Chapter 40: The Irrevocable Miracle
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In the early morning, Ash and Frieren, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation, spent time learning to identify edible wild vegetables among the bushes.
Frieren, who had never questioned why he was here at this time, suddenly seemed to have a thought. She looked up at him and asked, "Ash, this might be a bit sudden, but... are you afraid of death?"
"Uh... that really is sudden," Ash replied, caught off guard. Her expression, however, was particularly serious.
"If there's something you want to do, tell me."
"What's going on? Please don't start throwing weird flags like that. I haven't even set foot on the battlefield yet."
"Really? Well, when you think of something, let me know. Anything is fine."
"I suddenly wondered..."
"You thought of something?"
"No... I was just wondering if I could get mad and hit you right now?" With that, Ash playfully smacked her on the head.
"Ow!?" Taken by surprise, Frieren covered her head with both hands, crouching on the ground and looking up at him with a dissatisfied expression. "Why would you hit me when I didn't even agree? I didn't give you permission!"
"That's a fair question, but if I had asked, would you have agreed?"
"Of course not!" Frieren replied without hesitation, causing Ash to grin. "Then why would I wait for your answer?"
"Huh? That... that makes sense... Wait, no! If that's the case, why did you ask?"
"To make me look more democratic."
As Frieren sulked, Ash explained his logic, though it probably wouldn't make sense to most people.
But then...
"...Democratic?"
She didn't just struggle with his opinion—she barely understood the word itself.
"It means respecting others."
"...Does a person who respects others hit someone?"
"Not necessarily. Sometimes it's for educational purposes, like right now." He placed his hand on her head, meeting her dull and resentful emerald eyes, and spoke earnestly. "I know you care about me, but isn't your approach a bit strange? It's making me feel like I'm about to die or something."
"I feel... sorry."
"No... You should be fighting back now!"
This wasn't like before. Frieren seemed almost too gentle, and it made Ash a little uncomfortable. He couldn't quite place what was wrong, but before he could say anything else, he ruffled her hair roughly.
Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed in the distance.
He glanced over and saw a middle-aged man with long bangs and a beard, carrying two swords at his waist. Ash instinctively withdrew his hand.
Frieren followed his gaze and, while adjusting her hair, asked in a calm tone, "Is that someone you know?"
"Well~ it's a little complicated to explain." Ash stood up, watching his long-lost friend approach, his expression a mix of relief and unease.
In truth, he had never formally become the man's apprentice. The relationship between them was better described as something between teacher and friend.
He had once placed a great deal of trust in the man, but the future Frank spoke of was vastly different from what Schlacht had envisioned. It left Ash uncertain, wondering what exactly his friend, or both of them, were planning.
"Long time no see, Ash, and Miss Frieren."
Frank stopped in front of the two of them, smiling as he looked at Frieren, who had just stood up while still holding Ash's hand.
"...Did you tell him about me?" Frieren looked at Ash curiously, but he shook his head. "No, I probably didn't mention it."
"So…"
"--Miss Frieren, can we speak alone?" Before Frieren could say anything, Frank suddenly interrupted their conversation.
Seeing no sign of hostility, Frieren agreed without much thought. Ash could only watch from the sidelines, wondering what they had to discuss in private that needed to be kept from him.
…
A fair distance away from Ash, Frieren glanced at him briefly, watching as he observed from afar, before turning back to Frank with a blunt, uninterested expression.
"If you have something to say, just say it."
"I was going to invite you, but you'd refuse anyway, so it's better I don't."
"What's that supposed to mean? ... Is talking to oneself the trend nowadays?"
"No, it's just that I've already seen a future where you refuse. Even if I spent time convincing you to join us in defeating the Demon King, the result wouldn't change. After all, it's better not to waste talent."
"..."
The odd comment made Frieren question if this man was truly Ash's friend, but she was too indifferent to care at this point.
"It's alright to tell you since you won't say anything. Actually... I can see the future."
"Really?"
"Haha, I don't expect you to believe me." Frank seemed unfazed by her disbelief. He looked into the distance with a smile, continuing as if speaking more to himself.
"Despite there being new possibilities in your future, a young hero will come to you soon, and he will be the one to save the world... I really can't accept that."
"Is it that hard for you to let go?" Frieren's expression shifted to one of mild puzzlement as she responded. "If I'm not mistaken, aren't you the Hero of the South? The strongest human? And yet you think this person is stronger than you? Capable of defeating the Demon King alone?"
"Sorry, that was my mistake. I didn't mean it like that. I accidentally gave all the credit to the team leader. What I should have said is that you will save the world." Frank smiled meaningfully, his tone carrying a curious weight.
"Without each of you, it would've been impossible to defeat the Demon King. That was a miracle that can't be replicated. In fact, calling it a miracle wouldn't even be an exaggeration."
"I don't see that happening. Let alone the Demon King, there are plenty of demons out there who can defeat me."
"Indeed, your chances of victory are less than 1% with your current strength, but if you go, the odds are 100%. No matter how much the Demon King and Schlacht alter their strategies, the result won't change... It's like fate."
"You say you can see the future, yet you still believe in fate?" Frieren's skepticism deepened, her voice more pointed.
"We can change many things, but some things remain unchangeable—fate being one of them. It's more absurd and unreasonable than destiny."
As Frank spoke, he thought of himself and Schlacht, both capable of glimpsing the future, yet ultimately bound by an inevitable miracle they could not alter. His face briefly revealed a mix of bitterness and... acceptance. Two emotions, entirely opposite, mingled together.
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T/N: Power Stones would be appreciated