Magic-Nullifying Crystal ｢
Summary
Twenty-nine years after the death of Himmel the Hero, Frieren's Party are in the Saum Marshes. Frieren finds a Magic-Nullifying Crystal and tells Fern and Stark about its properties. Later, the ground collapses beneath them and they fall into a cave made of magic-nullifying crystal, which they trek through. Fern wonders how Frieren can sleep so soundly in their situation, as the crystals prevent them from using magic, and Fern admits to Stark that she is terrified. They are suddenly interrupted by a Venomous Apex Dragon bursting out of the water, and as they prepare to face it, Frieren tells Stark that she is able to sleep soundly because she has entrusted her life to him, and if he wants to flee, then they will flee together as they are a party, just as the Hero Party did. She pours mana into a magic-nullifying crystal and uses it to blind the dragon, and Frieren's party escapes from the cave together. They then continue on their travels north.
Plot Details
Twenty-nine years after Himmel the Hero's passing, Frieren's Party finds themselves in the Saum Marshes. Early in the morning, Fern and Stark prepare breakfast while Frieren searches for something within the bushes. Stark notes that it is uncharacteristic for Frieren to be up so early, and Fern explains that something of interest has awakened her.
Frieren discovers a large crystal and hands it to Stark, who remarks that it looks quite pretty. Fern finds that she is unable to cast her fire spell to cook, and Frieren explains that the crystal possesses the power to nullify magic. To demonstrate, Frieren has Stark hold the crystal and move away, allowing Fern to cast her magic. Frieren reveals that the crystal is incredibly rare; even a pebble-sized one would sell for a few gold coins and the large one in their possession could even buy an exotic mansion.
Fern reckons that keeping the crystal would pose too much risk for the party's journey, rendering both her and Frieren incapable of casting magic. She urges Frieren to dispose of the crystal and emphasizes that an encounter with monsters would be dangerously compromised with the crystal's magic-nullifying effect. Despite Fern's concerns, a self-satisfied Frieren moves on to explain another unique property of the crystal. She demonstrates its ability to store enormous amounts of mana, causing it to glow extremely brightly. Stark comments on the crystal's radiance, while Fern, uninterested, urges Frieren to discard the crystal once again.
Later, the party continues their journey towards the next village, expecting to arrive later that day. Fern notices that an area of the marsh is still engulfed in light from the crystal. Stark asks Frieren if they are near the Northern Plateau, and she explains that they are still a fair distance away, as the plateau is beyond a great forest and a volcanic area. Despite Stark's concern about the volcanic area, Frieren reassures him that it has been centuries since the last eruption, and the location now serves as a safe hot spring region. Before the conversation can continue, the ground beneath the party caves in. Frieren and Fern, who is carrying Stark, attempt to break their fall with flying magic, but the spell fails, leaving Frieren and Fern to fall onto Stark's back.
Frieren examines the party's surroundings and notes that the cavern is made up of a magic-nullifying crystal ore deposit of unprecedented size. Stark suggests that the party could become extremely wealthy if they were to bring the crystals with them. However, Frieren explains that these crystals are the hardest mineral in the world, impervious to cutting or refinement with magic. She adds that such massive crystals are beyond humanity's reach.
As the party begins to search for an exit, Frieren encourages Stark, emphasizing that the party will be counting on him. Frieren explains that the crystals have rendered her and Fern into ordinary girls and reminds Stark that she has not forgotten about him calling her a hag. The party explores the crystal-laden cave and eventually makes camp near a body of water. Fern notes to Stark that, according to Frieren, who is now soundly sleeping, the cave is immeasurably large and may house a great monster. Fern confides in Stark, expressing her fear at being unable to detect any mana in comparison to the carefree demeanor of Frieren. She draws a comparison between the magic-nullifying crystals and being cast into darkness, intensifying her unease. Before Stark can respond, a dragon emerges from the water, prompting Stark to swiftly grab Frieren and defend against the dragon's attack. An awakened Frieren identifies the dragon as a Venomous Apex Dragon, a fatal matchup for Stark.
Stark, now at a loss, questions why Frieren had been so nonchalant earlier. Frieren promptly declares that she has placed her life in Stark's hands and explains that it has been that way since Stark was recruited, as parties cannot function without such trust. Stark counters this sentiment, stating that he only sees himself as a coward who flees at critical moments and currently cannot stop the urge to run. With a smile, Frieren suggests that they run together. She instructs Stark to close his eyes and tosses a chunk of a crystal imbued with her mana towards the dragon, successfully blinding the monster.
Frieren recalls a memory of the Hero Party sitting in a dungeon together, where Eisen asked Himmel how he could leave his life in his hands, considering he was just a man who abandoned his village. Himmel explained that whenever Eisen felt the urge to run, everyone could run with him, as they were a party after all. Later, the Hero Party fled from a dragon, with Heiter carrying Eisen and Himmel carrying Frieren. As the present unfolds, the Hero Party's escape from the dragon mirrors that of Frieren's party, with Stark running while carrying both Frieren and Fern.
After Frieren's party finally makes their way out of the cave, Frieren remarks that although they had a scary experience, it was not so bad to flee from battles together, to Stark's agreement. As Frieren and Fern prepare to leave, Stark reveals that his legs have given out and he cannot walk anymore.
Characters in Order of Appearance
Locations
Battles and Events
Events
- Frieren's Party falls into a cave made of Magic-Nullifying Crystal.
- Frieren's party escapes from a Venomous Apex Dragon.
Objects of Interest
Spells
Objects
Chapter Notes
- The purity of a Magic-Nullifying Crystal affects its radius of effect.
- Frieren states that magic-nullifying crystal is very rare, and one the size of a pebble is worth a few gold coins.