Year 21 Before the Sinseki Era
Northern Territories – Kühl Region
Perched on a cliff, Gut looked out at the lake city of Äußerst. His eyes, dulled by exhaustion, finally showed a hint of comfort.
Traveling in a fantasy world was nothing like flipping through scenes in a manga. What took a few panels in fiction could mean days of treacherous real-life travel.
Especially in this kind of setting — magic, monsters, sprawling wilderness — crossing multiple cities meant fending off beasts, braving the elements, and staying constantly on guard.
Even though Gut had taken the relatively safe route of joining a merchant caravan, the journey had still been full of danger, requiring vigilance every step of the way.
But now, at least temporarily, those days could pause.
Outside the City of Äußerst
The caravan pulled up at the gates for inspection. But this time, something was different. Even after the guards confirmed the goods were in order, they didn't allow the caravan through.
Instead, they began checking everyone's identification.
"Just my luck…"
Gut frowned slightly. Ever since transmigrating into this world, he'd stayed hidden — living in an abandoned monastery and training in secret. He had never bothered to get formal identification.
He hadn't planned to either.
Across this fragmented continent, only the Empire strictly enforced ID laws. Most towns and villages didn't care who came and went.
But this year was different.
Gut had calculated — based on when the Hero's party defeated the Demon King — that this was the year Serie, the First Great Mage, would reveal herself publicly, establish the Continental Magic Association, and begin accepting disciples.
Otherwise, he would've stayed hidden until he was ready to challenge the world.
After all, in Frieren's world, demons capable of foresight weren't rare. Gut had no intention of dying early because of a prophecy.
"Sir, disarm and present your identification!"
A guard's sharp voice broke his train of thought.
He calmly set down his spell book, raised both hands, and explained that he had lost his ID during a monster encounter on the road.
The guard gave him a quick look — surprised, but not alarmed. People lost documents sometimes.
After eyeing the spell book, the guard turned and went to consult his superior.
"What now?"
The guard captain grumbled. Everyone was on edge this year — even the lord had issued personal orders for stricter defense.
"Captain, one traveler lost his ID. What do we do?"
"Lost it? Tch… annoying. Toss him in a holding cell and let the jail sort it out."
Still complaining, the captain approached Gut. His gaze was sharp, heavy. Gut instinctively tensed, stepping back slightly.
"Hmph. Just a kid…"
His eyes landed on the spell book, and his tone softened.
"A cleric, huh? Fine. Cast a [Goddess Spell] to prove yourself. Do that, and you're in."
"Understood."
Gut flipped to the Chapter of Condemning Flame. As he channeled mana into it, three beams of white light burst from the pages, arcing gracefully across the sky before fading.
"Three Spears of the Goddess, huh… kids these days sure love dramatic spells."
"I was hoping for Healing Magic or Detect Ailment... something practical."
Without replying, Gut gave a polite nod and entered Äußerst.
Afterward, the rest of the caravan completed inspection and regrouped nearby.
Gut greeted the caravan leader and collected his agreed payment: five silver coins.
When he glanced at them, he paused — they were Strahl Silver Coins, known across the continent for their high purity.
"Nice… a bit generous."
With a bit of haggling, each one could be spent like six.
"Mr. Kael, we'll be resupplying in Äußerst for a few days. Interested in continuing on with us?"
"We'll pay full guard rates this time."
Clerics were always in high demand. The leader was clearly hoping to recruit Gut permanently.
"Thanks, but I have unfinished business here."
Gut bowed slightly. Until he became Serie's disciple, he couldn't afford unnecessary connections. Even on the road, he had used a fake name — Kael. The spell book was just part of his cover as a traveling cleric.
Seeing his resolve, the leader reluctantly let him go.
With his coins pocketed and hat brim lowered, Gut wandered deeper into Äußerst, enjoying the lakeside sunlight as he searched for a place to stay.
He followed a quiet path into a peaceful park. Just then, a breeze swept across the lake, bringing with it the scent of grass and flowers.
But the wind picked up.
"Hm?"
Gut pressed down his hat — just in time to see a delicate lady's hat carried by the wind.
He caught it effortlessly, turned it over, and examined its elegant design.
"Quality make… must belong to someone wealthy."
He headed in the direction it came from, hoping to return it.
Clack clack clack—
He heard hurried footsteps approaching. Easy enough.
Then he saw the man coming toward him — well-dressed, composed, and wearing a monocle.
"Thank you. That's my wife's hat."
"Ah — I figured. Here you go."
Gut smiled and handed the hat over.
DING!
Daily Task Completed: Perform a Good Deed
With a slight nod, Gut turned and walked away.
But the man, still holding the hat, stared after him, deep in thought.
"Denken!"
Huff… huff…
A cheerful voice called out behind him. He turned, and when he saw Lektüre, his stern expression softened.
"Oh~ you found my hat!"
She took the hat with a bright smile and leaned into him.
"A kind stranger returned it."
"Then I hope he has a wonderful day."
She put it back on and asked Denken to secure it with a pat.
"You've been quiet. What's wrong?"
"...Just a strange feeling. That guy — I think he recognized me. But I've never seen him before."
"Well, if you can't remember, stop thinking about it!"
She puffed her cheeks, then suddenly tugged his hand.
"Where are we going?"
"I heard there's an amazing restaurant here in Äußerst. Come with me!"
"…Alright. As long as I'm with you."