, nodding to the knight, and then simply began walking away from the lake.

Once he was out of sight, the lady knight turned to her charge, “Princess, please don’t pout.”

“I wanted to talk to him more,” she replied, pouting, “I’ll probably never get the chance to meet an elf again.”

The return trip to the Royal Capital was going smoothly until the fourth day. They had made it to the forested area just before reaching the main road to the city; their horses going at a slow but steady pace. Then the knight suddenly moved, using her body to shield the maid, as arrows were let loose from the forest-line. One arrow lodged into her shoulder, while another grazed her the side of the stomach. The horse panicked as it too was struck, bucking its riders off. A mage’s staff suddenly appeared in the maid’s hands as she floated herself and her partner safely to the ground.

“Princess, are you alright?” 

The second the attack had begun, before doing anything else, the mage-maid had created an earthen barrier around the princess.

“My horse is a little panicked but nothing I can’t handle,” she replied from within the barrier, “Please be careful you two.”

“How are you, dear?” The mage asked the knight.

“Woozy… I think the arrowhead’s poisoned,” she warned, trying not to wince at the pain. 

“Noted,” the mage replied, creating defensive barriers to block more incoming arrows. Just when it seemed they’d have a reprieve, a single arrow shattered her barrier and embedded in the ground at her feet. The mage silently cursed as she recognized the truth of the arrow: the tip was made from magic-nullifying crystal.

“An injured, poisoned knight and a mage who’s magic has been nullified,” a man said as he walked out of the forest, “How pitiful.”

“What do you want?” The mage demanded, while the knight forced herself to stand up and unsheathe her sword.

“Someone is willing to pay a pretty penny for the princess’s head on a platter.”

Another magic-nullifying arrow hit the earthen barrier, causing it to collapse and reveal the princess trying to keep her horse calm. The already scared horse bolted, forcing Edel to dodge-roll away to avoid being trampled. As she did so, another arrow was let loose. The knight quickly moved again, taking yet another poisoned arrow. Edel shouted as the mage rushed to catch the falling knight.

Then shouts, screams, and heavy thuds began echoing from the forest. All three women and the man who’d stepped out from the shadows stared at the forest-line in confusion. After a few minutes the screaming stopped; and, out of the forest stepped Luft with his sword drawn. Before anyone could so much as blink, the elven warrior rushed forward and struck the man with the hilt of his sword. The assassin fell limply to the ground.

“He’s unconscious. I thought you might want to interrogate him later,” Luft simply stated. He then grabbed the two crystal tipped arrows and threw them as far as he could. 

“Thank you,” the mage said as she gently cradled her partner and summoned a copy of the Holy Scriptures.

“How is she?” Edel asked after a few moments.

“...Not good. I’m not skilled enough to cure the poison,” the mage admitted, “And we won’t reach the nearest church in time.”

“What if you flew her there?”

The mage shook her head as she replied, “If I tried carrying both of you while flying, I’d run out of mana before we arrived.”

“Leave me.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

“Mister Luft,” Edel suddenly turned to the elven warrior, who had found rope from scattered luggage, “Would you be willing to be my guard until we reach the Royal Capital? I promise to appropriately compensate you for the trouble.”

“I’m going that direction anyway,” Luft replied as he methodically tied up the assassin. 

The mage glanced back and forth between the two. “You can’t just-”

“I can,” Edel interrupted, her tone stern, “I’m ordering you to seek treatment for her as quickly as possible.”

The mage hesitated for just a second before nodding once and then soaring off with the knight in her arms. As Edel watched them leave, the reality of the assassination attempt settled cold and heavy in the pit of her stomach. Stress and fear clawed up her throat. Her vision narrowed. Cotton seemed to fill her ears.

“Edel,” the elf’s voice broke through the sound of her rasping, “Breathe slow. Inhale… Exhale…Inhale…” 

Slowly the princess’s panic subsided. She became aware of the ground beneath her legs and the strong but gentle hands gripping her shoulders.

“I’ll keep you safe.” 

His words were not a promise nor a pledge but a simple statement of fact. Confidence and certainty born through survival against all odds. 

Purple eyes met silver-grey. At that moment, Princess Edel of the Central Lands truly believed that as long as this man was by her side everything would be alright.

Present

“I suppose you could call it a fairytale meeting,” Edel - over half a century older and wiser - said, “A handsome hero saved the princess from being assassinated. A part of me certainly felt that way. By the time we made it back to the Royal Capital, I was completely infatuated.”

She laughed then. It was a laugh filled with a complex mixture of emotions. It was the same as Himmel’s own laugh when he thought of his relationship with Frieren.

“Luft was oblivious,” she continued, tone amused, “That I had ulterior motives when I asked him to stay around for a while as one of my bodyguards. It wasn’t just my feelings either. Many servants and soldiers were interested in the mysterious elven warrior suddenly staying in the castle.”

“But it’s normal to be interested when elves are so rare?” Morgen innocently interrupted, having settled in the grass next to her mother’s feet like a small child.

“Not that type of interest,” her mother replied.

Morgen blinked almost owlishly as the gears slowly started to turn in her head. Only for said gears to get stuck on the nebulous concept of ‘sexual attraction’ and come to a screeching halt. 

“...I don’t get it.”

Edel and Himmel exchanged a knowing look.

“You take after your father in that aspect,” Edel replied before continuing her story, “As the years went by, I learned to be content with just having him by my side as a protector and friend. My position would not allow me to wait my entire life in the hopes he might one day reciprocate my feelings.”

56 years before the rebirth of Himmel the Hero, Royal Castle of the Royal Capital, Central Lands

Though the city lights dimmed the shine of the stars, the skies were crisp and clear. Princess Edel - no longer a young lady on the cusp of adulthood but a woman increasingly burdened with royal obligations - fiddled with her telescope. Only on rare nights like these was she able to step away from her duties to enjoy her old hobby of stargazing. 

“It’s chilly out tonight,” Luft noted as he stepped out onto the balcony.

Edel glanced back at him, for the millionth time appreciating how good he looked in the knight uniform, before returning her attention to adjusting the telescope.

“It’s nothing a little warm cider later won’t fix,” she replied.

Without a word Luft took off his cape and wrapped it around the princess’s shoulders. Edel subconsciously leaned into his touch before realizing and pulling away.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you something…”

The elf gave her a questioning look but didn’t say anything, content to wait for however long it took her to continue. Edel gathered her resolve, knowing that bringing it up to the man she loved but could not have would make the inevitable real in her mind.

“With my father’s health declining, the council and nobles have become rather insistent that I fulfill my responsibility as Crown Princess.”

“So you’ll become Queen soon.”

“Yes,” she answered, “Which means I need to choose a politically advantageous husband and produce an heir.”

His silvery eyes went wide with shock. “Aren’t you still rather young for that?”

Edel couldn’t help it; she laughed.

“I was considered old enough to marry when we first met ten years ago.”

“...I see,” Luft answered, as if he were swallowing something bitter, “I suppose that is the human way…”

Edel had expected her elven friend to be surprised by the news, considering that his sense of time was so different from the norm. However, she had not anticipated the troubled expression he wore.

“Anyway,” she switched topics, “You promised to tell me more about ancient constellations tonight.”

The troubled expression faded into a soft smile as he pointed out a group of stars, describing a nearly forgotten constellation and the mythos behind it.

Weeks passed by quickly as the King’s health continued to decline and more discussions about potential marriage candidates were had. Luft too was acting strangely at times. In public he remained the aloof but dependable bodyguard. However, in private he flipped between their usual rapport and practically avoiding her. There were whispers among the guards that Luft was more intense than usual during training. One night, according to the maids, he even returned to the castle drunk; something that had never happened before.

Edel was worried. Worried about her father’s health. Worried about all the work she was having to do as Acting Sovereign. Worried about her impending engagement. Worried about her elven companion’s odd behavior. The princess sighed deeply as she looked between the stack of papers still sitting on her desk and the clock’s steady ticking.

“I need a break,” she announced to no one in particular. The guards stationed at the door didn’t even blink when she left the office and made her way down the halls. Soon she stepped outside in the palace gardens; her breath freezing as it escaped her lips. This time of year no flowers bloomed but it was serene as ever. Edel settled on the bench overlooking the pond in the center of the garden, watching as the koi swam just beneath the surface. She was completely lost in thought when the weight and warmth of a familiar cloak was wrapped around her shoulders.

“You keep forgetting your coat,” Luft said as he walked around the bench to sit beside her.

The words came out before she could think, “Maybe I like your cloak better.”

The elf’s cheeks flushed a bright pink. Nerves suddenly fluttered in Edel’s chest; not once in a decade had she ever seen Luft blush. He cleared his throat while pointedly looking away from her.

“Almost two hundred years ago, I met another elf,” he started, the blush fading as his tone turned somber, “An elf older and wiser than myself. She told me I should cherish those I care for while I had the chance. I didn’t understand at the time.”

“You understand now?” Edel asked, heart skipping a beat even while she tried not to jump to conclusions.

“I think I’m starting to,” Luft answered, “When the King’s health declined I realized just how short my time with you will be. Then you told me about needing to get married, and it bothered me. The idea of another man giving you his cloak and stargazing with you…bothers me.” 

“I doubt Gier would do either,” Edel muttered more to herself.

“So your fiancé has been decided,” Luft said, ears drooping slightly.

“Unofficially,” she replied, “He’s in line for the throne after me. The more traditional nobles prefer him as ruler. Our marriage would be the compromise.”

“I apologize for putting you in an awkward position then,” Luft said, taking a deep breath before gently grasping her hand and placing a small jewelry box in her palm, “I just want you to know that I will stay by your side as long as you want me to, in any way you want me to.”

Inside the jewelry box was a simple silver necklace with a silver charm in the shape of a blooming mirrored lotus. It was only moderately expensive. A mere trinket to a literal princess. Yet Edel had never adored a piece of jewelry so much. 

“Do you even know what a mirrored lotus means?” Edel asked, her tone on the border of seriousness and humor.

“The jeweler told me,” he replied with an almost smug smile, “Edel, no matter what you choose or the form our relationship takes, I will spend the rest of my life loving you.” 

Edel sat in silence as she processed the confession. Luft remained unfazed, content to let her take however long she needed.

“How could you say the rest of your life?” She finally asked.

“The North Star still loves the Comet,” he said simply, as if pointing out the sky was blue, “And Frieren still loves Himmel the Hero.”     

Present

“Really I should thank The Great Mage Frieren,” Edel mused, staring fondly down at her daughter. The young half-elf had drifted to sleep while leaning her head against the bench. The elderly woman reached down to stroke through her hair before she continued speaking, “Had it not been for her advice long before Luft and I ever met, Luft might not have realized his feelings during my lifetime.”

“I’ll be sure to tell Frieren when I see her again,” Himmel replied with a soft smile. Whether it was from the story, learning some meager knowledge of Frieren, or watching the mother-daughter pair was hard to say.

“She must have been exhausted. I can carry her inside before you continue your story,” Himmel offered.

“That would be for the best,” Edel agreed.

Himmel scooped up Morgen into his arms. The girl dazedly blinked her eyes open for just a moment before leaning her head against his shoulder and drifting off back to sleep. Edel smiled a bittersweet smile - for a brief moment seeing what should have been - before she left the graveside to lead Himmel inside the monastery.

Chapter Text

1 month after the revival of Himmel the Hero, Monastery off the coast of the Schleier Sea, Halbinsel Region

Morgen’s room was cluttered but tidy. A box of well-worn children’s toys were tucked away in the corner next to the bed, while a single bookshelf took up an entire wall. Beneath the window sat a desk with books and notes stacked on top of each other, as well as a set of gambling cards sitting right next to a small stone icon of the goddess.

“I shouldn’t be surprised by the corruption and yet,” Himmel murmured in amusement.

“I blame Sister Vera for that bad habit,” Edel responded.

Himmel laid the sleeping girl on her bed and then tucked the blanket snugly around her, while the elderly woman watched with an appraising eye.

“Whether you’re truly Himmel the Hero or not,” she said in a quiet tone, “I find myself relieved.”

Himmel turned his attention back to her. “Is that so?”

“I’ve been encouraging her to become self-sufficient and independent for a few years now,” she answered, “But not because I think she’s truly ready to live as an adult.”

A distant memory of his own mother flashed in his mind. 

“No parent wants to leave their child before knowing they’ll be okay.”

56 years before the rebirth of Himmel the Hero, Royal Castle of the Royal Capital, Central Lands

“Good day, father,” Edel greeted as she settled into the chair next to the king’s bed, “I brought your favorite soup.”

The elderly man opened his eyes and smiled at his daughter. “You’ve grown into such a considerate princess, making time for your ailing old man even when you’re practically ruling the kingdom.”

“I’ll always make time for you, father.”

The two idly chatted; the topic only turning to serious matters once the king had finished eating.

“Edel, I have some advice for you: Don’t marry Gier. You’ll only end up sharing a marital bed with the very person you’re in a dangerous power-struggle with.”

“You’re not usually so blunt,” Edel replied, somewhat mortified.

“I just want to know you’ll be okay when I’m gone.”

“...I was worried you’d be disappointed when I told you, but perhaps not then,” Edel replied, her hand coming up to where her new necklace rested beneath her blouse, “I’ve decided against choosing my partner based on politics.”

“So Luft finally came around,” the king chuckled.

Edel flushed. “You knew?”

“You were never subtle,” he replied, “Luft was harder to get a read on.”

“I see…” 

“While I approve as a father,” he continued, “As a ruler, I do have concerns. The nobles won’t approve of someone so long-lived gaining political power.”

“Instead of Luft gaining the position and title of king, he could be prince-consort to minimize his political power. Really he’d be happy to remain without an official title but at the same time we both want our relationship to be legitimized.” 

“A conundrum indeed,” the king mused, “The other main issue is what will you do about heirs?”

“Adopting a distant relative as heir seems the most reasonable.”

“So grandchildren are out of the question?”

“There’s no record of humans and elves having children together,” Edel simply replied.

“I suppose we can reach out to the Continental Magic Association. If anyone knows, it would be The Great Mage Serie.”

“...You just want grandchildren.”

“An old man can hope,” he laughed. Only for the laugh to turn into a cough. Edel quickly grabbed his medicine and helped him take it. Once the coughing had subsided, he turned back to his daughter.

“You’ve thought this through,” he said, “Very well. It might be my last official act, but I’ll make sure you’re able to marry the man you love.”

“Thank you, father.”

“I told you earlier. I want to know you’ll be okay once I’m gone, and I know that Luft will make sure of it.”

The marriage ceremony between Princess Edel and Luft the Warrior was arranged in just a few weeks. Due to the rush, the guest list was extremely small. The wedding didn’t fit with royal standards at all, which was exactly what the couple wanted. Once the celebration neared its ending, the two newlyweds escaped to a private balcony. As was habit for her, Edel turned her attention briefly to the stars above. When she turned back to her groom, he was kneeling before her with a hand outstretched. 

“Would you dance with me?” Luft asked.

She laughed a little, “You’ve never been interested in dancing before. Do you even know how?”

“I have no idea,” he replied in a blunt yet somehow charming tone, “But I’m willing to learn, if you’ll teach me.”

Edel took his hand.

55 years before the rebirth of Himmel the Hero, Royal Castle of the Royal Capital, Central Lands

“I’m… what?” Edel blinked as she tried to process the information.

“You’re pregnant,” the doctor confirmed, "Congratulations, your highness.”

Edel was much too lost in shock to pay much attention to the doctor’s advice on prenatal care. The only thing that felt real was the steady grip of Luft’s hand on hers. When the doctor finally left, she turned to her husband. His expression was as bewildered as hers.

“I suppose our assumption was wrong,” she said after a moment.

Slowly understanding of a magnitude beyond just becoming a parent dawned across Luft’s face.

“I never experienced it myself, but for thousands of millennia elves were the dominant species,” Luft said, “Before the Demon King rose to power, we had never dealt with an organized threat before. We were too slow to adjust and within a few hundred years not a single city, town, or village remained. Us few survivors have scattered to the winds and are slowly dying out.”

Edel now knew just how deep those wounds were. She knew how many nights her husband still woke up in terror from childhood memories of being hunted by demons. She knew the painfully slow march of extinction hanging over his head. Still she did not see the relevance; at least, not until he pressed a reverent kiss to her forehead.

“Thank you for giving me a family again.”

54 years before the rebirth of Himmel the Hero, Royal Castle of the Royal Capital, Central Lands

“She has your hair and eyes,” Luft noted as he held his newborn for the first time.

“And your ears,” Edel added, her voice laced with exhaustion but happy.

“She’s perfect, our Morgen.”

However, the idyllic scene was interrupted by a maid.

“Apologies, your highness. Herzog Gier is requesting an audience.”

A stern expression of annoyance and protectiveness settled on Luft’s face as he passed the infant half-elf back to his wife.

“I’ll see what he wants.”

As Luft left the room, the exhaustion finally caught up to Edel. Her mind drifted into a state between awareness and dreaming. When Edel opened her eyes again, it was due to the sounds of screaming. Not those of an infant’s cries, but of multiple people screaming and yelling in sheer terror. Though still sore and weak, Edel got out of bed and walked to the window. What she saw in the courtyard below was pandemonium. Soldiers and royal mages were attempting to fight off strange tendrils of darkness. She watched as one of the tendrils pierced a soldier in the leg. The man screamed as his body began to blacken with decay. Seconds later his scream died with him.

She jumped in fright when the door was suddenly forced open, but sighed in relief at the sight of her husband. Besides breathing heavier than usual and a torn sleeve, he appeared unharmed.

“Gier has gone mad and is using a spell none of the mages recognize. The guards are trying to hold him off while the castle is being evacuated,” Luft reported with an edge of frantic worry.

Not waiting for her to reply, Luft took their newborn from the crib and secured her in a baby-sling against his chest. He then stridded over to his wife and picked her up in one swift movement. 

By some miracle, the newborn Morgen slept through all the jostling as they made their escape.

After months of discreet travel, the royal family had finally made it to the only place Luft had deemed truly safe: a remote monastery both across the sea and border of the Northern Lands.

“Back when I barely escaped the demons as a child,” he had whispered over the campfire one night, “I only survived because a nun found me and took me to the monastery to recover. I usually stop by every couple hundred years to pay my respects.”

As Edel was given a tour of the monastery by an unflappable nun named Vera, she could see why her husband was fond of the place. It was built to be practical and long-lasting yet held little touches left by each generation of nuns and priestesses that gave it a unique charm. 

They were approaching the infirmary when a voice spoke words that made Edel’s heart freeze: “You’ve been hiding this from your wife?”

Without thinking Edel rushed into the infirmary to find her husband being examined by a priestess. On the same arm that had a torn sleeve on the night Edel had lost her kingdom was a tiny, seemingly insignificant scratch. Yet from that tiny scratch black decay was slowly spreading up and down his arm.

“Edel…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” She choked out before taking a breath to calm herself, “No, I understand. You didn’t want to cause me more stress.”

Luft stood up, walking over to her and wiping away tears she hadn’t realized were rolling down her cheeks.

“How bad is it?” He asked the priestess.

“It seems to be a curse that directly attacks a person’s lifespan,” she answered, “I’d estimate a cut like that would kill a human in less than ten minutes. For you… somewhere between one and two years is my best guess.”

Present

Himmel and Edel had moved to the kitchen yet their breakfast plates remained untouched. The topic of discussion was simply too heavy to enjoy a meal.

“Despite the best efforts of multiple priests, Luft died a slow and agonizing death,” she finished her story as she dabbed her teary eyes with a handkerchief.

“That’s terrible,” Himmel replied, a little awkward. It was always easier for him to comfort children.

“I’ve had over fifty years to come to terms with my grief,” she replied, “Still I never imagined I would outlive him.”

“I suppose I’m the same,” Himmel said with a frown, “During my first life, it never once occurred to me as a real possibility.”

“Don’t get too hung up on it,” Edel said.

Himmel nodded and finally took a bite of eggs. Still there was another detail that bothered him. He was concerned by the description of Gier’s magic: a curse so powerful that even a tiny scratch meant unavoidable death. That was eerily similar to the Demon King’s magic.

Present, Royal Castle of the Royal Capital, Central Lands

“Your Majesty,” a woman with a surprisingly disheveled appearance in spite of her official’s robes said as she bowed at the foot of the throne, “The Bishops of the Holy City have sent a missive of condemnation for your… refurbishments of the goddess’ iconography.”

King Gier was a man that seemed in his prime, though he had sat on the throne for over fifty years. His hair was nearly the same color as the golden crown atop his head, with only a touch of silver at his temples. His eyes were a deep royal purple with a calculating glint to them as he considered the massage from the Holy City.

“The Bishops are merely clinging to tradition,” he scoffed, “It’s past time that humanity outgrows the idolization of a dying race. I have more important matters to focus on.”

“I will write up a response to them, sir,” the official replied. As she left the throne room, another person walked through the doors. He was a short-bearded dwarf in military attire.

“Sire,” the dwarf greeted with a bow. 

“General Treue,” the king greeted in turn, “You have a report on the recent spike in monster activity.”

“Of course,” he replied, “However, I’ve also received a report from one of our covert agents stationed in the Northern Lands that I think you’ll find most interesting.”

King Gier grinned. It was not a pleasant grin.

Chapter Text

Sister Vera both was and wasn’t what Himmel expected when he finally met her the day after their arrival: an elderly woman with sharp features and even sharper eyes. Her serious demeanor made it difficult to imagine her teaching a child how to gamble. 

“You want to seek out the Great Mage Frieren?”

Himmel nodded, “That’s right.”

“Follow me then,” she said as she began leading him down into the hidden depths of the monastery.

“The main purpose of this monastery is to keep the archives well maintained,” the old nun explained, “We have copies of almost all the historical records and research texts found in the Holy City’s library. You’re welcome to search the archives for any leads.”

They soon reached a door sealed by the goddess’s magic. With a simple touch from the nun, the seal and door opened to reveal what was best described as a labyrinth of bookshelves. Himmel gulped surprisingly dry air. Research was not his forte; seeing so many books was a little intimidating. 

“I also have some old friends in Strahl,” Sister Vera added, “I’ll write to see if they know anything.”

“Thank you,” Himmel said, “I appreciate the help.”

“My help isn’t entirely altruistic,” she replied with a shrewd smile, “I simply see an opportunity to ease Edel’s mind before the two of us pass.”

“That seems rather altruistic to me,” Himmel countered.

6 weeks after the revival of Himmel the Hero, Monastery off the coast of the Schleier Sea, Halbinsel Region

Over the past few weeks since they arrived at the monastery, Himmel’s days had fallen into a routine: he’d wake around dawn, get dressed, eat breakfast, and then head out to the courtyard to train. It wasn’t lost on him that some of the younger nuns found reasons to idle around the courtyard while he was there. While he was very aware that his body was once again that of a handsome young man, his mind held the weight of a lifetime already lived. They were practically children in his eyes.

At least he had plenty of practice politely sidestepping the flirtatious advances from any woman that wasn’t the silver-haired incarnation of the goddess in his mind, heart, and soul.

That’s sacrilegious, Heiter would tease.

I don’t want to hear that from a drunken priest, Himmel would reply. Then they’d laugh and pretend they didn’t know that Frieren would requite his feelings ever so slowly, many decades after his passing.

Honestly, the hero had no idea what to do with these feelings now. He knew without a doubt he wanted to find Frieren and ask her to fight by his side again during the upcoming battle. Yet was attempting to turn that impossible illusion into reality worth the millennia of grief she’d go through after his inevitable second passing? Did she even still want that once impossible illusion? It was easier when he had resigned himself to a lifetime of unrequited feelings. It was easier when he romanticized the idea of a purely chivalrous love, but then Frieren had seized the gates of heaven for him. 

There was a subtle shift in airflow and a faint whooshing sound. Himmel snapped out of his morose musings as he tilted his head to the side, letting the small rock harmlessly pass by.

“You seem a little out of it today,” Morgen announced.

“So you threw a rock at me.”

“I threw a rock at you,” she confirmed as if that were a perfectly normal thing to do.

“Morgen!” Edel’s sharp voice called out as she poked her head through the kitchen window, “Did you just throw a rock at your guest?”

“No!” She blatantly lied. As the elf girl was being scolded by her mother, Himmel couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. 

Once he had finished training, Himmel usually helped out with a few chores before lunch. Then after lunch he would search book after book, record after record in hope he would stumble across some reference to what Frieren had been up to in the past few decades. It was tedious and boring but Himmel wasn’t about to let some dusty books get the better of him. 

Still after hours of research, his vision eventually became blurred. The dry air - apparently magic to remove humidity for the sake of preserving the archives - had made his throat scratchy as well. 

“I suppose it’s time for a break,” he thought aloud. The moment he went to stand Himmel knew something was very wrong. His body felt unusually heavy and sluggish. Even just leaving the archive room and walking through the halls was enough to leave him fatigued. 

“Himmel! There you are-” Morgen appeared around a corner before stopping in her tracks and staring at him with shocked eyes. She then muttered a word that children shouldn’t know and rushed over to him.

“I knew you looked off this morning,” she declared, standing on her tip-toes and reaching a hand up. Himmel blinked confusedly for a second before realizing what she was trying to do. He bent down just enough so that she could reach his forehead. Her hand was then enveloped with the soothing green glow of the goddess’s magic. Her brows furrowed; and, a frown etched across her face.

“Let’s get you to the infirmary.”

“It’s unusual for a healthy adult to catch Indigo Fever,” Rosette commented.

“I’ve never heard of Indigo Fever before,” Himmel said with a hoarse voice, sitting somewhat awkwardly on an infirmary examination bed as the two girls poked and prodded him with magic.

“That’s strange. It’s a common childhood illness,” Rosette replied.

“Of course,” Morgen muttered as the obvious clicked into place, “It’s a relatively new disease.”

Rosette stared at her in confusion.

“Himmel’s from a thousand years in the past,” Morgen explained, “So his body has no resistance to an illness that appeared only a few hundred years ago.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” Rosette commented, “Still a few days of medicine and rest will have him right as rain.”

“...Right,” Morgen replied, her expression blank for a moment before determination settled in her eyes, “I’ll help you to your guest room. You’ll rest better there.”

Her help consisted of holding his hand as they walked through the halls and opening the door.

“I’m sorry for worrying you,” Himmel said, patting her head.

“Just get some rest,” she replied, “I’ll be back in a bit with medicine.”

Once she’d closed the door, Himmel took off his boots and set them next to the bed. He then removed his cloak, laying it across the bed frame. Finally he removed the hero’s sword and leaned it against the wall. The fatigue was quickly catching up to him so, instead of fully changing into pajamas, Himmel just laid in the bed and soon fell into a fitful, feverish sleep.

Morgen didn’t remember her father, not really. She wasn’t even four yet when the curse finally took him. However, sometimes a dreamlike sensation would flash through her mind: a deep rumbling of words she didn’t yet understand and a feeling of security as arms dyed black held her. It wasn’t lost on her that being around Himmel the Hero gave her a similar feeling of security. Which was why him being sick left her feeling so unsettled. 

If only she could just magically heal diseases in the same straightforward way injuries could be healed. Even poisons, though trickier, could be neutralized with the goddess’s magic. However, illnesses were a different matter altogether. It depended on multiple factors: the type of illness and how well it was understood, the patient’s own resistance to said illness and their overall health, and what supportive measures such as medicine were available. 

“The medicine is almost ready,” Rosette said as Morgen returned to the infirmary, “But we’re low on some of the wild herbs.”

“Make a list of what we need,” Morgen replied, “I’ll gather them first thing tomorrow morning.” 

Once the medicine was ready, Morgen returned to Himmel’s room. He was sleeping but it was a restless sort of sleep. Morgen lightly shook him awake, his blue eyes blurrily blinking open.

“Here, drink this,” Morgen said as she handed over a cup.

He drank the medicine and then laid back down, quickly falling back asleep. Morgen then placed a pitcher of water and the cup on the nightstand, in case he woke up thirsty, before leaving the room. 

Or trying to leave anyway. As she moved, she accidentally bumped into Himmel’s sword. It clattered loudly as it hit the ground. Morgen glanced back over at Himmel, relieved to see the noise hadn’t woken him up. She then went to pick up the sword only to pause the moment she touched it. Curiosity and wonder filled her eyes. This was her first time handling the hero’s sword. Awkwardly and with some struggle Morgen unseathed the sword and carefully ran a finger down the flat side of the blade. The goddess’s magic was engraved into the sword in the same way it was engraved into the holy scriptures. Layers and layers of spells forged into the metal.

There was just one problem: there was no mana in the sword to activate those spells. Had all the mana previously stored in the sword been used to recreate Himmel’s body? Morgen remembered the massive amount of mana that had been unleashed when Himmel was revived so it seemed like the most logical answer. Once Himmel recovered, she’d have to share this newfound knowledge and ask to properly decipher the sword’s magic.

With that decision made, Morgen sheathed the hero’s sword and heaved it back against the wall. She then left Himmel to rest peacefully.

Shortly after the clouds turned pink-orange the next morning, Morgen left the protective walls of the monastery. The salty air held a chill that made her shiver and slip her hood over her head to keep her pointed ears warm. Having spent almost fifty years with the forest around the monastery as her personal playground, Morgen knew all the spots that local medicinal herbs grew. 

A few hours later the sky had become overcast with grey clouds. Morgen had filled her basket and was taking a break next to a small stream when the sounds of the forest suddenly went silent. No chirping of the birds or buzz of insects; only the distant sound of ocean waves hitting the cliffs. Morgen stilled as well. Only the presence of an apex monster could cause such a silence yet even powerful monsters kept a wide breadth of the monastery’s barrier.

“You’re the spitting image of your mother.”

Morgen’s purple eyes snapped up. In a single heartbeat, a dwarf with a short beard now stood on the other side of the stream. 

“If you know that,” Morgen replied slowly, trying to ignore the fear and dread pooling in the pit of her stomach, “You must be General Treue.”

“I am.”

Morgen’s mouth twisted into something between a weary smile and a grimace. “So that man cares more about dealing with me than the monster outbreak…”

The dwarven general remained silent.

Morgen switched the topic; her voice only steady thanks to bluffing skills learned from decades of gambling, “At least let me leave this basket near the monastery. We have a patient that needs these herbs.”

“You’re not going to try to run?”

“I’m not foolish enough to attempt escaping someone like you,” Morgen replied. It was simple math: the warrior would be able to close the gap between them faster than she could cast any magic.

“Plus,” she continued, “Himmel the Hero will definitely come rescue me.”

Treue raised a brushy brow at such an absurd statement.

“Apologies but I don’t know how to dance,” Himmel told the lady. She looked disappointed enough that Himmel almost felt bad for turning her down. Though his main reason was that there was only one person he wished to dance with, it was true he didn’t know the fancy ballroom dancing appropriate for the banquet his party had been invited to by the local lord. 

Once he’d managed to bow out of the conversation, Himmel’s blue eyes scanned the ballroom for his companions. He spotted Frieren first, looking rather lovely in a formal gown. She was sitting at a table focused intently on a plate of cake, while a nobleman was hoovering right at the boundary of her personal space. 

Heiter, face flushed from the many glasses of wine he’d already drank, stumbled slightly as he slung an arm around his friend’s shoulders. 

“Your eye’s twitching,” the priest stated as he followed Himmel’s gaze, “Ah, so that’s why. You always get so riled up when it comes to our mage.”

“I’m not going to punch a noble for trying to flirt with Frieren, if that’s what you’re worrying about,” Himmel said in a tone that implied he’d very much like to, “I have self-control.”

As the two spoke, Frieren had finished her cake and had seemingly deemed her presence at the banquet no longer necessary. Without so much as a glance to the nobleman, she stood up and headed for the exit. It was subtle but her steps were unusually unsteady, as if she had partaken in too much alcohol instead of deserts. Himmel’s eyes narrowed as the nobleman proceeded to follow after her.

“I’ll grab Eisen,” Heiter said, having immediately sobered up.

Himmel nodded before tailing them. He had to brush off various people’s attempts to start conversations with him before he made it out the doors. He followed after the sound of footsteps echoing down the halls. A few moments later the footsteps stopped only to be replaced by the sound of rustling. Himmel sped up and turned the corner to find Frieren unconscious on the ground while the nobleman was bending down next to her. 

The next second the nobleman was grabbed by the collar of his shirt and pinned against the wall.

“What the hell are you doing!” 

In that moment the noble saw not the charming and charismatic hero but a specter of death looming over him. His eyes darted from the murderous face in front of him to the unconscious elf and back up again.

“It’s not what it looks like!”

Himmel pulled his fist back but his wrist was caught by a strong grip. He glanced back to see the other two had arrived.

“Calm down before you take it too far,” Eisen simply said.

Heiter, meanwhile, had immediately checked on Frieren.“Looks like a sedation drug was slipped into either her food or drink."

Himmel turned his glare back on the man he still had pinned against the wall. The noble sweated as he searched fruitlessly for escape.

“Fine! I drugged her,” he finally broke down and admitted, “But I only wanted a vial of her blood!”

Himmel blinked in bewilderment. Eisen just sighed deeply, a sigh between anger and disappointment.

“You’re a fool,” the dwarven warrior said, “A fool to believe some near forgotten superstition.” 

“Superstition?” Himmel asked flatly.

“That elf blood can be used to cure diseases and even extend someone’s life,” Eisen explained.

There might have been some sad backstory behind the man’s belief in such a superstition and idiotic attempt to steal elven blood. Yet even if that were the case Himmel could not find it in himself to look past the man’s transgression. The second Eisen’s grip loosened on his wrist, Himmel broke the man’s nose and dropped him to the floor.

He then turned his full attention to the still unconscious elf, scooping her up in his arms. As Frieren murmured incoherently against his chest, all his cold rage melted away. However, the protectiveness remained. In bits and pieces, Himmel had learned the tragic fate of elven-kind. This was yet another type of sorrow he wished he could protect Frieren from.

Nearly a thousand years later, Himmel woke up to the soothing sensation of a cool damp rag against his burning forehead. He blinked his eyes open to see Edel hoovering over him. The worry lines on her face were deeper than ever; her purple eyes glinted with desperation. Yet she gently held his calloused hand in her own. Despite appearances, Himmel was technically older than her but in that brief moment he felt like a young child being comforted by his mother. 

“You’re awake,” she noted aloud, “Rosette should be here soon with your next round of medicine.” 

The barely contained shakiness of her voice made alarm bells ring in Himmel’s head. 

“Where’s Morgen?” 

The expression on her face told Himmel all he needed to know. He pushed himself up and swung his feet off the bed.

“You’re in no condition to go after them,” Edel chided. 

Himmel ignored her as he grabbed his sword. However, a wave of dizziness caused him to stumble. Frustration welled up as he realized Edel was right: he couldn’t rescue the child he’d sworn to protect like this. 

“Dammit!”