Chapter 328

Chapter 328

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.

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."

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.