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. Its 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.

Wasnt 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 guilds influence only solidified, with the players clout surpassing any occupation.

Frankly, being an executive of a major guild, one wouldnt 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 Jangs 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 hes 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.

Dont 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 cant argue. Just watch. Ill surpass that guy in no time during this raid. Ill be the one to get the Phoenix Feather and Ill 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 didnt 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 ().

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 cant go on like this. No, we mustnt.

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.

Thats 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.

Whats with the gloomy mood? This isnt some bummed-out dressing room where everyones hanging after losing down to their underwear at the casino.

It was Jinhyuk.

Crazy

Hes 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, theres still a way to live.

Please

Just dont cause any trouble.

Everyone looked to Jinhyuk with desperate eyes.

But it was already too late.

Whats with the gloomy mood? This isnt some bummed-out dressing room where everyones hanging after losing down to their underwear at the casino.

Jinhyuk shrugged off everyones 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?

Thats 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, youre 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, Id be such a fool if I came all this way to confirm a worthy card and thats the dumb reason.

What?

Karacals 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, hed 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 Im 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 youre this strong, you wouldnt have cowered behind those Blood Clan guys, I dont understand.

Jinhyuk shrugged his shoulders.

Really, it didnt 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 wouldnt 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!

Jinhyuks heart raced.

Orchestrating a grand game on a giant chessboard, arranging countless pieces strategically, and moving them as he pleasedwas 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. Ill take you all on myself.

Really? Then lets do that.

Sure, being dishonorable is something you humans cant do even if youre huh?

Karacals pupils shook like an earthquake.

But Jinhyuk emphatically repeated what he had said.

Why? Its 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 doesnt 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 wouldnt back down?

Crack!

Jinhyuk casually cracked his knuckles.