Frieren: Reincarnated As a Demon

Chapter 155: The third round begins

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Lernen hoped to leave his name in history, longing to be remembered and occasionally thought of by Serie in the distant future, rather than being forgotten in the vast flow of time.

Even if it meant resorting to extreme measures, leaving behind only a tarnished reputation, he was willing to do so.

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After fulfilling his promises to others and spending some time reading outside, Ash returned home to find Kanne and Lawine chatting and laughing with Fern and the others.

The girls seemed to be eagerly discussing the third round of exams, full of confidence that they could pass just as smoothly as before.

"…I feel like I'll get lectured if I go in, so I'd better avoid this place today," Ash muttered.

He had already been dodging Fern since the previous night and had left home early that morning to avoid confrontation. After a moment's thought, he decided to turn around and leave again.

Just as he turned, a blue bird flew up to him and dropped a letter at his feet.

Ash unfolded it casually. One glance was enough to give him a headache. Sighing, he made his way to the Magic Association.

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At the top of the white tower, an endless glass dome bathed the area in gentle sunlight, creating the effect of a grand, natural greenhouse.

Within this architectural wonder, an intricately carved pond shimmered alongside flower beds filled with vibrant blossoms. Lush trees and rare vegetation surrounded the space, crafting a vivid ecological sanctuary.

On one side of the central aisle, a blonde elf was crouched beside a flower bed. Her sharp eyes were fixed on a brilliantly blooming flower, where a colorful butterfly flitted gracefully.

It could have been a serene and picturesque scene, but as Ash approached, her focus shifted to him. Without so much as standing, she exclaimed in a mix of surprise and displeasure, "How dare you show up here!"

"Let me make it clear," Ash replied, sitting on the stone edge of the flower bed. "I don't think I did anything wrong."

"…Are you saying this is my fault?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I'm just stating the truth," he shrugged. "It's your fault I was forced to take that ridiculous exam."

"You're really bold! Are you prepared to pay a heavy price for this attitude? Or is this your rebellious phase finally showing?"

"I've always thought you were the rebellious one, but… never mind."

He stopped himself, realizing that accusing her further wouldn't end well—especially considering his financial situation. It was better to avoid provoking her wrath unnecessarily.

Serie tilted her head, her gaze sharp. "…It's not like you to care so much about your wallet."

"If you're not the one earning, you wouldn't understand how expensive everything is," Ash quipped.

"Don't lecture me like a disobedient child," Serie snapped, though she couldn't help casting him a scrutinizing look. "Ash, are you saving up because you're planning a war?"

"Whether or not we intend to start a war, saving money is always a smart move," Ash replied. Then, after a slight pause, he added nonchalantly, "Of course, your guess happens to be correct."

Serie's expression darkened slightly. "And what if I wanted to stop you?"

"You wouldn't," Ash said confidently.

"…But what if?" she pressed.

"If that's the case," Ash replied, his tone unyielding, "you'll have to forgive me."

Even though Serie was his mentor, Ash didn't flinch or back down on this matter. His firm stance seemed to amuse her, and she suddenly grinned.

"—Haha! Not bad. You really are something. You're finally ready to become my apprentice," she said, her eyes gleaming with approval.

"No, I'm still aiming for privileges," Ash shot back without hesitation.

"…I despise overly ambitious people," Serie muttered, leaning back slightly. "Didn't I tell you this a thousand years ago, when Flamme brought Frieren to meet me?"

"One thousand years is too long. I've forgotten it by now," Ash said flatly.

"After all, you haven't even become a first-Class magician yet," Serie replied, her tone teasing.

"I will pass," he declared confidently.

Serie responded with a malicious smile. "No, I don't think you will."

"…Really? If you insist, I have a countermeasure ready," Ash said, narrowing his eyes.

"Come on then! Let me see how rebellious my most troublesome disciple can be!" Serie grinned widely, her expression almost maniacal.

However, Ash raised his hand in a halting gesture. "Wait… would a proper master call their disciple a 'bastard'?"

"I'm not serious. Are you a serious disciple?"

"Then this is just a case of 'the crooked beam above leads to a crooked beam below,' right?"

Serie's grin grew cold, though she kept smiling. "I'm warning you—I'm in a good mood right now. Don't ruin it, or I'll ruin yours."

She plucked a flower from the garden beside her, as though demonstrating how easily she could snap something apart. Sensing the implied threat, Ash relented, standing up and turning toward the library. Without looking back, he said:

"Fine… I was wrong. Since I'm here, I'll help you organize your books."

"You should look at someone when you apologize," Serie called after him, a hint of mockery in her voice. "Or did I fail to teach you basic manners, you brat?"

"…You don't really think you have manners yourself, do you? How can you teach something you don't have?" Ash retorted, though his voice was softer now.

"You're self-taught, aren't you? If you're not better than me in every way, then what use are you as my disciple?"

"You're so shameless that it's almost impressive…"

Their banter ended there, and Ash quietly made his way to the library, intent on fulfilling his true reason for coming.

The next day, the third round of exams began.

All those who had passed the second round were notified the previous evening and had gathered early at the entrance of the Magic Association's tower. Everyone arrived promptly, eager for the final test—except for Ash, who had been the most notable candidate in the previous exam.

"…Lord Ash, has something happened?" Fern asked, scanning the crowd anxiously.

Frieren, however, stood calmly, her gaze fixed on the tower doors. Without much thought, she said, "Rather than worrying about whether he'll get into trouble, it's more practical to worry about whether he'll cause trouble. You know how strong he is."

"But what if he encounters a monster as powerful as the Demon King?" Fern pressed.

"You worry too much," Frieren replied, sighing like a mother exasperated by an overly anxious child. "This is Serie's territory. Even if it were the Demon King, there's nothing to fear."

"…Is Lady Serie really that powerful?" Fern asked hesitantly.

"Master said she's the person closest to the goddess. The Demon King from the previous generation resides in her. I'd wager she's the only one who truly knows what happened in that time."

"If there's no danger, then where is Master Ash?" Fern asked again.

"Who knows? That guy's always running around. Maybe he'll show up soon." Frieren shrugged nonchalantly, showing no concern. But Kanne and Lawine exchanged worried glances. Perhaps Ash had gotten distracted by something outside and forgotten about the exam altogether.

At that moment, Falsch, the newly promoted first-Class magician managing the gate, stepped forward to announce the start of the third round. He explained that the interviews would be conducted personally by the great magician Serie and instructed the candidates to enter one by one.

Frieren's name was called first. She approached the gate with her usual calm demeanor. But as she entered and saw two familiar figures waiting for her inside, her composure faltered ever so slightly, and a hint of tension crept into her expression.