Chapter 39: Commence Capture Strategy

Comparing notes on the Stille, Frieren reveals the binding spell she used to rescue Kanne, a potent restraint devised by a tribe of hunters. Its catch is a mere fifty-centimeter reach against a bird that senses mages from twenty meters out, so she needs her teammates to pin one long enough to close the gap. Lawine's clean freeze might manage it, while Kanne's water-manipulation, which seeds ponds with mana, can be turned into bait that wards the mana-shy bird away from tampered pools.

Lawine balks, knowing the scheme will turn every rival team against them, but ultimately agrees to try. The plan scatters each member to a separate task across the basin while Frieren prepares to lie in wait.

Elsewhere the fourth team of Fern, Übel, and Land discovers that the barrier has cut off the basin's rivers, draining the land and pooling nearly all its water into the central lake. Realizing both Stilles and rivals will converge there, Land argues for hiding, but a thirst for water draws them toward the lake regardless.

Wirbel's team ambushes them, and Fern barely deflects a killing volley of Zoltraak before Übel and Wirbel lock staffs at close range. Their clash freezes when a massive surge of mana erupts from the lake: Lawine has sheeted its entire surface in ice, drawing the fury and attention of every nearby party.

As rivals scramble to thaw the lake with fire magic, the imperial mage Denken turns away, reasoning that such a gaudy display will scare off any Stille and render the melting pointless. He concludes the Second Party must have a capture plan worth stealing and sets his own team on their trail.

Wirbel's and Fern's groups break into open combat while Frieren's scattered teammates quietly execute their roles, leaving Fern to wonder what scheme her mentor is setting in motion across the forest.