章 4: Chapter 3
The great walls of the capital loomed in the distance, their white stone glowing beneath the midday sun. The banners of the kingdom flapped gently in the breeze, each one bearing the crest of victory—proof that the Demon King's reign had finally ended. The roads leading to the city were lined with travelers, merchants, and common folk, all drawn by the rumors of the returning heroes.
Alen—still adjusting to the reality of being Himmel—walked alongside Frieren, Eisen, and Heiter, blending into the crowd with practiced ease. Despite the simplicity of their approach, the four of them were anything but ordinary.
The Hero's Party had returned.
"It feels strange," Alen thought as the castle spires rose into view. "I'm standing where Himmel once did. But this time, I have something even he didn't—a second chance."
The Mage System's faint glow flickered in the corner of his vision, a quiet reminder of his new path forward.
---
The capital gates opened with the creak of ancient hinges, and the streets erupted in celebration. Children waved from the sides, tossing flower petals into the air, while shopkeepers stepped away from their stalls to catch a glimpse of the heroes who had saved them from annihilation.
Eisen grunted softly, adjusting the heavy double-headed axe on his back. "Didn't expect this much fanfare."
Heiter smirked. "Of course they'd celebrate. We did just stop the end of the world."
Frieren, as usual, remained indifferent to the noise, her green eyes scanning the surroundings like a quiet observer removed from the festivities.
As they approached the palace, a royal steward led them through the grand hall, where the King awaited upon his throne. His aging eyes sparkled with gratitude as the heroes knelt before him.
"The kingdom owes you a debt it can never repay," the King said, his voice carrying across the chamber. "Himmel, Frieren, Eisen, Heiter—your names will be remembered for generations to come."
Alen met the King's gaze, bowing his head respectfully. "We simply did what had to be done, Your Majesty."
The King's smile softened. "Even so, no victory should go unrewarded."
The court attendants approached, each carrying chests filled with gold, rare artifacts, and enchanted trinkets. One by one, they presented the rewards to each member of the party.
[System Notification: Rare Item Acquired – Elven Cloak of Mana Regeneration.]
Alen's eyes flickered toward the new message, careful not to show any outward reaction.
"Interesting… even the rewards from the King are processed by the system."
Eisen's brow raised as he held his hefty pouch of gold. "Looks like I won't need to work for a long while."
Heiter chuckled. "I'll put mine toward the church. It's about time I retire."
Frieren, on the other hand, merely tucked her pouch into her robe without a second glance.
Alen smiled faintly. "You really don't care about gold, do you?"
Frieren blinked, offering only a quiet "It has no use to me."
---
As evening descended, the city came alive with the glow of lanterns and fireworks. The streets flooded with people celebrating the fall of the Demon King. Musicians filled the air with lively tunes, and taverns overflowed with laughter and cheers.
The four heroes found themselves seated in a corner of a bustling tavern, mugs raised in celebration.
"To the end of the Demon King!" Heiter declared, slamming his drink against Eisen's with a loud clink.
"And to peace," Eisen added, downing the ale in one massive gulp.
Alen leaned back in his chair, watching as the others drank and laughed. Frieren, as always, nursed a cup of tea, occasionally glancing toward the window as if disinterested.
His gaze shifted toward the night sky beyond the tavern. Stars dotted the heavens, and in the far distance, faint streaks of light danced across the horizon.
Alen's eyes narrowed. "It's happening… just like the first episode."
The exact moment Himmel stood up, proclaiming his famous line—the line that marked the beginning of Frieren's long journey after their parting.
Alen slowly rose to his feet, stepping away from the table.
"You're not leaving already, are you?" Heiter asked, smirking.
Alen shook his head. "I'm just going to get a better view."
Frieren's gaze flickered toward him, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she already knew what he was planning to say.
Alen stepped out into the cool night air, standing beneath the lantern-lit streets as the stars above continued to fall.
A pause followed.
Frieren's soft voice cut through the quiet. "I can take you somewhere you can see it clearly."
Alen smiled knowingly.
"I know."
Her eyes flickered, faintly surprised.
---
The cold wind tugged at Alen's cloak as he stood at the edge of a high cliff overlooking the entire capital. The stars stretched endlessly above him, the meteor shower cascading across the sky like rivers of light.
Frieren stood a few paces away, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Alen said quietly.
She didn't respond immediately, but eventually, she offered a soft nod. "Yes."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The world felt quiet—peaceful.
Alen turned toward Frieren, and without hesitation, he gently rested his hand on her head, ruffling her white hair.
Her body tensed immediately. "Don't touch my head."
Alen grinned. "I know. I just couldn't help it."
It was exactly like the anime. The same interaction. The same response.
But this time, something felt different.
"I wonder how long it'll be before she returns…"
---
The next morning, the four gathered at the city gates. Frieren adjusted her robe, her staff resting lightly against her shoulder.
"I'll be searching for spells," she said simply. "I'll be gone for a while."
Eisen slung his axe over his back. "I'll return to the village. Time to rest these old bones."
Heiter smiled softly. "The church is waiting for me. I suppose I'll finally embrace retirement."
The weight of the moment settled in as they exchanged glances.
Alen—standing as Himmel—knew this was the turning point.
"So, this is where it begins… Himmel's final journey. But for me, it's just the start."
As Frieren stepped away, Alen spoke.
"Don't forget, Frieren. I'll be waiting."
She paused briefly but said nothing as she disappeared down the road.
Eisen and Heiter followed soon after, leaving Alen alone in the capital.
The quiet stretched.
For the first time since his reincarnation, Alen felt the weight of Himmel's legacy settle fully on his shoulders.
"Now… I'm free to pursue magic without anyone noticing."
He turned toward the road leading north, where ancient ruins and forgotten spells awaited.
"This is where my story begins."
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