Frieren 55

Title: Temporarily Joining the Hero’s Party as a Tourist

Frieren’s smile seemed filled with unspoken trust.

But the feeling that she only believed in him now made Ash, who was indeed a bit worried about her, feel a mix of emotions: “I told you from the start, didn’t I? Why do you only believe me now? Where’s our friendship?”

“It’s fine, I have the ability to protect myself too.”

“…Are you dodging the friendship part? But no one can guarantee nothing bad will happen, right?”

“You didn’t used to worry this much.”

Ash’s parental-like concern made Frieren unable to hold back a laugh.

Of course, she didn’t say what she was thinking. Instead, she raised her head and asked hesitantly: “Though I’m glad you’re worried, but… is your body okay?”

“My body? I think it’s pretty healthy?”

“Then, if it’s just for a short time, it’s fine… but you’re really not looking for the nice things Flamme talked about?”

After thinking it over, Frieren felt that Ash’s claim of wanting to see the ‘glamorous’ team Flamme described might just be an excuse.

At his age, Ash shouldn’t have the strange thoughts of a young man. But Frieren still warned him while compromising.

“What are you saying… I really wanted to be a hero back then. Don’t treat me like someone like Flamme, okay?”

Honestly, not only did Frieren misunderstand him, but Ash also had quite a big misunderstanding about this team.

After all, this slow-moving team didn’t look at all like one that could save the world. They seemed more like a tourist group scamming money from the king.

If he had to wait for them to defeat the Demon King, the war in the north might drag on for who knows how long.

When Ash arrived, the Empire to the left of the Empire had already fallen. If he waited for them to save the world… the entire north, except the Empire, might be wiped out.

Moreover, the strength of the people here didn’t seem like they could defeat the Demon King. So, if he just relaxed for a bit, it didn’t seem like a loss.

After all, he had far too much time. If Ash didn’t find something to do and only trained every day, he didn’t know how many thousands of years he’d have to keep training. That would be too boring and unappealing… At least, he felt he’d go crazy.

As Ash and Frieren reached an agreement, the other three observed them curiously.

“I didn’t expect Frieren to have an old friend…” Himmel nodded with a smile: “And she seems so happy? I thought she’d be colder.”

“By the way, their acquaintance, that Flamme, has the same name as the legendary ancestor of human mages. She must be someone amazing? To train someone that strong.” Eisen stroked his beard and grumbled.

But like the others, no one thought the Flamme they were talking about was the legendary Flamme.

Heiter unconsciously stared at Ash’s back, showing a hint of concern: “His strength is undeniable, but… there’s a scent of blood.”

“Maybe he’s a battlefield mage?”

“If it’s just that, it’s not a problem…”

“Frieren’s friend must be a good person.” Himmel believed without reason.

And as the two returned, Himmel also asked bluntly to ease his teammates’ concerns: “Ash, though it’s a bit sudden, may we ask what you did before?”

“Me? …A poor office worker, maybe?”

Recalling the work he’d done as the emperor’s substitute, Ash’s mood grew a bit strange.

Frieren seemed to notice they sensed something, and she looked at Ash questioningly.

But Ash only shook his head slightly and said frankly: “Nothing to hide. Actually, I used to be a soldier who deserted.”

“A deserter…?” Himmel looked a bit surprised.

“I got tired of the endless fighting among humans.”

“So you ran away? But is it okay to say that? If you’re found out, you’ll be executed, right?”

“No problem. I don’t think they can beat me.”

“Hahaha, so it’s about winning or losing…”

This concept, different from ordinary humans and showing no intent to obey the law, made Himmel give a wry smile.

But Ash added: “Besides, no one in that country would remember me.”

“Forgotten?” Himmel was slightly surprised.

Heiter was even more shocked: “With that kind of strength? Did… the country fall?”

“Lately, there’s always a country in the north falling.” Eisen took over, sighing and closing his eyes: “That’s why I said we need to hurry. If this continues, who knows how many more countries will fall. The Southern Hero, the strongest human, is almost at the north. Meanwhile, we haven’t even left this country.”

“Let him go first. Because… if we can help others while doing what we love, what’s the harm? Adventuring happily, entering dungeons, defeating monsters, and searching for treasure. If we end up saving the world without realizing it, wouldn’t that be amazing?”

Compared to the serious Eisen, Himmel clearly had his own theory.

And this wasn’t the first time for such a conversation. Eisen just sighed and said no more.

However, as he was about to stay silent, he remembered something and said instinctively: “But, if we could move faster, couldn’t we defeat the Demon King sooner and help more people? And…”

“And?”

“I heard a terrifying great demon recently appeared in the north. He attacked the Empire’s rear like a meteor falling from the sky. In a series of indiscriminate attacks, he killed many imperial nobles, even leveling three cities. He caused at least a hundred thousand casualties.”

Eisen’s words were serious, but their content made Ash’s expression turn slightly odd.

Because… this was clearly about him.

Though Ash had no horns, he fell from the sky. That was enough for others to mistake him for a demon. In a chaotic battlefield like that, they couldn’t see many details.

Though he was certain he never destroyed cities, the rumors seemed deliberately exaggerated. Perhaps it was to heighten urgency, like when Flamme tried to trick him into becoming a hero. This way, more people would be motivated to become heroes and head to the front lines to fight the Demon King’s forces.

But regardless, in the midst of this casual conversation, Ash finally joined this hero’s party temporarily, as a passing traveler.