Frieren: Serie's Apprentice

[Sinseki Era - 21 Years Prior, Early Winter]

[Northern Nations · Outskirts of Sword Village]

A nimble figure constantly moved across the snowfield.

Since he had decided to test his physique against monsters, he naturally needed to pick an opponent of suitable strength—bullying ordinary beasts wouldn't achieve the effect Gut wanted.

However, powerful monsters were uncommon even in the wild.

After circling the village once, Gut's eyes lit up as he finally found a suitable target on the ridge ahead—a wolf pack led by an alpha wolf.

As pack animals, wolves organized into distinct hierarchies based on individual strength.

The alpha wolf standing on the ridge was undoubtedly the strongest existence in the entire pack. Not only was it two to three times larger than ordinary wolves, but it also had obvious mutation reactions on its head—the pupil-like magical crystal revealed its monster identity.

Using it for practice was naturally perfect, and he could also clear a hidden danger for Sword Village residents.

With his plan set, Gut took a deep breath and acted directly.

First, he suppressed his presence and crept to the ridge's height, then his agile figure leaped high from the ridge. During the airborne phase, he summoned his staff and cast an instant Basic Attack Magic at the wolf pack below.

Although Gut's teacher wasn't Frieren, due to the two elves' different teaching philosophies, Gut wouldn't invest as much energy in Basic Attack Magic as Fern did.

But as Serie's chief disciple, benefiting from personal instruction by the highest mountain and longest river in the magical world, in terms of this magic's control and precision, Gut considered himself no less than mages specialized in this path.

The magic after leaving his hand precisely adjusted angles, cleanly eliminating all wolves crouching at the ridge's base without harming the alpha wolf.

This both prevented the duel from being disturbed by small fry and firmly secured this opponent's aggro—quite exquisite.

Watching the alpha wolf's pupils turn crimson as it bared its teeth and panted roughly, Gut's eyes flickered below the ridge—this was exactly the look he wanted from the alpha wolf.

The alpha wolf's gaze locked onto Gut. In an instant, its steps retreated several paces, but Gut put away his staff and readied his stance.

Because he understood the alpha wolf's retreat wasn't withdrawal—it was preparing to charge!

Sure enough, after retreating sufficient distance, the alpha wolf suddenly accelerated, charging at Gut from above with terrifying howls!

Gut took a deep breath of cool air from the snowfield, his feet planted firmly without any dodging. For this strike, he would face it head-on.

"Bang!"

Another tremendous sound erupted on the quiet snowfield. Even the accumulated snow on the ground was blown about by the airflow impact.

When dust settled, Gut's figure still stood straight on the ground.

However, it wasn't exactly comfortable.

Though not knocked away by the alpha wolf's force, his arms firmly blocking the wolf's sharp claws were already trembling slightly from the excessive impact. Even his legs had been driven through the snow layer under the wolf's collision, penetrating five to six centimeters into the soil before stopping.

So-called iron bones and copper head—even ordinary wolf skulls were quite hard, let alone this alpha wolf's, plus the kinetic energy from diving down from height. Being hit by this was probably no less than facing a hundred-ton truck's glory on a highway.

Looking at this alpha wolf panting heavily during their standoff, Gut suddenly exerted force with his arm muscles, taking advantage of the gap when the wolf's old strength was spent and new strength not yet born, directly pushing it back some distance.

Though this exchange left him somewhat disheveled, Gut now had a fairly intuitive understanding of his current physical strength.

Being able to fight powerful monsters bare-handed, presumably after weapon enhancement, challenging dragons alone shouldn't be much problem.

"However, let's deal with the current opponent first."

Gut looked at the alpha wolf he had knocked away. Now, the crimson in its eye sockets had somewhat faded.

Wolves were naturally intelligent creatures, especially mutated alpha wolves leading packs—their intelligence was outstanding among beasts.

Continuing to fight knowing defeat was the foolishness of those eliminated by natural selection.

After fiercely staring at Gut for several seconds, the alpha wolf howled long. Just when even Gut thought it would pounce again, it turned and ran, even using the magical crystal on its forehead while fleeing. As magical power swirled, its running speed increased even more.

Gut: ...

Wait, you're a wolf not a dog—no need to be so cowardly.

Not wanting his first hunt to end with the target escaping, especially since this level of monster could threaten human settlements, naturally encountering it meant eliminating it. So Gut pursued relentlessly behind the alpha wolf, determined to take it down.

Wolves weren't a species good at high-intensity running—their strength lay in better endurance.

Even during normal hunting, they relied on long periods of medium-low speed chasing to exhaust prey stamina before short bursts to capture them.

Therefore, even though the opponent was an alpha wolf, Gut clinging behind it was certain its burst wouldn't last long.

Indeed, within half an hour, the alpha wolf's speed dropped noticeably due to exhaustion. Even the magical crystal on its forehead dimmed considerably—clearly reaching the end of its rope.

However, just as Gut punched it to the ground and planned to physically transcend it, his heart suddenly tightened without reason.

Unable to continue the finishing blow, increasingly trusting his intuition, Gut immediately jumped away. Abandoning his plan to test his body, he summoned his staff and held it before him.

The next moment, a giant claw larger than a person pressed down toward Gut's head.

The hastily condensed Defensive Magic appeared pale under this strike, ultimately shattering, leaving the staff reinforced with metal materials to block it.

Gut's figure flew backward through the air. This giant claw attacking him definitely had magical enhancement—otherwise, pure beast strength couldn't reach this level.

"Bang!"

Gut's figure was smashed into a mountain cave.

Outside the cave seemed to be some restriction, but its existence didn't seem to resist Gut's entry, making his flight trajectory unusually smooth as he slid directly inside.

"Heh—"

Gut patted his pants with two large holes worn through, even his butt felt burning.

After spitting out stale air, Gut gripped his staff tightly.

"Fine."

"Forcing a warrior to fight ranged, I'll fulfill your wish."

"Conveniently, there's also a barrier mixed with Goddess magic here, perfectly countering monsters. Should let me charge up a big one to slowly deal with you!"

"Wait!"

"Goddess magic?!"

"And in Sword Village's wilderness!!!"

Gut stiffly turned to look back into the cave, only to see what he least wanted to see.

[Hero's Sword]

"I'm done for!"

The next moment, seemingly sensing Gut's gaze, the holy light surrounding the Hero's Sword began gathering inexplicably, as if wanting to do something.

Gut immediately tried to slip outside—whether fighting the alpha wolf or that mysterious existence, anything was better than facing Lady Goddess again!

After all, Gut still remembered what magic he had used on Lady Goddess during their last meeting.

Attempting to steal a female deity's underwear—no matter how good Her temperament, She probably wouldn't easily forgive him.

But could Gut really escape?

Before his forward step landed, Gut was horrified to discover he could no longer control his body.

Then, white light flashed before his eyes, and Gut saw Lady Goddess waving at him.

However, She who had looked kind in the past now smiled somewhat eerily.

<·Bad child, we meet again·>

<·You voluntarily came to my territory·>

"Um, that..."

"Lady Goddess, I'm actually your faithful believer."

Seeing this situation, Gut immediately gave in, thinking She would be somewhat more tolerant of Her believers.

<·Oh, does the bad child also worship me·>

<·But before first meeting me, you clearly didn't believe gods existed in this world·>

<·Moreover, believers wouldn't boldly steal their worshipped deity's undergarments·>

<·I don't like lying children either·>

"Damn!" Gut thought to himself, he was too panicked and didn't think of this point.

Even teacher Serie could vaguely read his thoughts. In front of this genuine deity, his thoughts were probably transparent with nothing to hide.

<·Eh? You really are Serie's disciple?!·>

This time, even Gut heard surprise in Lady Goddess's tone.

But from Her attitude's change and beginning to carefully examine him, this life was probably safe.

<·Not necessarily!·>

<·Peeping at me, using bad magic on me·>

<·I'll use Good and Evil Judgment to see your character. If you're truly a bad child, I'll bring your soul directly to heaven for education·>

"This..."

Gut's consciousness stepped back, but couldn't outpace Lady Goddess's jade-like finger pointing at his forehead.

After a moment, a small orb emerged from Gut's forehead, then returned to the Goddess's hand.

<·Eh?!·>

Looking at this orb that was pure white throughout with barely any black spots, the Goddess's expression was quite surprised.

<·Actively copying scriptures, enthusiastically doing good deeds—you really are a good child·>

<·Wait, the biggest black mark in your character is...·>

<·Having improper designs on your teacher, and even stealing and eating your teacher's straw shoe·>

After seeing this, the Goddess's expression really couldn't hold, first covering her mouth and laughing lightly, then to prevent Gut from seeing Her undignified state, She summoned white mist to block Her form and voice, laughing beautifully and unrestrainedly.

After enjoying herself for a while, the Goddess waved away the white mist blocking her face. Even when seeing Gut again, She still couldn't suppress her amusement.

Seeing Lady Goddess like this, how could Gut not know what She did behind the white mist? Since he had no secrets before Her anyway, he simply gave up and said:

"If You want to laugh, then laugh."

"Since You've concluded I'm still a good person, could You release me quickly?"

<·I can·>

<·It's just that if Good and Evil Judgment determines goodness, there's usually a reward. Are you sure you don't want it·>

"I don't want it!"

<·That's truly unfortunate. I saw your excellent talent and wanted to teach you some Holy Magic·>

"Thank you for Your kindness. Just send me back quickly."

<·Mm... you're so cautious. I'm not the type of deity who leaves backdoors in rewards·>

Since she could see Gut's thoughts with just a glance, even subconscious thoughts deliberately suppressed in his heart that he feared she might read, the Goddess could see directly.

Therefore, things like "will there be backdoors in rewards to possess my body," "will she leave some means of revenge because I helplessly stole her underwear," etc.

The Goddess could see all these subconscious thoughts that arose after Gut heard he would receive rewards.

What had this child from outside the world experienced to have such heavy wariness?

However, She was a deity after all. Since Gut himself didn't want it, She wouldn't eagerly send benefits over. After no longer discussing rewards, before sending Gut back, the Goddess spoke of another matter.

<·Do you want to draw the Hero's Sword·>

"Can I?"

After Lady Goddess actively asked, Gut questioned himself.

"I don't think I have character surpassing Himmel's."

<·Correct, that hero indeed has the character needed to draw the Hero's Sword—in this you're still inferior to him·>

"Then why choose me?"

<·Simply because your lifespan far exceeds his, able to live until the true calamity arrives·>

"So Himmel couldn't draw the Hero's Sword not because he was unqualified, but because the Demon King's rampage wasn't the world-destroying calamity?"

"What will the true calamity be?"

<·Your understanding is correct. As for the true calamity...·>

The Goddess spoke while her gaze drifted to the distance, as if directly viewing the future.

<·According to your very poor and maliciously amusing chronology, it's a change occurring in Sinseki Era Year 47·>

"Sinseki Era Year 47?"

Gut stroked his chin recalling, "This time, isn't it exactly when the demon race's Final Saint Todd covers the entire planet with curses?"

"Could its magic's harm exceed the Demon King's, causing destructive results to the world?"

"Though I quite dislike demons, I don't believe their power could cause world destruction."

<·Indeed·>

<·Demons alone aren't enough to threaten the entire world. But Todd's curse will summon forces from outside the world. Unlike you, this outsider won't be a bad child content with snuggling with his teacher·>

Gut: ...

Still pointing that out—really want to explode at Her.

<·Actually, even self-destructing couldn't hurt me·>

Gut: ...

"So Lady Goddess, you mean you can give me the Hero's Sword, as long as I take it and eliminate the demon Final Saint Todd beforehand?"

<·Correct. Will you accept·>

"I don't want it."

Goddess: ...

"But I'll try my best to search for its traces. For the peace of all beings, once I find it, I'll immediately eliminate it."

<·You needn't be so cautious with me, but I respect your choice·>

<·Do you want to return now·>

"Mm." Gut nodded affirmatively.

Hearing this, Lady Goddess reached out and pushed Gut's spirit body. The next moment, light flowed and Gut found himself back in the cave with the Hero's Sword.

However, on his soul's return journey to his body, Gut seemed to vaguely hear two sentences from Lady Goddess.

<·Serie isn't easy to win over—you must work hard·>

<·If you really succeed, don't forget to hold the wedding at the Holy Capital's cathedral. I want to see what Serie looks like in a wedding dress·>

Gut: ...

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