Chapter 92

The Demise of Weise (ヴァイゼの) is the ninety-second chapter of Yamada Kanehito & Abe Tsukasa's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.

Summary
Macht began instructing Denken on how to use magic, which the latter had enjoyed. Under Glück's order, Macht continued to mentor the boy in magic, as an instructor and the eventual enemy to be defeated. Through the years studying from Macht, Denken became a successful military mage, securing marriage to Glück's daughter, Lektüre, who was also his childhood sweetheart.

At around this time, due to the destruction of a northern Fortified City at the hands of a powerful demon, the townspeople became restless and demanded that Macht be put under the Stone Bracelet of Sovereignty, as a safety mechanism to control him. Macht agreed to the terms and was equipped with the mind-controlling bracelet. He continued to serve Glück many years afterwards and oversaw his daughter's death and his son-in-law's departure from his hometown without return in sight. As Glück had grown old, Macht finally decided to destroy the Fortified City of Weise, carrying out his original plan to attempt to feel malice or guilt.

Plot Details
The chapter opens on a magic lesson where Denken was practicing long-ranged attacks on a rock across a lake. After a failed attempt, Macht suggested the boy take a break since his concentration was wavering. He assured Denken there was no need to rush since even demons would have difficulty hitting a target from that distance, which spurred Denken on. He unleashed another attack which finally hit its mark. Macht smirked, impressed, and Denken smirked back, agreeing to take a break as the carriage of Glück and Lektüre arrived.

Denken and Lektüre had lunch while Glück and Macht looked at them. Glück was very pleased at Denken's progress, Macht remarked that Denken did not trust him, to which Glück concurred and said that he would never introduce a relative's child to him otherwise, for Macht was an expert at deceiving people. He said that humans needed a reason to keep on living, even if it was revenge, and that Denken was in a healthier mindset than when he was praying in the church every day in sorrow. Glück was pleased to see the boy smiling and having fun again. He commanded Macht to continue being Denken's teacher as well as his enemy to be defeated, to which Macht obeyed. The demon then asked Glück if his daughter was fond of Denken. Glück smirked at his question, claiming such a thing was not possible and that Macht did not understand human thoughts after all.

Macht continued to train Denken in mana restriction, magic theory, and practical combat as the latter grew up. Denken joined the army and was highly successful on the battlefield. At the same time, he and Lektüre's relationship became closer, finally ending up in marriage. Glück delivered this news to Macht one day, noting that the demon was wearing an unusual expression. Macht replied that it was his usual smile, but mentioned that what he said years ago turned out to be correct. Glück dismissed his claim, saying he did not recall it. He told Macht that it was because of him that Denken could secure the marriage, thanks to the accomplishments Denken had made on the battlefield. Macht replied in a humble manner that it was because of Denken's own ability.

Glück then informed Macht of "bad news" for him. A Fortified City at the northmost region was felled by a single demon, who killed all inhabitants and disappeared without a trace. He asked Macht whether he had any clue about this attack, to which Macht asked him back if he thought he had. Glück said of course Macht would not have any idea, but the attack had caused anxiety among the citizens. Macht agreed and said that only a great demon would be capable of such a feat. It could only be a demon with power comparable to Macht himself. The nobles had seized this turn of public opinion to put pressure on Glück to subjugate Macht. The demon asked him whether he was to be executed. Glück wondered if such a thing was possible as he presented Macht with the Stone Bracelet of Sovereignty.

Macht recognized the item, stating that it was crafted by the Sage Ewig in the Mythical Era. He expressed surprise that it actually existed. Glück added that the nobles of Weise had gained the support of the common people as well by spreading rumors that they could obtain unfathomable riches through Macht's power when they put the demon under their control. The nobles would put Macht under their control by making him "serve" the citizens of Weise, and restrict him with a shackle to prevent him from committing any malicious acts as a safety measure. Glück was openly contemptuous at these orders and laughed at the nobles for not understanding anything about demons. He asked Macht if he was willing to put on the Bracelet and to die if he ever felt any malice. Macht smiled at him and asked Glück once again if the feudal lord would accompany him to the depths of Hell. When Glück affirmed it, Macht easily agreed, calling it yet another amusement.

After the Bracelet was put on him, Macht continued serving Glück as before without any change, attending him in his daily activities.. He was by Glück's side as his daughter fell sick and died. He was present at her funeral and witnessed Glück trying to console a despondent Denken, telling the young man that though Lektüre always had a frail body, she must have lived happily thanks to him. Afterwards, Denken left Weise without returning for many years. Glück had formed the habit of visiting his daughter's grave and praying there practically every day.

On one of these visits, Glück commented on Denken's absence with acceptance, saying that it must be hard for Denken to have his wife die even after devoting everything to save her. Macht, who accompanied him there, advised him against repeating the trips for the sake of his health. He repeated what Glück said to him years ago, that continuing to pray in sorrow is not healthy. Glück smirked at him and said he had not expected to hear that from Macht of all people. When he tried to stand up to leave, Macht kneeled down and helped him stand. Glück mused that he had grown so old that relying on Macht for basic activities had now become natural, to which Macht agreed. The demon intended to summon a carriage, but Glück called him off, saying he was in the mood for a walk.

As Glück walked back to the city with Macht in tow, the feudal lord contemplated that Macht had not changed at all in the past 30 years. He said it must be the difference in time between demons and humans and wondered whether all the time they had spent together was nothing but a mere moment to Macht. With a solemn expression, Macht replied that even if it might have been but a moment in time, the time they had spent together was something he considered irreplaceable. Glück smirked at the answer, saying it felt really bad to hear. However, the feudal lord felt the same and considered Macht to be a wonderful partner in crime. Macht began to unleash Di Agölze and declared he intended to destroy all of which he had considered "irreplaceable". He told Glück that through doing so, he felt like he would be able to understand the concept of "malice", and how it felt to have "guilt".

Glück turned to stare at him before smiling in acceptance. He took out his box of cigarette and picked out a stick. He ordered Macht to light the fire for his actual final smoke. Macht complied, kneeled down and lit the cigarette on fire. As he was lighting the fire, Glück said he had expected Macht to do something like this someday. Macht's expression shifted. Glück laughed at him for being taken aback and said he had always known, having looked at the demon for over 30 years. As he was being transmuted into gold, he told Macht that the latter was his important partner in crime and an irredeemable villain, who would get his upcoming just like Glück then. His final words were telling Macht it had been fun, to which Macht replied he felt the same.

After Glück passed away, Macht enveloped the whole city with his magic in an instant, transmuted the Fortified City of Weise into gold and brought about its swift demise.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Macht
 * Denken
 * Glück
 * Lektüre

Locations
The Fortified City of Weise, Northern Plateau

Events
The Destruction of Weise

Spells

 * Soul Track (Basic offensive magic)
 * Defensive magic
 * Di Agölze (Universal Golden Transmutation magic)