Meanwhile, Yeva and Ishi were waiting for Seol in Gargea.
"Yeva, what's going to happen to us?"
"Shouldn't we be thinking about what to do?"
"Yes. Maybe we should run away?"
"Is that even possible?"
"Oof…"
They sighed.
"Who would have thought things would get this far… I would’ve never brought Seol to the outpost if I'd known."
"We would’ve already been dead if it weren’t for him… We just got unlucky and got caught up in all this."
"Do you really think he's a transferee?""You also have doubts? He's certainly suspicious… Can a transferee really be that strong?"
"Have you ever seen a transferee who speaks troll?"
"No…"
"Me neither…"
The more they thought about it, the more their worries grew. They had doubts about Seol's identity, but they couldn't bring themselves to ask about it.
After all, Yeva and Ishi were peripheral figures in this war and also weak.
"I wonder what's going to happen…"
"The Emon and the Frostmaw will probably clash…"
"The fight will escalate, right?"
"Are you joking? Of course! This time, one of them might get completely wiped out."
"Who do you think will win?"
"Obviously… the Emon…"
"R-right?"
"You saw it too… That swarm. I couldn't even imagine facing them."
Even though Bron and his forces had joined, the mole army that once occupied the fortress was only a part of the Emon's force.
In other words, the more the war escalated, the more disadvantageous it would be for the Frostmaw.
"So… who would you rather win?"
"Not the Emon, at least."
"Me too… At times like this, how should a member of the Federation act?"
"A good member of the Federation would escape and report the current military situation in Hwigeltong to the Federation's leadership."
"Then, why aren't we doing that?"
"Because we aren't that good!"
"Correct."
"Honestly, I don't think they would even believe us… Let's at least document things properly. If not, we could be accused of being traitors."
"Good idea!"
Yeva grumbled.
"Does it make me strange to think I’d rather see the Frostmaw win…?"
"Well… I guess it would be better if the trolls won. At least we’ve exchanged a few words with them, right? I don't think it's particularly strange…"
At that moment…
"Open the castle!"
The fortress suddenly became noisy.
"Should we check it out, Ishi?"
"What are we waiting for?"
Paf—!
They climbed onto the parapets and looked down at those approaching the fortress through the snowy mountains.
"Oh my god…"
"Wh-what is that…?"
When they had retaken the fortress, they felt as if they were victorious generals. However, the true majesty akin to that of a triumphant general seemed to shine most brightly in situations like this. 𝐑𝓪𝐍ƟΒĘš
The sheer number of Frostmaw approaching the fortress was overwhelming, and the energy they exuded was truly chilling.
"So this is… the Frostmaw… The rulers of Hwigeltong…"
"Ishi…"
"Yes?"
"If the Federation were to receive a report of the scene we're witnessing right now, would they believe it?"
"They would probably smack Yeva's head with the report."
"Right?"
Step… Step…
The troll at the front shouted.
"Skola has returned! Open the door!"
Yeva and Ishi couldn't understand what he said, but his voice alone sent shivers down their spines.
"Ishi… This fight, perhaps…"
"I just had the same thought."
A war for the dominance of Hwigeltong was imminent.
As time went on, the outcome became increasingly uncertain.
* * *
Seated on the throne, Bron looked around at those gathered in the hall. They were divided on either side, discussing a single agenda.
"Now is the perfect opportunity! While they are unprepared, we should march to where Irizard is and finish this once and for all!"
"That judgment is exasperating. It isn't that simple. The number of moles has grown to unprecedented levels. There are also formidable opponents among them."
"If delaying things would change anything…"
Bron raised his hand as the heated debate continued, silencing the discussion.
"…"
He looked at Brutul and asked a question.
"Brutul."
"Yes."
"You know them best, don't you? How do their forces compare to ours at this moment?"
"They are either on par or hold a slight advantage."
"You can speak frankly."
"The Emon still have the upper hand."
Brutal had been fighting the Emon after Bron’s departure. That's why he was well aware of the Emon's scale.
"What? Even though I, Skola, am here, those damn moles still hold an advantage?"
"Skola, calm down. Even on the last expedition, our forces were evenly matched. What more needs to be said? That expedition ended in failure, after all. I'm sure the Emon's forces have grown significantly."
"Hngh…"
Upon hearing Brutul's honest assessment, Bron made an accurate diagnosis of the current situation.
"Clashing would mean annihilation."
"Hey…"
"No. I'm not referring to the destruction of just the Frostmaw—it's mutual annihilation."
"…"
"The Emon and the Frostmaw will both face total ruin with nothing left intact."
"But unless we fight… we won't know…"
"No. There are almost no variables. Their species rely on their overwhelming numbers, so they will inevitably try to fight on the snowy plains."
"…"
"Given the obvious risks, neither side will find it easy to launch an attack."
Brutul asked.
"Father, do you have something in mind?"
"We must possess overwhelming power."
"Yes…?"
"Only by crushing them with overwhelming power can we reduce the damage from the war."
It was an obvious statement, but it was easier said than done.
Brutul frowned as he replied. "How can we reinforce our strength to that degree in such a short time…?"
"We will meet the Icemaw Tribe."
Seol, who had been quietly listening, looked around upon hearing Bron's words.
'I was expecting it… But the reaction is quite intense.'
Skola was the first to raise his voice.
"Bron! Are you out of your mind? It's the Icemaw we're talking about!"
With Skola's outburst, the other trolls also turned against Bron.
"Bron, you exiled the Icemaw. They won't help us."
"They surely harbor resentment against us. They might be waiting for our mutual destruction with the Emon, hoping to seize dominance once it happens."
"Have you forgotten why we cast them out in the first place?!"
Seol silently waited for Bron to speak.
After a moment, when the troll's clamor subsided, Bron opened his mouth.
"Some among us have experienced death before. I’m sure they understand—Hey, you!"
"Yes…"
"Was there anything beyond death?"
The warrior who was addressed shook his head as he replied.
"There was nothing…"
"That's right. There's nothing. At least, in the death I've experienced…"
Bron slowly continued.
"We have taken root in this frozen wasteland. While we don't fear death, we should rightly fear meaningless death."
What Bron emphasized was survival.
"We will survive. All other things are secondary to that."
Skola laughed.
"Hahaha! Surviving, huh…? Bron, do you think those guys will willingly follow you? We also know this battle will decide the future, but the Icemaw and we are…"
"That's why I intend to confront them."
"What…?"
"To understand what they feel. If they were able to shake off the curse of the spirits, and if they can look toward the same goal as us."
Brutul shouted.
"Father! They are killers mad with bloodlust! They are the ones who killed my mother, your wife!"
"…"
"How could you say such a thing…"
Seol inhaled silently.
'So there was a story like that… Was that why the Icemaw were exiled?'
Brutul had every reason to be angry. However, Bron, having experienced death, seemed to have a different perspective.
"Brutul, I hated the Icemaw more than anyone else."
"Then why…?"
"Just like I was given time to change my mind, they were given the same opportunity. So maybe…"
Bron closed his eyes.
"We might reach a different conclusion."
"I'll go as well."
"You…?"
"Yes. I don't think I can accept the outcome until I see it with my own eyes."
"Very well… Me, Skola, and Brutul."
Swoosh…
Bron looked at Seol.
"The Great Shaman and the humans too."
When Yeva and Ishi saw Bron point at them, they asked Seol.
"What is he saying?"
"He says you two are coming along on this mission."
"Ah… Is that so…? Wait… us too?"
Gulp…
Ishi and Yeva gulped nervously.
"We're setting out to negotiate with the Icemaw."
Skola chuckled upon looking at the visibly tense Yeva and Ishi.
"What? Hahaha! These humans won't make it back alive!"
Yeva asked Seol.
"What did he say?"
"He says you can count on him if anything happens."
"What? Ah, phew…"
Yeva nervously smiled.
"Th-thanks, troll! That's reassuring!"
Skola looked at Seol.
"Hmm? What did she say?"
"She says they won't let something like death stand in their way."
"Hahaha! As expected! They aren't ordinary ones!"
With a minor misunderstanding left untouched, Bron and the expedition party set off to the Icemaw’s dwelling the next day.
* * *
Crunch…
Crunch…
"Skola, stop eating so much. If you eat all the provisions, what will we eat on the way back?"
"Aren't we marching to confront the Icemaw? One needs to have a full stomach to fight."
"If you go with the intent to fight, there will inevitably be one."
"If you don't go with the intent of fighting, you won't be prepared when one does come."
Bron and Skola stared at each other.
"Pff…"
"Haha…"
"You haven't changed…"
"Yes. Seeing how you haven't changed after becoming a brat, it seems we understood each other quite well."
Skola patted Yeva and Ishi’s shoulders.
Tap, tap…
"Eek!"
"A-a steel bar just fell on my shoulder!"
Ignoring their startled reactions, Skola said.
"If the Icemaw pulls any stunts, I will at least avenge you."
Although the journey was somewhat tiring, the presence of Seol, who was experienced with long-distance expeditions, prevented any major incidents from happening.
Aside from the time they were stuck in a cave to avoid a snowstorm—after spending a considerable amount of time—they finally reached the deepest part of Hwigeltong, where the Icemaw's outpost was located.
Grrr…
A massive white wolf bound to a small stake growled at them.
"I-is that stake secure…?"
"It looks like it’ll pop out if it jumps at us…"
"Hey! Don't say stuff like that."
It wasn't just the wolf—there were even snow eagles, bears, and even snow leopards. It felt as if they had entered a zoo.
And then…
"Ugh… What is that?"
"It looks like skin… and flesh…"
Stripped hides and flesh of monsters were scattered around, filling the air with the scent of death.
Yeva and Ishi were frozen with fear, but the rest of the group walked without much concern.
"Stop…"
A huge troll looked down at Bron.
"Bron… is that you?"
"Yes. I've come to meet with Bram."
"Hahaha… I'll relay the message to Bram."
The gatekeeper troll flicked his tongue and disappeared. He reappeared shortly after and gestured for the group to enter the outpost.
Sniff…
Seol took a sniff and sensed something unusual.
'This…'
His expression hardened as he whispered to Bron.
"Bron, a guest has come before us."
"Yes… I've smelled them too."
The outpost was massive. He thought it would probably be like a small village. But their numbers rivaled those stationed at the ice fortress.
From within, they heard a voice greet them.
"Ah… Bron, my brother, I've been waiting for you. I knew you would come."
"Bram… Your reception feels a bit lacking… Especially considering the other guests."
"Hahaha… Ignore them. Just like you, they came of their own accord."
The guests who had come before them turned around to look at Seol's group.
Seol had anticipated this, but Yeva and Ishi seemed shocked upon encountering these figures.
"M-moles…"
Bram had a striking resemblance to Branka. He was equally massive and grotesque.
With a grin, he introduced them.
"This one is called Zakcha."
Brutul clenched his fist.
Seol recalled the conversation he had with Brutul.
- A being called Zakcha, one of their generals, attacked the fortress along with the Great Shaman, Krom. Although we were outnumbered, I thought we would be able to hold our ground by using the terrain…
The mole general, Zakcha.
'He's no ordinary being. That power…'
It seemed he had received the most power from Irizard. He was emitting such intense energy that he thought that he might be the strongest one among the moles.
'Then, the one beside him must be…'
It was probably the Great Shaman, Krom.
Seol inspected the staff in Krom's hand. At its head, there was indeed a blue crystal engraved with a white bird.
'Found it.'
Seol smirked and looked at Krom's eyes.
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