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chapter-135

Chapter 135: ‘Frost Blade’ Tribe (1)

Roles were distributed among the team members.

Taemin Lee, Yeonhwa Yoo, and Teresa set off to scout the regions occupied by the Mines and the Bloodline Clans.

Cheon Yuseong had left the tower with a certain mission assigned to him by Jinhyuk.

He did vent his frustrations, but it was only for a moment.

What can you do, even if you hate it all year round?

There was really no option to refuse.

Lastly, Jinhyuk, along with Eunseok Jang and the players from the Dangun Guild, headed towards the location of ‘Danmsoo Lake’.

In the midst of the bleak, white landscape and the harsh winds,

About a dozen men and women lined up in single file.

“From here on, watch your step. It’s a terrain with crevasses so make sure you follow only the path I take,”

Jinhyuk led the party from the front.

“Tsk. Acting all high and mighty, who does he think he is?” muttered Eunseok Jang as he walked a short distance away from Jinhyuk.

His face, tarnished with annoyance and jealousy, oozed an inferiority complex towards his counterpart.

It was inevitable.

If you were to name the most influential guild in the world, the Dangun Guild would undoubtedly appear as a candidate.

Wasn’t he himself the one who secured the grand position of the raid leader in that guild?

Moreover, during the 90 days spent on the 6th floor, the guild’s influence only solidified, with the players’ clout surpassing any occupation.

Frankly, being an executive of a major guild, one wouldn’t even envy a congressman.

And yet…

Why the hell does this damned guy!

‘Why does he get more recognition and attention than me?’

A slight twist emerged at the corners of Eunseok Jang’s mouth.

Even now, at this moment, he could see the admiring gazes of his raid members fixed upon Jinhyuk, who walked with confident strides.

In plain terms, it was just that he knew a little more information. Were it not for that, he would have kicked him out right away.

“Right, Taeho? Huh? After all, why does everyone fuss over him just because he’s cleared a few first-time quests?”

Eunseok Jang asked for agreement.

The man next to him, Taeho Lee, chuckled bitterly.

He was the vice-raid leader of this expedition, a player who had been a close companion to Eunseok Jang even before the Tower of Trials emerged.

Thanks to those days, he had gained recognition for his skills and experience, allowing him to eventually enter the Dangun Guild.

“Don’t speak so harshly. Without Player Jinhyuk and the rest, we might have all been dead by now.”

The difference between the two was that unlike Eunseok Jang, Taeho Lee knew how to acknowledge others.

Knowing that feelings of inferiority could only be toxic, he tried to absorb the strengths of others – perhaps that was his style.

Had he possessed better combat sense than Eunseok Jang, he might have claimed the position of raid leader himself.

“Damn, I can’t argue. Just watch. I’ll surpass that guy in no time during this raid. I’ll be the one to get the Phoenix Feather and I’ll be the one to smash the Mines.”

Eunseok Jang clenched his jaw.

Yes, it had to be that way.

Because he was the protagonist of this raid, not anyone else.

But.

Even that conversation, which he thought would have been lost in the sound of the wind…

‘What a pity…’

Jinhyuk was already listening to everything.

The word “pity” was sincere.

Even if he didn’t agree with him, he brought Eunseok Jang along because he found his earnest efforts commendable.

He had just decided.

How much he would have to grind down Eunseok Jang.

＊＊＊

Danmsoo Lake (湛水湖).

The coldest place on the 7th floor, and also the site where all the mana of the staircase concentrated.

True to a place where strong auras converged, it was densely populated with monsters that exceeded normal standards.

However.

The ecosystem, maintained by a natural balance of power, had collapsed not long ago.

All because of the Ice Trolls.

Specifically, by the tribe named ‘Frost Blade’.

And now, just a short distance from Danmsoo Lake, thousands of Ice Trolls had gathered.

“…Hmm.”

A troll, settled on a chair made of red fur, let out a deep snort.

With blue skin and long tusks,

His eyes sparkled sharply, especially noticeable.

He was easily 1.5 times bigger than any troll gathered here.

How much time had passed?

Unable to wait any longer, one of the trolls opened his mouth.

It was a troll with a broken tusk.

“Chieftain… We can’t go on like this. No, we mustn’t.”

It was one word, made of two syllables.

Bearing the fate of the tribe with that word…

The troll, who had maintained silence until then, reacted.

“I know.”

A deep voice resounded.

The broken-tusked troll knew the intent behind his words.

And yet…

“We have no choice.”

The weight of their short conversation was palpable.

Karacal, the chieftain of the Frost Blade tribe and deemed the greatest warrior in the history of the tribe, came to that conclusion.

There was no choice.

Their allegiance to the Mines and the Vampire Blood Clan was a necessity.

He had to rationalize it that way.

Of course, this was not what they had wanted.

Pride and honor.

These were the pillars that supported the name, Frost Blade.

But to safeguard those values while facing the risk of the entire tribe turning to ash…

The overwhelming might of the Decaros Blood Clan and an alliance formed with the Mines showed not an ounce of mercy.

‘Fear of warriors dying is not present.’

To die fighting against strong opponents was the aspiration of a warrior.

Life was not precious.

Death was familiar and close, ready to be welcomed anytime.

The issue was…

The children and females without any power.

Precious companions bearing the future of the tribe.

If they were all lost, the name Frost Blade would disappear forever, buried in the snow.

That’s why…

He had to bear it all.

Karacal had given up honor and pride.

Only he, as the chieftain leading the tribe, had to shoulder it all.

It was his duty, after all.

“Chieftain…!”

“I will not allow opposition. All warriors, check your weapons one last time. Should the Blood Clan come here tomorrow, we will follow and attack the humans.”

This was it.

Their survival, exchanged for honor, had been decided.

It was at that moment when someone approached the territory of the Frost Blade tribe that not even large magical beasts dared to near.

“What’s with the gloomy mood? This isn’t some bummed-out dressing room where everyone’s hanging after losing down to their underwear at the casino.”

It was Jinhyuk.

＊＊＊

“Crazy…”

“He’s out of his mind…”

“Damn, is this a dream or reality? Why the hell am I even here…”

The players from the Dangun Guild had to muster all their strength just to keep their trembling bodies upright.

A mere dozen or so members.

When Jinhyuk first suggested going to ‘Danmsoo Lake’, they thought it might be to secretly snatch a hidden piece or hunt for monsters on the outskirts renowned for plentiful experience and rewards.

But to learn that they came to this place to encounter Ice Trolls…

Moreover, specifically the most ferocious known tribe, ‘Frost Blade,’ was utterly devastating.

This was a suicide mission.

To enter the den of thousands of trolls with this small group was the same as begging for death.

“Player Jinhyuk, please reconsider once more…”

Taeho Lee pleaded desperately, clutching the sleeve of Jinhyuk.

If they hide like dead in the crevices and take the chance to run away, there’s still a way to live.

Please…

Just don’t cause any trouble.

Everyone looked to Jinhyuk with desperate eyes.

But it was already too late.

“What’s with the gloomy mood? This isn’t some bummed-out dressing room where everyone’s hanging after losing down to their underwear at the casino.”

Jinhyuk shrugged off everyone’s grasp and stepped outside with a bright smile on his face.

“Human!”

“An intruder?”

The Ice Trolls bellowed in unison.

Instantly, they readied their spears and shields.

Indeed, they were the elite of tribes that had survived countless battles.

“…”

Karacal, too, watched Jinhyuk with an intrigued look.

Regardless, Jinhyuk confidently stepped forward.

Thunk.

His walk stopped. Right at a point directly facing Karacal.

He could go no further due to the densely packed guard.

“Hmm. Are you the boss of this tribe?”

“That’s right. My name is Karacal. I lead the Frost Blade tribe.”

Karacal replied readily.

And then immediately retorted.

“What brings you humans all the way here? Surely, you’re not coming to fight us with that small number.”

“Numbers game, huh… If you think that quantity beats quality, that would be disappointing. I mean, I’d be such a fool if I came all this way to confirm a worthy card and that’s the dumb reason.”

“What…?”

Karacal’s face contorted.

Naturally so, Karacal was hailed as the strongest warrior of the tribe, practically unifying the 7th layer.

If there were a boss monster here, he’d be fully qualified to take the seat.

Such disregard…!

Moreover, the other trolls around were cocking their heads, wondering if they heard correctly.

“Are you… Testing me? To see if I’m useful or not?”

Kukukuku!

An indescribable bloodlust began to fill the lake.

It was electrifying.

The hair on their skin stood on end.

The pressure they felt on their skin was tremendous.

Hmm…

Strange.

Was the Frost Blade chieftain supposed to be this strong?

“If you’re this strong, you wouldn’t have cowered behind those Blood Clan guys, I don’t understand.”

Jinhyuk shrugged his shoulders.

Really, it didn’t compute. Why would they submit to vampires while having such strength?

Sure, the Mines would have had knights amongst their ranks, and the two Blood Clans were not pushovers, but…

Well. With the army comprising thousands and a proficient leader like Karacal, they had enough force to wage a worthy battle.

“Do you think I submitted out of fear to those two?”

“Oh?”

The remark by him conveyed two meanings.

One was his confidence that he wouldn’t lose to Bertioun and Ophilia.

The other was that besides those two, there was another Vampire from the Decaros Clan.

And that vampire was also of a higher ranking.

‘Interesting.’

Yes, this level of difficulty and unpredictability sure adds excitement.

Too easy a game removes the thrill of enjoying this world.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Jinhyuk’s heart raced.

Orchestrating a grand game on a giant chessboard, arranging countless pieces strategically, and moving them as he pleased—was the very thrill of setting up the board.

Of course, to make that a success, there were mountains to overcome.

Perhaps, like the grumbling entity right before him?

Karacal picked up the huge spear lying next to the chair.

“Come at me all at once. Cowardly humans from the start. I’ll take you all on myself.”

“Really? Then let’s do that.”

“Sure, being dishonorable is something you humans can’t do even if you’re… huh?”

Karacal’s pupils shook like an earthquake.

But Jinhyuk emphatically repeated what he had said.

“Why? It’s true, humans are cowardly and know nothing of honor. Is there a problem?”

Honor? Dignity?

Those are things for you to search for so eagerly.

This side doesn’t care for such things.

“Do you hear that? Members of the Dangun Guild. True to our cowardly nature, we shall attack. Make sure you have your tools ready.”

To think the chieftain.

Would refuse to follow through with what he said. Surely he wouldn’t back down?

Crack!

Jinhyuk casually cracked his knuckles.