Chapter 26

Chapter 26 Frieren: I bet there's something in that treasure chest!

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The obvious difference in treatment made Ash too tired to even complain. However, his frustrated expression made Frieren, who was half-kneeling beside him, suppress a laugh.

Given the formal nature of the occasion, she tried her hardest not to burst out laughing.

But Ash wasn't one to simply accept defeat. He grabbed a few more books from the nearby shelf and casually walked out, saying, "I'm heading out. You guys can chat all you want. I'll be back by dinner."

"Don't come back! I won't be making dinner for you!" Serie waved her hand dismissively, as if shooing away a stray cat or dog. It was clear she wasn't too keen on him returning for the meal.

Seeing this, Flamme couldn't help but chuckle. "Master seems to like this new disciple quite a bit."

"Like him? What are you talking about? Are you blind already? You're not even forty yet," Serie shot back, rolling her eyes.

"No, it just feels like… there's something similar about him."

"That's your blindness speaking," Serie responded, not wanting to entertain her disciple's odd behavior. She glanced toward the door, muttering to herself, "Is it really that kid's fault?"

Although she said that, it was probably too late to go after him now. She sighed and decided to discipline him properly once he returned. He always caused trouble... and, much like her, he didn't care much for following rules.

But of course, she didn't care. After all, she was the elder and didn't need to follow or understand any rules, but the younger generation couldn't behave like that, right?

Still, despite her thoughts, Ash had no intention of returning anytime soon.

He knew if he went back, he'd just be compared to the more obedient disciples and get an earful about how others behaved better. So, with a fresh magic book in hand, Ash decided to prolong his absence.

Though it was a bit of a shame that he couldn't mooch off his master for food, it at least saved him from that headache.

As he ignored what was going on inside, he noticed a strange smile on Frieren's face when she returned.

No matter how much he asked, Frieren wouldn't explain her expression.

Annoyed, he decided to ignore it. The girl, seemingly lost in thought, flipped through a book and muttered, "People these days are really… never mind."

"By the way, Ash, has this ruin been fully explored?" she suddenly asked.

"...No, not really. Serie isn't interested, and I'm lazy," he replied.

"Hmm, maybe there's treasure waiting for us?" she mused.

Ash wasn't inclined to engage at first, but once Frieren got her answer, her excitement about exploring the maze piqued again.

"Us? Did you just volunteer me without my permission?"

"You're not going? What if there's a magic book Serie hasn't discovered yet?"

"...Fine! Let's go!"

In just a moment, Ash, who had initially planned to firmly refuse, found himself tempted. He closed the magic book in his hand, stood up, and took the lead.

This made Frieren smile. "You really do love magic."

"I can't help it. I'm curious about the unknown, and it's essential for survival."

"You also have your sister to look out for, right? But now that I think about it, I've never heard much about her."

"That's a troublesome subject. Let's not talk about it."

"Really? Well, let's move on then."

If it had been anyone else, they would have pressed further, but Frieren didn't. She quickly caught up with Ash and started walking toward the depths of the ruins.

Her restraint surprised him.

...

The two of them worked together, easily clearing the underground ruins.

Of course, there wasn't any real danger—the more powerful threats had long been dealt with by Serie.

Soon, an ancient treasure chest appeared in front of them, but...

"What are you doing just squatting there? I already used magic to check it out—it's just a treasure chest monster." Ash glanced at Frieren, who was squatting in front of the chest, seemingly unwilling to move. He was tempted to grab her by the collar and drag her away.

Frieren turned around and said seriously, "You said it yourself—there's a 1% chance your magic could be wrong, right?"

"...It's basically accurate."

"But it's precisely those great magicians who see through that 1% who make historic discoveries."

"You're saying you're one of those great magicians?"

"I can feel it." Instead of replying directly, she gently stroked the dilapidated treasure chest with confidence. "There's a valuable magic book inside."

"Based on what?"

"My experience as a magician."

"…But you just left the village, didn't you? I've walked with you all the way here. You've never been to any ruins. What kind of experience are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about my instincts as a magician. Trust me, Ash. There's a magic book in here!"

With that, she suddenly opened the treasure chest.

The next moment...

A giant mouth, instead of the magic book she had imagined, shot out and swallowed her whole in the blink of an eye, leaving only half of her body sticking out.

Ash, who had wisely been standing a bit farther back, sighed in exasperation. "I told you already, but you still pretended to be an expert. You were so confident, I almost believed your lies."

He wanted to turn around and walk away, pretending not to know this embarrassing person, but...

Frieren, who was lying there like a ragdoll, suddenly began frantically wiggling her exposed rear and cried out desperately:

"—Aaah! It's so dark! So scary! Get me out of here, Ash! Are you still there?! Get me out! It's pitch black in here, and I'm terrified~~!"

"...Are you a child? You're old enough, and you're still scared of the dark?"

Looking at her butt, which was surprisingly plump compared to her petite frame and wiggling uncontrollably, Ash couldn't resist giving it a light slap.

"Ouch~!? Who, who just hit me?! This is terrifying!! I can't see anything! Ash, was that you?!"

"There was a monster earlier. When I killed it, its tail accidentally hit you."

"Really?! Why does it feel like...?"

"Doesn't matter if you believe me or not. I'm leaving now."

"—I believe you! Get me out! It's so scary in here!!"

Trapped inside the treasure chest, Frieren had no choice but to tearfully plead with Ash for help.