Author's Note:
Too busy nowadays. Add all the site issues that's been happening. So I was highly demotivated to update.
Anyways, seeing that people love this project—
I carried on, carried on, carried o~n.
Anyways, 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' Season 2 airs on Winter of 2026.
Also, I have tons of other interesting stories. Check them out in my profile. Just in case this site dies: I have an AO3 account— same username and profile picture.
Thanks for all the love, guys.
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Dear 'a random dude',
I am glad you like this story so much, rest assured for I promise that you will love the future chapters.
I have already finished writing the season 1 adaptation. About...20 chapters with 63K words. The only thing that is left is proofreading.
I am yet to read the manga. I will read it first, then write the chapters beyond 20.
Now, let us begin.
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"Yesterday is history, tommorow is a mystery, but today?
It's a gftt;
That is why it's called present."
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Chapter 09
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The first stage of the First-Class Mage Exam began with Genau addressing the examinees in front the grand forest. The atmosphere was tense, filled with anticipation and unease. Genau stood at the centre, holding a birdcage in his hands. Behind him, Sense leaned casually against a pillar, her sharp eyes scanning the place like a hawk.
"Welcome to the first stage of the exam," Genau began, his voice calm yet commanding. "Each of you will receive a birdcage like this one." He raised it slightly for emphasis. "Your task is simple: within three days, you must capture a very specific bird. Not just any bird, mind you. The bird in question is rare, magical, and elusive. It is called the Celestial Plume. You must find and secure one within the barrier surrounding the Great Mage Serie's forest."
Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd. Many examinees glanced at each other, sizing up their competition.
Genau held up a hand, silencing them. "This stage is not just about magic. It's about survival, wit, and teamwork. Each team is on its own. And remember, without every member of your team present with a bird, your entire team fails. No exceptions."
He glanced over at Naruto. "Well, almost no exceptions. Mr. Uzumaki here is a one-man team. He must secure the bird by himself to pass this stage."
Naruto grinned, giving a thumbs-up. "No problem! I'll catch it before lunch!"
Several participants snickered. Übel, standing near the back with Fern and Land, raised her hand lazily. "Can we steal from other people who've already caught a bird?"
A tense silence followed her question. Genau's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Yes. You can."
Übel smirked, her aura radiating bloodlust. "And can we do anything to get the birds?"
Sense's sharp gaze flickered to Genau, who paused for a moment before answering. "Yes. Anything."
That single word sent a wave of unease through the examinees. Übel's smile widened as she eyed her competition like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Of course," Genau added, his voice growing colder, "the forest is not without its own dangers. The barrier created by Serie is designed to test your resilience. Beyond the natural challenges of the terrain, there are magical beasts, traps, and other surprises. So, tread carefully."
With that, Sense and Genau distributed the birdcages. Each team received one, the rune on the cage glowing faintly as it attuned to the examinee's mana signature.
As they prepared to leave, Genau spoke again. "Remember, this is a test of your skills as a mage. Don't think for a moment that brute force or cunning alone will carry you through. The Celestial Plume is no ordinary bird. It senses ill intent and will evade anyone who approaches with hostility."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "Now, follow us to the forest."
The group was escorted to the forest, a vast, enchanted expanse surrounded by an invisible barrier. The air hummed with magic, the trees towering above like ancient sentinels. The barrier shimmered faintly, a testament to Serie's unmatched skill as a mage.
Naruto stared in awe, his jade-green eyes gleaming. "This place is huge! How are we supposed to find one little bird in all this?"
"By being smart," Fern said, adjusting her glasses.
Übel cracked her knuckles, her smirk never fading. "Or by taking it from someone else."
"Try it, and I'll knock you out of the exam," Fern shot back, her tone icy.
Before tensions could rise further, Genau clapped his hands. "This is where you'll begin. The barrier will keep you within the forest's bounds. If you attempt to leave or fail to return with the bird within three days, you're disqualified. Now, good luck."
The examinees were released into the forest, each group scattering in different directions.
Naruto adjusted his robes and gripped his birdcage tightly. "Alright, birdie, get ready! I'm gonna catch you and ace this exam!"
"Overconfident fool," Kanne muttered as her group walked past him.
Übel, meanwhile, cast one last predatory glance at Naruto before disappearing into the trees with Land and Fern.
As the forest swallowed them, the exam truly began. The race for the Celestial Plume was on, and with no rules beyond obtaining the bird, alliances would be tested, trust would be shattered, and survival would become the ultimate priority.
Õ—T—Õ
Naruto crouched low, his sharp jade-green eyes locked onto the shimmering feathers of the Celestial Plume perched gracefully on a high branch. It glowed faintly in the dappled sunlight, its ethereal beauty almost mocking him. He cracked his knuckles, a determined grin spreading across his face.
"Alright, birdie," he muttered under his breath, his voice full of confidence. "Let's see if you can outsmart the future Hokage!"
With a sudden burst of energy, Naruto launched himself forward, his robes flapping wildly. His hand shot out toward the bird, but just as his fingers grazed the air near its tail—whoosh! The Celestial Plume took off, leaving a whirlwind of golden sparks in its wake.
Naruto barely had time to register the movement before the gust of wind hit him, sending him sprawling backward. He tumbled across the ground in an ungraceful heap, landing face-first in a pile of leaves.
"Damn it!" Naruto sat up, spitting out a mouthful of crushed leaves and twigs. "How's it that fast? I'm supposed to be the fastest guy here!"
The Celestial Plume, now a gleaming speck in the distance, let out a high-pitched chirp that sounded suspiciously like a laugh.
Naruto glared at the bird's fading silhouette. "Oh, you think you're funny, huh? Well, we'll see who's laughing when I catch you!"
He dusted himself off and took a deep breath, replaying Genau's instructions in his mind. The bird senses ill intent and evades hostility.
"Alright," he muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Speed alone won't cut it. Time to get creative."
His party members knew he could do the Rasengan but a ninja must always have secret techniques under their sleeves…
Standing tall, Naruto formed a hand sign, his fingers crossed in a practiced motion. "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
He intended to summon a dozen clones at most.
Instead, the clearing exploded with activity as hundreds of identical Narutos popped into existence, each one shouting or stumbling over the other.
"What the hell?!" Naruto yelled, his jaw dropping. "Why's the whole forest swarming with me?!"
The chaos was immediate.
"Hey, watch it! You're standing on my foot!"
"Your foot? You're sitting on my head!"
"Quit shoving, you idiot! I was here first!"
Naruto smacked his forehead, groaning. "Oi! Everyone, calm down!"
One clone yelled back, "You calm down! You're the one who did this!"
"Yeah, whose idea was it to make this many of us anyway?!"
"Ugh, my chakra's all squished! How are we even functioning?"
Naruto climbed onto a high branch, whistling sharply. "Oi! Shut up!"
The sea of clones froze, their chatter dying instantly. Hundreds of identical faces turned to him, their expressions a mix of confusion and annoyance.
Naruto cleared his throat. "Okay, look. We all know what happened here. My chakra turned into mana or whatever, and now making a dozen clones means I accidentally made… well… way too many. Got it?"
The clones exchanged glances and reluctantly nodded.
"Good," Naruto said, folding his arms. "Now let's focus! Remember what Kakashi-sensei taught me about shadow clones?"
"Yeah!" the clones chorused, their collective voice so loud that the trees quivered.
Naruto winced, covering his ears. "Geez, one at a time! Anyway, the clones transfer their memories when they're dispelled, right?"
The clones nodded again.
"So here's the plan," Naruto continued, his voice brimming with confidence. "Spread out! Each of you search for the bird. Get as close as you can, and when it flies off, get dispelled. That way, we'll figure out its direction. Once we've got it pinned down, we'll surround it in a massive circle so it can't escape. Got it?"
The clones stared at him suspiciously, their identical brows furrowing.
"Uh… since when were you this smart?" one of them finally asked.
Naruto puffed up indignantly, placing his hands on his hips. "What's that supposed to mean? I've always been smart! Now quit wasting time and get moving, y'know!"
With a collective shrug, the clones turned and scattered, their movements creating a massive ripple through the forest. Leaves fluttered in their wake as they darted off in every direction.
From the shadows, magical beasts lurking in the trees watched in stunned silence, their glowing eyes tracking the countless white-robed figures swarming through the woods. Even the Celestial Plume, perched far off on another branch, seemed to hesitate, its bright golden eyes narrowing as it prepared for the oncoming storm of chaos.
Thirty minutes later, Naruto crouched on a high branch, his jade-green eyes gleaming with a mixture of determination and mischief as he surveyed the sprawling forest below. A faint shimmer caught his attention—a golden flash darting between the trees. That bird had been mocking him for hours, but now, it was game time.
"Alright, birdie," he muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see how you handle me."
Far ahead, a lone clone spotted the telltale shimmer of the Celestial Plume's feathers. Its voice rang out like a war cry. "Found it!" The clone lunged toward the bird with ninja-like precision, hands outstretched.
But just as expected, the bird darted away, faster than lightning, leaving nothing but a gust of wind and a puff of smoke as the clone dispelled.
Naruto smirked as the memory hit him, a crystal-clear image of the bird's flight path flooding his mind. "Northeast, huh? Gotcha."
He adjusted his position, leaping from branch to branch with practiced ease, his white robe fluttering behind him like a ghostly trail. Far ahead, another clone called out, "There it is!" before repeating the same doomed attempt. Once again, the Celestial Plume zipped away, leaving Naruto with another memory.
"Now it's heading east," Naruto murmured, his grin widening. "You're trying to zigzag, aren't you? Cute."
As the chase unfolded, the forest became a battlefield of strategy and persistence. Clones popped into existence, each one dashing toward the elusive bird, only to be dispelled in moments. Yet every failure brought Naruto closer to cracking the creature's pattern.
One clone tried a different tactic, flinging kunai to create a net-like trap. Another launched a rope lasso. Both failed spectacularly, earning them only mocking chirps from the Celestial Plume as it dodged effortlessly.
"Man, this bird's got style," Naruto muttered, vaulting over a low branch. "But so do I!"
Meanwhile, far across the forest, other candidates were frozen in confusion and awe. Everywhere they turned, they saw flashes of white robes and fiery red hair as Naruto's clones darted through the trees like spectres.
"What the hell is he doing?" one candidate whispered, wide-eyed.
Another candidate shook their head, muttering, "I don't know, but whatever it is, it's working."
Even Fern and Frieren, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't hide their shock.
Frieren raised an eyebrow. "He's… surprisingly resourceful."
Lawine crossed her arms, frowning. "Resourceful? He's ridiculous! Who even makes that many clones?!"
Land tilted his glasses. 'His clone technique might be... better than mine,'
The forest was alive with movement. Naruto's clones coordinated in unison, their voices shouting strategies back and forth.
"Corner it near the river!"
"No, it's heading toward the cliffs! Block it there!"
"Someone get above it!"
The clones began working in tandem, leaping between trees to cut off escape routes, forming barriers of bodies and sheer determination. Some clones acted as decoys, diving headlong at the bird to force it into tighter spaces. Others stayed on the edges, tracking its movements and relaying the information back to Naruto.
Finally, the Celestial Plume made a rare mistake. It darted into a clearing surrounded by towering trees—a seemingly perfect spot to evade pursuit, but one that left it vulnerable.
Naruto's grin stretched ear to ear as he crouched on a high branch overlooking the scene. "Alright, team," he whispered, addressing the sea of clones gathered below. "This is it. Surround the clearing, cut off all exits, and keep it grounded. Remember, we don't hurt the bird—we just outsmart it."
The clones nodded, their expressions serious. "Got it, boss!"
In an instant, the clearing transformed into a coordinated ambush. Clones circled the perimeter, forming a human chain to prevent the bird from escaping. Others took to the trees, positioning themselves above the canopy. The Celestial Plume chirped in alarm, flitting from side to side as it realised the net was closing in.
"Go, go, go!" Naruto shouted, leaping into action.
The clones moved like a well-oiled machine. One team lunged at the bird, forcing it to veer left. Another group sprang from the shadows, redirecting it toward the centre of the clearing. Above, clones rained down from the trees, cutting off its escape route upward.
The Celestial Plume, fast as it was, found itself boxed in. It chirped frantically, darting in tight spirals as it searched for an opening. But there was none—Naruto's army had covered every angle.
Perched on a branch just above the bird, Naruto smirked, mana swirling around his hand. "You're fast, little guy. I'll give you that. But when it comes to persistence, you've got nothing on me!"
He leapt from his perch, his palm glowing with energy. The Rasengan in his hand spun fiercely, its power crackling in the air. But just before impact, Naruto dispelled the technique, twisting mid-air to grab the bird instead.
The Celestial Plume squawked in surprise as Naruto's hands closed gently but firmly around its shimmering body. Its feathers glowed faintly, pulsing with residual magic as it realised it had been caught.
Naruto landed gracefully, holding the bird up triumphantly. "Ha! Gotcha!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the forest.
The surrounding clones erupted into cheers, their voices a deafening roar of victory.
"Woohoo! Boss did it!"
"Told you we'd catch it!"
"Man, I am so awesome!" one clone said, puffing out its chest before realising the original had done all the work. "Uh, I mean, we're awesome!"
Naruto rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Alright, settle down. Job's not done until this little guy's in the cage."
As he carefully secured the Celestial Plume in its cage, the clones began dispelling themselves, their memories rushing back to him in waves. The sudden influx of information made him stagger for a moment, but he steadied himself with a grin.
"Not bad," he muttered. "Not bad at all."
Back in the clearing, Naruto held up the cage, his grin practically splitting his face. "Told ya', birdie. A ninja always gets the job done!"
With the Celestial Plume secured, he started his journey back to the exam's starting point, his head held high. This wasn't just a victory—it was proof that Naruto Uzumaki, the most unpredictable mage, was a force to be reckoned with.
Far from the dense, buzzing chaos of the test forest, Genau and Sense sat in serene contrast around a round table set in an open clearing. The air was still, the grass softly rustling under a gentle breeze, and the sun dappled their surroundings with golden light. The table, an ornately carved piece of wood, seemed almost out of place in the natural setting, yet it exuded an aura of authority fitting for the two overseers.
"It appears a candidate has secured a bird," Sense remarked, her voice smooth and measured. Her long, flowing hair shimmered like silk as it coiled and extended, deftly lifting a porcelain cup to her lips. She sipped with deliberate grace, her piercing gaze focused on the floating orb in the center of the table that displayed the test's events in vivid clarity.
Genau, seated opposite her, gave a small nod without lifting his eyes from the book he was reading. His tone was calm yet laced with intrigue. "That is indeed a record. Alone, and in less than an hour." He turned a page leisurely, his finger trailing along the edge as though he had all the time in the world. "But securing the bird is merely the first step. The true challenge begins now. With such a prize in hand, he's no longer just another candidate. He's a target."
Sense inclined her head slightly, her hair retracting as she set the cup down gently. "Precisely. Why waste time searching for your own bird when you can steal someone else's? It's a logical strategy, after all. And given his current predicament, it will take more than luck to keep that bird in his possession."
Genau's lips curved into a faint smile as he closed his book, setting it aside. His eyes flicked to the orb, where Naruto could be seen fending off a minor ambush of clones with remarkable creativity. "It's a battle of wits and resilience now. His mind, his talent, his ingenuity—they'll all be tested. Whether he prevails or not will depend entirely on how well he plays his cards."
Sense leaned back slightly, her expression softening as she observed Naruto's antics on the screen. "That boy… there's something peculiar about him," she mused aloud. Her tone wasn't one of disdain, but rather a thoughtful curiosity, as though she were piecing together a puzzle. "He's quite intriguing."
Genau glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "You're rarely intrigued. What's caught your eye this time?"
"The way he approaches challenges," Sense replied, her gaze never leaving the orb. "Most candidates panic or overthink when faced with adversity. But he… he adapts. There's a spontaneity to his methods, yet it's underpinned by sharp intuition. That balance is rare."
Genau let out a low hum of agreement, steepling his fingers as he considered her words. "True. He's unorthodox, unpredictable. And that makes him dangerous—not just to others, but to himself. There's a fine line between creativity and recklessness."
They sat in contemplative silence for a moment, the orb reflecting Naruto's antics as he cleverly outmaneuvered yet another rival team with a decoy bird. His laughter echoed faintly from the projection, carefree yet undeniably triumphant.
Sense broke the silence, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Dangerous, yes. But isn't that what makes this test so thrilling?"
Genau chuckled softly, reaching for his own cup of tea. "Indeed. Let's see if his flame burns bright enough to endure the storm that's coming."
Õ—T—Õ
Naruto jogged through the forest, the caged Celestial Plume swinging lightly in his hand, its golden feathers shimmering in the filtered sunlight. He was grinning ear to ear, already imagining the look on everyone's faces when he strolled back to the starting point with his prize.
But his triumphant march came to an abrupt halt when he slammed into an invisible wall. The impact sent him stumbling backward, nearly dropping the cage. "Ow! What the—?" He reached out, his hand pressing against an unseen barrier that shimmered faintly when touched.
His excitement deflated as reality hit him. "A barrier. Of course there's a barrier," he muttered, shaking his head. "Should've known it wouldn't be that easy."
The test wasn't over. He remembered the rules now: contestants had to survive in the forest for three whole days to pass. Capturing the bird was only half the challenge.
"Damn it," he groaned, rubbing his face. "Guess I'm stuck here."
Resigned, Naruto wandered further into the forest, eventually stumbling upon a serene lake. The clear water sparkled invitingly under the afternoon sun, and the tension in his shoulders melted at the sight. "Well," he said, setting the cage down carefully on the shore, "if I'm gonna be stuck here, might as well enjoy it."
He stripped off his robe and shirt, leaving only his trousers, and waded into the water. The cool sensation was a welcome relief after hours of chasing the bird. He swam lazily, floating on his back and letting the gentle waves soothe him. Nearby, the caged bird chirped indignantly, its feathers puffed up.
"Relax, birdie," Naruto called, grinning. "You're safe. No one's gonna snatch you while I'm around."
Unbeknownst to him, far off in the shadows of the forest, three figures observed him intently. Denken, the veteran mage and leader of his team, studied Naruto with a calculating gaze. Beside him, Laufen, a calm girl with short, spiky hair, fidgeted with anticipation. The third member, Richeter, a quiet and analytical man with dark robes, leaned casually against a tree.
"That kid," Laufen muttered, her eyes narrowing, "either he's ridiculously lucky or stupidly talented. Getting the bird in less than an hour? And alone?"
Denken stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Luck can only get you so far. That boy's got skill. But leaving the bird unattended like that…"
Laufen smirked. "That's not skill. That's carelessness. Watch this."
Before Denken could respond, Laufen disappeared in a flash of light, her teleportation spell activating. She reappeared right in front of the cage, a victorious grin spreading across her face as she reached for it.
"Too easy," she muttered, her fingers brushing against the bars.
Suddenly, with a loud poof, the cage vanished, replaced by a large, angry crab that immediately latched onto her hand.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!" Laufen screamed, flailing wildly as the crab's pincers clamped down harder. She vanished in another burst of light, reappearing back beside her team, where she collapsed to the ground, clutching her reddened hand.
Naruto, still floating in the lake, had witnessed the whole thing. He burst out laughing, clutching his sides as he splashed in the water. "You thought I'd leave the real cage just lying there? Oh, man, you're hilarious!"
He raised his hand, revealing the actual cage floating beside him on a makeshift raft he'd tied together from branches and vines. The Celestial Plume chirped smugly, as if sharing in the joke.
Richeter sighed, shaking his head. "That boy is crafty," he muttered, glancing at Laufen, who was nursing her bruised hand with a murderous glare.
Denken observed Naruto in silence for a moment before turning to his team. "We retreat," he said firmly.
Laufen shot him a furious look. "What? Why? That punk just made a fool out of me!"
"Exactly," Denken replied, his tone calm but authoritative. "He outsmarted you, Laufen. If we engage now, we'll only embarrass ourselves further. Besides…" His gaze lingered on Naruto, who had resumed his leisurely swim. "I have a feeling that boy is more dangerous than he looks."
Reluctantly, Laufen got to her feet, grumbling under her breath. Richeter adjusted his robes, giving Naruto one last glance before following Denken into the forest shadows.
Meanwhile, Naruto climbed out of the lake, water dripping from his hair as he stretched. He picked up the cage and smirked at the retreating figures in the distance.
"Better luck next time," he called out, his voice full of cheeky confidence. The forest was his playground now, and he wasn't about to lose to anyone.
Õ—T—Õ
Naruto was mid-bite, savouring the crisp, sweet taste of the apple, when the air shifted. A sharp screech cut through the forest's tranquil symphony, sending shivers down his spine. His jade eyes darted upward just in time to see a massive shadow bearing down on him.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" he yelped, hurling himself to the side as talons the size of daggers raked through the spot where he'd been sitting. The half-eaten apple rolled away, forgotten, as Naruto landed in a crouch.
Above him, the sky seemed to come alive with a flurry of wings. Enormous birds, their feathers shimmering like steel, swooped and circled. Their eyes gleamed with predatory intent, and their sharp beaks clacked menacingly as they zeroed in on their new target.
Naruto grimaced, wiping his hands on his pants before clasping them together. "Oh, you wanna play, huh? Fine by me." With a swift motion, he summoned his Flamme staff, its sleek, white surface glowing faintly as it materialised in his grip. A surge of mana coursed through him, and with a flick of his wrist, the staff responded. He levitated off the ground, hovering just above the treetops.
The first bird dived, its speed uncanny. Naruto twisted in the air, narrowly avoiding its outstretched talons. "Alright, time to even the odds." He slammed the base of his staff into the air as though it were solid ground. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
In an instant, a dozen clones appeared around him, each holding their own shimmering staff. They fanned out, creating a defensive formation as the birds regrouped for another assault.
"Alright, guys, scatter and distract!" Naruto barked. His clones shot off in different directions, some diving into the forest, others soaring higher into the sky. The birds hesitated for a moment, confused by the sudden multiplication of their target, before splitting up to chase the fleeing clones.
One bird, larger and faster than the rest, honed in on the real Naruto. Its screech echoed like a war cry as it barrelled toward him. Naruto spun his staff, a sphere of glowing blue mana forming at its tip. "Let's see how you handle this! Rasengan!"
The weak but efficient Rasengan whirled in his palm before he hurled it at the incoming bird. The sphere struck its wing, bursting in a flash of energy. The bird squawked in fury, veering off course as it spiralled downward, its metallic feathers singed.
Below, two of his clones were locked in combat with another bird. One clone darted forward, feinting left as the bird swiped at it with razor-sharp talons. The second clone leapt onto the bird's back, slamming a miniature Rasengan into its feathers. With a pained cry, the bird bucked wildly, sending the clone flying before crashing into a nearby tree.
Naruto grinned, his gaze flicking around as he tracked the chaos. "That's two down. Who's next?"
A piercing shriek drew his attention. Three birds were coming at him simultaneously, their wings slicing through the air like blades. "Alright, no more playing around," he muttered, focusing his mana. He held his staff horizontally, channelling energy into its core. "Time to clip some wings!"
As the birds closed in, Naruto shot upward, his speed blurring. The first bird lunged, but Naruto flipped over it, smacking it with the flat side of his staff. The impact sent it spiralling downward. The second bird was quicker, managing to graze his arm with its talons. Naruto hissed but didn't falter, spinning in midair to deliver a Rasengan point-blank to its chest. The bird exploded in a burst of feathers and smoke.
The third bird circled, keeping its distance as it studied him. Naruto wiped the sweat from his brow, smirking. "What's wrong? Scared?" He summoned another Rasengan, this one slightly larger than the last. "Don't worry, I've got plenty more where that came from!"
Before he could launch his attack, three clones appeared beside him. "We'll take it from here!" one of them said, their voices blending with his. The clones darted toward the bird, forcing it to dodge and weave as they harried it with weak Rasengans. Finally, one of the clones managed to catch it by the tail, slamming it into the ground with a triumphant yell before poofing out of existence.
Naruto floated above the aftermath, breathing heavily but grinning like a madman. The sky was clear now, save for a few stray feathers drifting down like snow. "Not bad, not bad," he said to himself, spinning his staff once before resting it on his shoulder. "Guess I'm not just some bird's lunch, huh?"
Below, the forest returned to its usual stillness, the distant chirping of smaller, less murderous birds filling the air. Naruto landed softly on the ground, his clones popping out of existence one by one. He retrieved his apple, brushing off a bit of dirt before taking a big bite.
"Guess this is what they mean when they say you've gotta fight for your food," he muttered, chuckling to himself. Then, glancing at the shimmering cage by the water, he added, "Don't worry, little guy. You're safe with me."
From a distance, the forest watched in silence, the trees swaying as though acknowledging the unpredictable mage in their midst.
Õ—T—Õ
Fern leaned against a tree, her expression as calm as ever, though her eyes remained fixed on Naruto as he sat by the water, munching on an apple. "Mr. Naruto… seems like he's done quite well for himself," she remarked, her voice tinged with subtle amusement.
From her left, Übel crouched on a low branch, chin propped in her hands as she stared at Naruto with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? A lone candidate with a shiny little birdie just sitting there." She licked her lips in excitement. "I could test him. You know, just a little. Maybe snatch that bird and see what he's made of."
Fern turned her gaze toward her companion, her brow furrowing ever so slightly. "Best not to bother him," she said, her tone steady but firm.
Land, leaning casually against a tree trunk, raised an eyebrow at Fern. "You know him?"
There was a pause as Fern crossed her arms, her eyes softening for a moment. "We're sibling-students," she admitted. "We trained under the same master."
That piqued Übel's interest even more. She practically bounced where she crouched, her grin wide and unhinged. "Oooh, sibling-students, huh? Does that mean he's stronger than you?" Her tone was light, teasing, but her gaze sharpened as if she were calculating her chances.
"Yes." Fern's response came without hesitation, her voice devoid of doubt. "Far stronger."
That made Übel freeze, blinking as she processed Fern's honesty. "Huh. You don't even sugarcoat it, huh?"
Fern continued, her tone even. "He may look naïve, and he's always been a bit carefree, but he's no fool. Underestimate him, and you'll regret it."
Übel pouted, her arms crossed as she leaned back. "Fiiiine," she drawled, drawing out the word like a petulant child. "But I'm getting my spar with him one way or another. A guy that strong can't avoid me forever."
Land chuckled softly at that, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable."
"I know," Übel replied with a wink, but her eyes flicked back to Naruto, her mind already running through the possibilities. If Fern spoke the truth—and she rarely lied—then Naruto was more than just a naïve little apple-munching mage. And that made him interesting.
Fern sighed, sensing Übel's relentless determination. She gave a side glance at her eccentric companion. "Do what you want, but don't say I didn't warn you. He's not someone you can toy with."
Übel grinned, already scheming as she muttered under her breath, "Oh, this is gonna be fun."
Õ—T—Õ
Frieren's plan had been flawless. They had waited patiently, using Kanne's subtle mana dispersion to create a perfect lure. And when the Celestial Plume was finally drawn out, Frieren wasted no time, her spellwork precise and efficient, trapping the golden-feathered creature in a shimmering cage. She held the prize aloft, her voice calm as she called her companions over.
"Kanne, Lawine. It's done," she said, the faintest hint of satisfaction gracing her usually impassive tone.
The two rushed over, Kanne practically skipping in her excitement, while Lawine pumped a fist into the air. "Finally! That took long enough!" Lawine exclaimed, her enthusiasm loud and unabashed.
Kanne clapped her hands together. "Incredible, Frieren! I knew we could count on you."
But just as Lawine leaned closer to inspect the cage, it vanished. Gone in the blink of an eye.
"Huh?" Frieren stared at her now-empty hands, her expression unmoving, though there was the slightest crease of curiosity on her brow.
"Wait… where—" Lawine began, but Kanne gasped, pointing toward the trees.
There stood a girl with twin buns in her hair, gripping a staff and twirling it with a cheeky grin. Laufen. Her mischievous eyes locked onto them for just a moment before she vanished into thin air, leaving not even a shimmer of mana behind.
"She… she took it!" Kanne exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. "How? When?!"
Lawine's face twisted into a scowl. "I didn't even see her coming! Who is she?"
Frieren, however, remained still, her usual calm unshaken. "It doesn't matter," she said flatly. "We can retrieve it."
Before they could act, however, there was a rustling from the bushes nearby. Two figures stepped out, their presence commanding and deliberate.
"Going somewhere?" asked Denken, his tone light, though his posture was anything but casual. His eyes scanned the trio, sharp and calculating. Beside him stood Richeter, arms crossed, his gaze steady and unwavering.
"You're… stalling us," Lawine muttered, narrowing her eyes.
"Sharp one," Denken replied with a chuckle. His eyes then flicked to Frieren, his expression shifting slightly. "But wait. Are you the Frieren? The last great mage of Himmel's hero party?"
"Perhaps," Frieren said simply, her tone betraying neither confirmation nor denial.
Lawine and Kanne froze, their jaws dropping simultaneously. "Wait, WHAT?!" Lawine sputtered, while Kanne looked at Frieren with a mix of awe and shock.
Denken smiled, though his eyes gleamed with an edge of excitement. "An honour, truly. To think I'd encounter a living legend on this little exam. A shame we're opponents." He shifted into a ready stance, his staff glowing faintly. "It would be a privilege to test myself against you."
Frieren's eyes narrowed slightly, and with a single motion, her own staff materialised in her hands, glowing faintly with her mana. Kanne and Lawine followed suit, their weapons at the ready.
"Don't get cocky, old man!" Lawine snarled, pointing her blade at Denken.
But before they could engage, Richeter stepped forward, slamming his hands onto the ground. The earth rumbled violently, the sound like distant thunder before the ground beneath them surged upward. In an instant, Frieren and her team were lifted high into the air on a towering pillar of stone.
"Stay put," Richeter said calmly as he launched a spell toward Lawine and Kanne, forcing them to dodge in opposite directions.
Meanwhile, Denken moved forward, staff spinning, as he squared off against Frieren directly. "Shall we begin?" he asked, his grin widening.
Frieren responded with a flick of her wrist, sending a volley of mana bolts his way. Denken countered with a defensive barrier, their clash illuminating the forest around them in flashes of light.
Far across the forest, the commotion hadn't gone unnoticed. Naruto stirred, one eye cracking open as he lay sprawled under the shade of a tree, lazily chewing on an apple core. His sharp ears caught the distant rumbling and faint flashes of light.
"What's that noise?" he muttered, sitting up and stretching lazily. He yawned, scratching the back of his head. "Should I check it out? I mean, I already got my bird, but… what if it's fun?" He grinned to himself as he hopped to his feet, tossing the apple core over his shoulder.
"Yeah. Let's see what kind of trouble's going on out there."
Õ—T—Õ
Naruto perched comfortably on a high branch, one leg swinging lazily while he munched on the last bits of an apple. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he watched the scene below, thoroughly entertained, though not entirely impressed.
Old Man Denken was going at Frieren with everything he had, his movements precise and his attacks relentless. But the hag? She looked like she wasn't even breaking a sweat. Each strike, each spell, each desperate lunge from Denken was met with a sidestep, a faint movement of her staff, or a flick of her wrist that nullified the attack without much effort.
"Man, that's just embarrassing," Naruto muttered to himself, smirking. "The old man's trying so hard, but she's treating him like a toddler with a stick."
On the other side of the battlefield, Richeter was proving to be much more of a challenge for the girls. The guy was like a one-man army with that Earth Release—or whatever mana-based equivalent it was. Rocks rained down like meteorites, jagged spikes burst from the ground, and towering mud structures rose up to trap or crush his opponents.
The girl with the ice powers, Lawine, was holding her own, her frost-coated attacks clashing with Richeter's earth spells in an explosive display of force. But the other girl? The one who clearly relied on water as her weapon? She was practically useless in this environment. The barrier surrounding the forest kept the rain out, leaving her without a water source to draw from.
Naruto sighed dramatically, leaning back against the trunk of the tree. "Tsk, lame. What kind of fight is this? One-sided fights are boring." He glanced back at Frieren, who was still dodging around Denken's attacks, her face completely blank. "At least the hag's having fun... well, I think. Hard to tell with her."
Then his eyes shifted to the girls again. The ice girl was still holding on, but barely. She was breathing heavily now, her movements growing slower as Richeter's relentless attacks pushed her back. The water girl, meanwhile, was doing her best to defend with some rudimentary spells, but it was clear she wouldn't last long if Richeter decided to target her seriously.
Naruto clicked his tongue, feeling a twinge of irritation. As much as he didn't like to admit it, he wanted the hag to pass. She was annoying, sure, but she was strong. She deserved to make it through this stupid test. And if her team went down here, that'd be it for her, too.
Sooo… if he just… nudged things in the right direction, it wouldn't be bad, right? Just a little help. Nothing too obvious. He could deny it if anyone asked. Yeah, that'd work.
His grin widened as a plan formed in his head. He twirled his fingers lazily, letting his primary mana flow through them. His control over mana had improved a lot lately, enough that he could pull off some subtle tricks without anyone noticing.
"Alright, just a little hole. Tiny crack. Let the rain through so the water girl can actually do something. What could possibly go wrong?" he muttered, chuckling to himself as he focused on the barrier above the forest.
With a precise application of his mana detection, Naruto pinpointed a glaring weak spot in the barrier above. He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as he studied it. "Bruh, who built this? A toddler with a glue stick? Even I can figure this out." His grin stretched wide, a mix of amusement and confidence.
He rolled his wrist, letting mana swirl and spark to life in his palm. Slowly, the familiar form of a Rasenshuriken began to emerge, but this wasn't any ordinary Rasenshuriken—it was something new, something raw, something crackling with vivid blue energy that thrummed with life. The spinning shuriken was impossibly fast, yet it moved so perfectly in sync that it looked eerily still. The light it emitted bathed him in a ghostly glow, making him look like some mischievous forest spirit.
"Yeah, that's the stuff," he muttered, shaping the shuriken just a little larger, about two feet across. He examined it like a craftsman admiring his work, his grin widening. "Alright, let's poke a tiny, little hole. What could possibly go wrong?"
With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the Mana Style: Simple Rasenshuriken at the weak point. The moment it connected, the forest lit up like a lightning strike. Blinding light erupted from the barrier, a symphony of crackles and hums as the mana construct rippled violently.
Naruto squinted, shielding his eyes. "Oh, crap. Hope nobody saw that."
The Rasenshuriken exploded into the weak point with a satisfying whump, and for a split second, everything went silent. Then, like glass under too much pressure, the barrier fractured. Cracks spread like wildfire, splintering and weaving through the structure. The tiny hole Naruto had aimed for was no longer tiny.
"Uh-oh..." His grin faltered as the barrier shattered completely, disintegrating in a cascade of glimmering shards.
Rain came crashing down in torrents, drenching the forest in seconds. Water poured from every branch, pooling into rapid streams on the ground. Naruto blinked as the sudden storm overtook the quiet forest, soaking everything in sight.
Below, Kanne froze for a moment, staring at the sky with wide eyes. Then her face broke into a grin as she raised her hands. The puddles forming around her swirled and rose, taking the shape of whips, spears, and shields of water. She radiated power, the rain fueling her magic with an intensity that was impossible to miss.
"That's more like it," Naruto muttered, leaning back on his perch with his arms crossed. His grin returned, though a bit sheepish. "Alright, water girl. Let's see if you can impress me now."
But then the downpour intensified. The water cascaded faster and harder, turning the forest floor into a muddy swamp. Naruto's brow furrowed as he watched the chaos unfold. The splintering crack he'd created wasn't stopping. Mana still crackled through the shattered remains of the barrier, spreading instability like wildfire.
The once-amused grin on his face twisted into an uneasy grimace. "Wait, wait, wait—why is it still breaking? Uh… that's not supposed to happen."
The forest had transformed into a wet, chaotic mess. Richeter, who had been dominating the battlefield moments ago, now struggled to maintain his footing. The mud turned treacherous, and his precise earth manipulations faltered. He stumbled, slipping as Kanne unleashed a powerful torrent of high-pressure water that slammed into him like a freight train. The force sent him careening into a tree with a satisfying thud.
Lawine seized the moment, launching a freezing blast of ice that coated the ground around Richeter in a thick layer of frost, trapping him where he stood. The tables had turned, and it wasn't subtle.
Meanwhile, Frieren, still locked in her "battle" with Denken, paused to glance at the now-open sky. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and for the first time, a flicker of interest crossed her usually impassive face. She deflected another one of Denken's attacks with a casual flick of her staff, as if she weren't even trying.
"Interesting," she murmured, her gaze flickering toward Naruto's direction. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but there was a knowing glint in her eyes.
Naruto, still perched on his tree, felt a chill run down his spine despite the rain. He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "She totally didn't notice, right? Yeah, no way she noticed. I'm just a spectator here. Totally innocent. Yep, just enjoying the show." He shifted uncomfortably as if trying to convince himself.
But the faint smirk on Frieren's face said otherwise
Genau delicately took a sip from his steaming cup of tea, the scent of chamomile wafting around him as he observed Sense staring intently at the barrier projection with an uncharacteristic wide-eyed expression.
"You rarely look startled, Sense. What's the matter?" he asked, his tone calm but tinged with curiosity.
"Someone just analysed the barrier," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
He raised a brow and let out a dismissive snort. "Who? Naruto Uzumaki? That boy may have some raw talent, but he's no match for such an intricate structure. What could he possibly do? He lacks the refinement, the skill, and most importantly, the mana to even attempt it. Frankly, I doubt he even understands the mechanisms, let alone possesses the ability to act on them."
Sense's gaze remained fixed on the projection, her lethargic demeanour giving way to a faint but visible tension. "I beg to differ," she said simply.
He chuckled, setting down his cup with a quiet clink. "Come now, what you're implying is ridiculous—completely outside the realm of possibility. It's out of the mortal—"
A loud, piercing sound suddenly reverberated through the air, like glass cracking under pressure. Genau froze mid-sentence, his words caught in his throat as his head snapped toward the forest.
The sound escalated, and then, with a resounding crash, the barrier shattered completely, its fragments of mana dissipating like glittering shards into the atmosphere. He blinked, momentarily stunned.
Sense let out a small exhale, her expression calm once more. "The impossible," she murmured, "is here. And it defies mortal laws."
Genau stared at the forest, his disbelief etched across his face. "...I need stronger tea," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
Far away in a grand hall of endless bookshelves and ancient tomes, Serie the Great Mage lounged on her ornate throne. A smirk danced on her lips as she leaned back, one leg crossed over the other, watching the magical projection before her with mild amusement.
"Well, well, Frieren. No visits for centuries, and this is how you decide to show yourself again? Testing your mettle on my barrier? How delightfully predictable—"
Her words trailed off as something in the projection caught her eye. Her smirk faltered, replaced by a faint furrow of her brows. She leaned forward, her gaze narrowing as she focused on the shimmering image of the shattered barrier. It wasn't Frieren. No, the mana signature that ruptured the structure was something entirely different—wild, unrefined, and yet undeniably potent.
It belonged to... a child.
The one with that mana. The distinct presence of Flamme's essence intertwined with his own, raw and untamed.
Serie's breath hitched. "What... but how?"
Her fingers drummed against the armrest of her throne as her mind raced. This child—this boy—had enough mana and raw talent to pinpoint a flaw in her barrier and exploit it. Granted, the barrier was a weakened construct, something she hadn't poured her full power into. Still, for anyone but a seasoned mage to dismantle even a fraction of her work was nothing short of remarkable.
She tilted her head, replaying the moment in her mind through the mana trails still lingering in the air. The way he'd controlled his attack—though clumsy in its refinement—was disturbingly effective. It wasn't just brute force; there was precision there, a clever manipulation of magic that spoke to something far deeper than mere luck.
"Interesting," she murmured, her smirk returning but tinged now with genuine curiosity. She waved her hand, summoning a flickering illusion of Naruto's grinning face as he leaned back on his perch. The boy looked utterly unbothered, as if breaking a mage-crafted barrier was just another Wednesday for him.
Her eyes glinted with intrigue. "Who are you, brat? A reckless child with Flamme's mana coursing through you... and enough nerve to meddle in my tests? Oh, I must meet you."
Serie rose from her throne, her long robes cascading like liquid silver around her. She turned toward the towering shelves of books that lined the room, her fingers grazing the spines of ancient tomes as she pondered. She had no love for distractions, but this was no ordinary occurrence. A child like him could not be ignored.
Not when his mana carried the echoes of a legacy long thought extinguished.
Not when he had done something that no one outside her circle of peers could hope to accomplish.
Serie smirked again, though this time it carried a dangerous edge. "Enjoy your little victories while you can, boy. The Great Mage Serie does not take kindly to surprises... unless I'm the one giving them."
With a snap of her fingers, the illusion of Naruto vanished, and she began weaving a spell of observation. It was time to keep a closer eye on this intriguing little anomaly.
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Õ—T—Õ
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Author Note: It was supposed to be three chapters. 5K, 2.5k and 2k. Buuuut, I decided to mash these chapters together and publish as one. Think about it, instead of 12 days of dose, you got 27 days of dose!
Overdose alert!
Also, I have tons of other interesting stories. Check them out in my profile. Just in case this site dies: I have an AO3 account— same username and profile picture. I shall put my stories there.
Anyways, thanks for reading this chapter. The next chapter will be published soon. Drop your thoughts in the review section since your words inspire me to write faster, better, longer and with more depth.
Have a nice week!