The wind gradually turned colder.
The last fallen leaf drifted down from the branches.
Winter was coming.
At long last, the priests of Graf Granat Domain found a magic within the Holy Scriptures capable of purifying the Bloodthirst Curse.
Using the most primitive thod possible, Shane and the others also managed to roughly clean out the remaining black tar from the river. Since they couldn't completely eliminate it, they sealed everything inside a massive airtight container for temporary storage.
For safety's sake, Shane wrapped the container layer after layer with waterproof oilcloth, then deliberately placed it inside an iron chest.
Finally, he shoved it into the deepest part of his backpack.
Of course, this manual cleanup thod inevitably left hidden dangers behind. From this point onward, the priests would still need to continue inspections and treatnt.
Shane estimated it would take at least one or two years before the curse's influence completely disappeared.
"You're leaving already?"
Shane turned around. It was the count and his wife.
"Yeah. We need to cross the Schwer Mountains before heavy snow seals the passes."
The count pondered for a mont before warning them, "I heard your destination is the Northern Plateau and the Demon King's Castle. The situation there is extrely dangerous right now. Travel has already been restricted, and you need a First-Class Mage accompanying you in order to pass."
"A First-Class Mage... what's that?"
"Lady Frieren doesn't know? It's the mage certification issued by the Continental Magic Association."
Frieren looked utterly confused.
"Mages need certifications now?"
Fern stared at her in shock.
"You... you're not so unlicensed mage, are you?"
"Don't make it sound as terrifying as an unlicensed black-market doctor..."
With a helpless expression, Fern took out a certificate and patiently explained things to Frieren.
"When we departed from Holy City, Strahl, Mr. Shane already accompanied to receive my certification. Look, a Third-Class Mage certificate."
"The Continental Magic Association is the current magical regulatory organization. It was founded half a century ago by the Great Mage Serie and possesses trendous authority. It handles the training, managent, and examination of mages."
"That sounds incredibly troubleso..."
"Mr. Shane and I tried calling you along back then, but no matter how long we shouted, you wouldn't wake up. To avoid missing the exam, I had no choice but to take it alone."
"Then why Third-Class? Can't you directly take the First-Class exam?"
"Because only the Third-Class examination was being held at the ti."
"I see..."
Mage examinations weren't held every year, nor in every city. Anyone wishing to participate had to calculate the timing carefully and travel to the appropriate city.
Shane rubbed his chin and sank into thought.
If he rembered correctly, the next First-Class Mage exam would be held two years later in the magic city of Äußerst.
At that mont, Fern suddenly looked toward him.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Shane, when you teleported back from the Treasury, the clothes you were wearing looked like the uniform of a First-Class Mage. I rember seeing that style during the examination. Do you know a First-Class Mage?"
Following Fern's words, everyone's eyes turned toward Shane.
If Shane knew soone who t the requirents, they could simply hire a First-Class Mage directly instead of taking additional exams.
That would save ti while also increasing the party's combat strength. Killing two birds with one stone.
Seeing everyone's expressions, Shane instantly understood what they were thinking and quietly weighed the pros and cons himself.
It was true.
Right now, the thing they lacked the least was money.
After all, Count Granat had been extrely generous.
"I rember Ehre ntioning that her grandfather was conducting so sort of ancient ruins investigation in the Klar Region of the Northern Lands..."
"The Klar Region?"
Hearing that na, Frieren sank into nostalgia.
"I happen to have a friend there. It's about ti I paid him a visit anyway. Since it's on the way, let's go look for this First-Class Mage."
"Frieren... your friend isn't human, right?" Shane frowned slightly.
"That's kind of rude."
"I'm just reminding you to have at least so sense of ti..."
"Relax. He's a long-lived dwarf nad Voll."
Voll, huh?
Shane rembered him being a dwarf warrior roughly on the sa level as Eisen. He seed to be over four hundred years old.
After settling on their route, the group finally prepared to depart.
Before leaving, the countess personally handed Shane a box.
Opening it, Shane found the ruby necklace once worn by the count's son.
"This is a treasured heirloom of the Granat family and the symbol of supre authority within this city. I wish for you to accept it."
The countess stared deeply into Shane's black eyes, warmth filling her gentle smile.
"My child loved hearing stories about heroes and adventures ever since he was young. If he hadn't needed to protect this family and this city, he probably would have beco just like you, carrying a sword and traveling the world alongside companions, finding friendship and happiness along the way."
"I beg you to grant a mother's small wish. Take this necklace and see the scenery of the world in that child's place..."
Shane accepted the box.
Then, beneath the countess's sincere and gentle gaze, he nodded.
"Shane. Frieren."
The count's voice sounded from beside them.
"Graf Granat Domain will never forget this kindness. Safe travels."
Shane nodded.
The group waved farewell to the people seeing them off.
The carriage creaked forward.
Gradually, Graf Granat Domain shrank into a tiny black dot upon the horizon.
The roadside trees beca increasingly desolate, and the farther north they traveled, the colder the temperature beca.
Looking at the passing scenery, Shane recalled the strange vision he had seen earlier.
He was certain it hadn't been his own mory.
Just like when he had previously witnessed Sharl's mories, had he once again glimpsed soone else's past?
But there was far too little information within the vision for him to make sense of it.
He took a deep breath.
Forget it.
So things simply needed to be investigated slowly, step by step.
Inside the carriage, Frieren had already begun swaying sleepily again.
"Why are you getting sleepy way earlier than usual this ti?"
Looking at Frieren's state, Stark complained to Shane.
Shane glanced at the weather outside before joining in.
"Could it be that elves also hibernate during winter?"
Stark nodded seriously.
"Well, they are technically cold-blooded creatures."
Across from them, Frieren opened her eyes with a helpless look.
"Could you two at least lower your voices when whispering?"
"Haha. Elves really do have long ears."
Shane deliberately emphasized the phrase.
Whoosh!
A golden chain suddenly shot over and wrapped around Shane's mouth several tis out of nowhere.
This was a new application of Binding Magic Frieren had recently developed.
Physical silencing.
Stark and Fern both covered their mouths, transforming into trembling quails as they lowered their heads to suppress laughter.
Shane looked utterly helpless.
Just as the group was fooling around, a village gradually appeared ahead of the carriage.
It was the hunter village.
The final stop before entering the Schwer Mountains.
Once they passed this village, there would no longer be any settlents within the entire mountain range where they could rest.
The group climbed down from the carriage, preparing for a brief stop in the village.
But after entering the village, all along the road, the villagers stared directly at Shane.
They openly scrutinized him while whispering among themselves.
Fern frowned and moved a little closer to Shane.
"Mr. Shane... why do I feel like their gazes aren't very friendly..."
Before she could finish speaking, Frieren suddenly raised her staff.
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