Starting the Strategy from Frieren

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Current Situation 1: Flamme wore a smile that had never been seen before, looking exceptionally happy.

Current Situation 2: Flamme had a new ring on her hand, seemingly an excellent magical artifact.

Inference Conclusion: Flamme appeared so happy because she had obtained a powerful magical item.

Frieren couldn't help but smile slightly as well. Although she often received criticism from Flamme for having "terrifying intuition but absurd reasoning," that was undoubtedly a thing of the past.

Now, she had become someone with quick thinking, able to deduce the ins and outs of situations with just a glance, and her reasoning was sound and convincing.

"Flamme, what are you writing? Is it the results of your research on a new magic?" Frieren asked curiously, leaning closer to look at Flamme, who was still writing vigorously despite the bumpy ride in the carriage.

"You should refer to me as 'teacher,'" Flamme replied without looking up.

"I'm writing a letter to Celia to update her on our situation," Flamme continued.

"Oh."

Frieren immediately lost interest in peeking over and began meditating instead.

Two hours later, she suddenly opened her eyes.

"Wait a minute!"

Frieren realized, "Didn't Flamme just now fail to refer to Celia as 'teacher' too?!" Evan had made a small opening in the cave where the holy sword was stored, allowing a beam of golden sunlight to shine through and illuminate the sword, making it appear exceptionally beautiful and full of meaning.

Compared to when it was initially stuck in the dark cave, it was now at a much higher level.

The identity one held outside was self-assigned; the higher the level of the holy sword, the higher the status of the person who drew it.

Moreover, since Evan planned only to extract the sword's shell without triggering the goddess's magic, there wouldn't be any flashy special effects. To make the king more convinced of the hero's strength, he needed to prepare some things in advance.

Soon enough, days passed. The large convoy wound its way until it finally arrived in front of Sword Village.

The village chief and messenger hurriedly went to welcome the king.

The king was a thin old man with a kind-looking face. He entered the village with support from two attendants.

"Where is Baron Hicks? I remember he is the lord of this area; why hasn't he come out to meet me?"

Sweat poured down Messenger Fero's forehead as he trembled while explaining, "Baron Hicks encountered two great demons on his way here a few days ago. He bravely fought but unfortunately fell from his horse and ultimately sacrificed himself. However, he caused great trouble for the demons, who vented their anger by tearing his body into several pieces."

"What a loss for our nation to lose such an excellent noble…" The king sighed and then wandered around the village for a while without disturbing anyone before silently leading his troops outside the village to camp.

After all, the village was small; this group couldn't possibly fit inside. Moreover, with the sword-drawing ceremony taking place tomorrow, the king didn't want to hear any troubling news reaching his ears.

Currently, demons were rampaging at the borders of the kingdom and had already captured several cities. The people were anxious and desperately needed a spiritual symbol that could bring them stability.

That symbol would be none other than the hero who could draw out the holy sword. If over a thousand outstanding young people from across the nation couldn't draw it out, then they would have to fake one.

Only when people had faith and confidence in overcoming demons could they prevent the entire kingdom from collapsing. Some high-ranking officials even showed willingness to surrender to demons—such shortsightedness was appalling. Demons and humans could never coexist; even if they surrendered, they would only end up as food.

Once news of the hero spread, those few individuals who acted first would be set up by the king for them to fall into his trap.

Of course, if they could find a true hero among them, that would be even better. Historically, heroes who drew out holy swords had always been unstoppable; surely this time they could help save this kingdom from peril.

The next day arrived as scheduled for the sword-drawing ceremony.

There were no unnecessary formalities wasting time; those participating were relatively high-quality individuals who quietly formed a long line at the cave entrance. The king sat on the best chair in the village not far from the holy sword, watching as hopeful individuals tried their hardest to draw it out only to leave disappointed one after another.

"Hahaha! Ahhhhhhh—"

"Not happening! Next!"

"Next…"

Even though it had been stipulated that no one could take longer than ten seconds to draw their sword, with so many people participating, it consumed quite some time.

Half remained.

A quarter remained.

One-tenth remained.

Not only did no one manage to draw out the holy sword, but not even a single person managed to make it budge even slightly.

Just as the king prepared to implement Plan B, a boy with an attractive smile suddenly caught his attention.

While there were many handsome people in line, this boy's innocent smile was something that intrigued him for the first time.

"Hey there! What's your name?" This was the first time the king spoke to someone coming up to draw their sword—not for any particular reason—just pure curiosity.

"Evan."

"Why do you want to draw your sword here?"

"To become a hero! To create a better world where everyone can laugh together!"

Evan hadn't expected that an old king would talk to him and say such dramatic words; naturally, he felt delighted and began crafting his persona. Using amplification magic allowed everyone outside of the cave to hear his voice clearly.

"I am Evan! I am here to draw my sword in order to become a hero! I am here to draw my sword for creating a better world!"

After saying this, Evan grasped the hilt of the sword and activated Celia's special magic before effortlessly pulling out its shell. The various special effects he had prepared activated first—a dazzling golden light shot up into the sky like an arrow piercing through clouds.

Then came effects like merit golden lotuses rising up, divine wings appearing, angels descending… basically anything that could be created using light magic manifested in vibrant colors—a spectacle that might seem worthless from a modern perspective but appeared miraculous in this medieval-like world.

In an instant, cheers erupted among people.

A few mages who sensed something was off didn't speak up; Flamme had warned them beforehand not to jump in at such moments.

Moreover, it was true that this boy had drawn out the holy sword—perhaps it was just as well that King specifically ordered some special effects added for greater credibility!

In any case, as court mages, they should speak less and act less—just like that silver-haired elf beside them who could even sleep during such an occasion—truly an exemplary figure for their kind!