The 31st Piece Overturns the Game Board

"WOAAAHHH!"

"UOOOOOO!"

The cries of the beasts showed no signs of ceasing. Covered head to toe in frozen bloodstains, the Frostmaw roared.

Everyone rejoiced in the victory—except for Seol.

'In reality, the Emon haven't lost much. It's too early to celebrate.'

Thanks to Seol and Bron's efforts, they managed to eliminate countless moles that charged at the Frostmaw, eliminating three giant mutated ones in the process.

'It isn't enough.'

They needed something more substantial to achieve a definitive victory. If Left unchecked, the moles’ numbers would multiply like mushrooms after rain. The war would become one of countless skirmishes if they left this happen, eventually putting them at a disadvantage.

Although it was a victory, they needed an even greater one.

If they did things correctly, the ice fortress could easily repel the moles who relied solely on their number to launch frontal assaults.

The moles lacked intelligence. Not only that, but their unfamiliarity with the fortress' terrain had also been a decisive factor in their defeat.

[Faction: Frostmaw's base has changed to Ice Fortress, Gargea.]

There was no way the fortress didn't have a name. Gargea now belonged to the Frostmaw.

Step…

Step…

Brutul stood before the true chief, Bron.

"Father… just what happened to you?"

"Haha… Would you believe me if I told you?"

"After seeing you return from the death, there's nothing I wouldn't believe."

"Hahaha… Fine. I'll explain everything."

Bron recounted every detail of what happened in the Library of All Knowledge from his perspective.

One day, he woke up with Branka, the Frostmaw Tribe, and his subordinates in the same place. There were only books around them, making it impossible to understand what had happened. Regardless, they had no choice but to move to survive. Ȓ

After all, it wasn't just the trolls that had awakened—a huge black wolf had attacked them, and they couldn't think of facing it before grasping the situation. That's why they headed upstairs.

The rest of the story was as Seol knew it exactly.

"So… Branka also awoke?"

"Yes. Although, All Knowledge who's here… No, the Pillar of the Earth has dealt with him."

"Then, why…"

"Branka was sick, Brutul. His overwhelming ambition nearly led everyone to disaster."

Bron laughed heartily.

"Hahaha! I almost didn't make it back here myself!"

Finally, he told how Seol—who had become All Knowledge—gave life to Bron and the Frostmaw, who had been mere illusions before.

Yeva and Ishi, who had been listening to the conversation, were also shocked.

"Oh my God… Is that possible?"

"Ressurection… Seol did?"

The more Yeva and Ishi heard of Seol's doings, the more they distanced themselves from him. It was only natural. No one would want to grow close to someone who could crush them with a flick of a finger.

However, they kept those emotions to themselves. Outwardly, they showed no reluctance. They merely refrained from drawing closer than necessary.

"I see… Everyone…"

"Do you believe me?"

"I must. It's a miracle that saved the tribe. Not believing it would be sacrilege."

"Hahaha! That's right, indeed."

Swoosh…

With a hardened expression, Brutul removed his necklace and extended it.

"What's this…?"

"Do you remember this necklace?"

"I do."

"It's the necklace you entrusted me before leaving for your last expedition. It's a symbol of the Frostmaw… The token of a Great Chief."

"…"

"I failed my duty. Please, take it back."

"Failed your duty?"

"I… I couldn't be the son that could answer your hopes… I constantly disappointed you, and even when you were underground, I felt guilty for it."

"Is that your judgment?"

Boom…

Brutul stuck his head to the ground.

"Please, rebuke me for my shortcomings."

"Bring me the token."

At those words, Brutul handed the necklace over to Bron.

This was a declaration. That his rule was flawed, and now it would be taken back.

"You did well."

"Yes...?"

"Do you remember what I said when I handed this to you before leaving for the expedition?"

"That was…"

Brutul thought carefully before answering.

"You said you'd come back…"

"Hahaha! Yes… That's it." Bron chuckled.

"I can finally say I've returned. I took a considerably long detour and ultimately failed to achieve my goal, but… my son, I was the one who couldn't keep the promise."

"…"

"My ambition to pacify Hwigeltong before your time came probably led to the past mistakes. It was all my fault."

"That…"

"I will become your shadow."

Bron nodded.

"Before your time comes, the Frostmaw will again see prosperity."

"That means…"

"I will temporarily hold onto the Great Chief's token."

[Faction: Frostmaw's leader, Brutul, steps down from the throne.]

[Faction: Frostmaw's new leader is 'Bron, the Great Hail.']

Brutul trembled as he spoke.

"I've always dreamt of this day."

Each had their own story to tell.

"I always believed that someday… You would return to set things right, Father."

"Hahaha! I shall do my best. Return to your place since there's still a crucial matter that must be solved for the tribe's future."

"Yes."

Brutul quietly returned to his place. No one took issue with it or mocked him.

Trolls were a species that revered wisdom and strength. Naturally, the position of Great Chief had to go to the strongest and wisest.

Bron was more suited than Brutul.

Swoosh…

Bron looked over at the assembled trolls, then turned to Seol. He knew Seol was Jamad.

Moments ago, Bron exuded the authority of the Great Chief, but he cast it aside and took on a humble posture.

"All Knowledge… No. Great Shaman of the Earth. Listen to my words."

Bron stepped down from the throne and slowly walked forward. The trolls parted to make room for him.

"The Frostmaw has ruled as the dominant force in Hwigeltong for countless years. Yet, due to my arrogant and reckless decision, we're now on the brink of collapse."

Bron looked around at the surrounding trolls and said, "It's truly shameful. However, I believe there's still hope. I believe that with you here, a new opportunity has come to the Frostmaw."

His eyes met Seol's.

"I do not doubt it."

"Bron."

"Our allies are tired and have abandoned us. Even with my return, I, Bron, cannot restore things to how they once were."

He extended his hand.

"I ask you… Will the Great Shaman of the Earth lend me his power?"

"I have already made a deal with Madria."

Bron paused for a moment, then shook his head.

"A deal is a deal, but it cannot bring certainty. The battle with Irizard will be one in which everything is at stake. Right now… I need certainty."

Seol and Jamad were already one. He conveyed his intent.

"Let me ask. Have you known about Irizard's existence for a long time?"

"The Emon's uprising and Irizard's corruption happened during my era. The struggle has been going on for a while."

"Then… do you believe that Irizard can be defeated even though her strength has waned? Considering she's still a fragment of an Old God?"

It was a valid question. Any answer besides one would be unsatisfactory.

However, there was no way Bron would give such an answer. Without a moment's hesitation, Bron responded with a laugh.

His speech had reverted to his natural tone.

"Hahaha! Of course! If you lend us your hand, it's possible!"

[[The new leader of the Frostmaw, Bron, seeks your assistance. Bron intends to defeat Irizard, a fragment of an Old God. How will you respond?]

1. A fragment of an Old God is still an Old God. It cannot be defeated.

2. I will think about it carefully.

3. I will maintain our relationship. Even if the opponent is an Old God, there won't be much difference.

4. There's a condition.

…]

Seol smirked as Jamad's voice flowed out from within him.

"I shall partake in your ambition."

Bron laughed as he shouted.

"Bring the alcohol!"

The drink was poured into the skull of a monstrous beast.

"I, Bron, swear. I welcome you as a sworn ally and will stand by your side through any hardship."

"As do I."

Bron poured a Shamanic Spell into the drink and shared it.

Gulp… Gulp…

[Helper 'Bron, the Great Hail' pays his respects to you.]

[Helper 'Bron, the Great Hail' becomes your Sworn Friend.]

[Your Primal Powers are resonating.]

[A Sworn Friend will listen to news about you attentively and stand by you, even if it means abandoning all else.]

[Trust him. He won't betray you.]

* * *

The Old God, Madria, had been relocated to the depths of the fortress.

Since her relocation, the damage dealt to the fortress had been restored. And the snowy mountain ravaged by the moles regained its vitality.

Seol and Jamad fortified the soil of the snowy mountains, blocking any paths the moles might use to invade.

No matter how adept they were at moving through the underground, they would have to do it through the main gate if they wanted to enter the fortress.

"Bron! I can't believe it!"

"Hahaha! Back off, keep some distance."

"Is it really you, Bron? Have you actually returned? Have you transcended death?"

"I was lucky. Not only did I overcome death, but I regained my youth too, hahaha…"

Madria leaped with joy at the return of the mighty Bron.

"I'm happy! But… Irizard is growing stronger… Meanwhile, mine is fading… I can't deal with Irizard."

"Huh? How is someone who doesn't leave the fortress supposed to deal with Irizard in the first place? You wouldn't last even ten seconds against her."

"What? That's too harsh!"

Madria pouted, visibly upset.

Seol felt a strange sensation upon seeing Bron tease the Old God.

It felt odd seeing him interact so casually with an Old God. After all, Jamad had a negative view of them. His hatred was so intense that he also felt those emotions when he encountered Purga.

However, when Bron and Madria were together, there wasn't a trace of such negative atmosphere.

- There are some peculiar ones among the Old Gods—though perhaps it's just Madria now…? After all, it’s impossible to know the minds of those dealing with the clouds.

Seeing Seol's curiosity, Jamad offered his insight.

While they were having this conversation, voices around them suddenly began rising.

"Bron, are you out of your mind?!"

"I'm always in my right mind. We don't have time. We need to move faster than they expect."

"Even if your assumptions are correct… that method is far too dangerous!"

"I won't change my mind. This is the only way to stand a chance against Irizard. And it still might not be enough. There's one more extreme measure we must take."

"I'm sure there's another way… Another way to defeat Irizard…"

"Madria."

Bron looked into Madria's eyes.

"Trust me."

"…"

"I won't fail twice."

"You're planning to go alone, aren't you?"

"…"

"Irizard probably knows… She'll know you're coming and will likely send a lot of moles."

"I know."

"You know, and you're still going? You're going to die."

"Hahaha… Even if they know, will they be able to stop me? After all, now I have…"

Bron looked at Seol.

"…luck on my side.'

"I know how stubborn you are, Bron, and that you won't listen to me… Fine! I will make you a Shamanic Spell to wake up the cuties. Take it."

"On point as always…"

Bron grabbed a blue crystal.

As he left the hall, he said.

"Let's go. It will be just a little walk in the park."

As they left the hall, Madria grabbed Seol.

"Child…"

Splash…

"I can see the potential within you. Protect Bron… please."

Swoosh…

Jamad's form, half-turned, responded to Madria.

"Hmph… There won’t be any problems with me here."

"Please…"

Not even a full day after their farewell with Madria, Seol and Bron left the snowy mountains—just the two of them.

They took no soldiers along.

Although the opposition was intense, everyone understood that ensuring the success of this mission, as well as protecting the fortress and Madria, were both essential.

Both were formidable tasks that required everyone's utmost effort.

More soldiers could help, but removing too many troops could endanger the fortress and Madria.

It was a battle where they had to both defend and attack.

This was the only way.

* * *

With Seol and Bron's departure, the fortress could become vulnerable to mole attacks. That's why it was crucial to fill in for their absence without letting it be noticed.

The two strongest Great Shamans had left on a secret mission. Due to a battle having taken place recently, they assumed that the enemy wouldn't be able to respond quickly.

Now, guided by Bron, Seol headed to the Tomb of Breath.

"Is there any guarantee that going to the Tomb of Breath will make this plan succeed?"

"Haha… Who knows… If Irizard's power has grown far beyond my expectations, then all this would be for nothing. If that's the case, those who slumber there would already be beyond saving."

"What exactly happened at the Tomb of Breath…?"

"You asked if we knew of Irizard's existence, right? Yes, we knew of her. And we tried to subdue her."

Bron said in a somber tone.

"And we were defeated. Realizing that defeat was imminent, I used a Forbidden Shamanic Spell before Irizard could take everything."

"You used a Forbidden Shamanic Spell?"

"Yes… I froze the entire expedition. It would have been the end of the Frostmaw if Irizard had taken their souls."

"What was the price of the Forbidden Shamanic Spell?"

The power of a Forbidden Shamanic Spell varied greatly depending on its price. There might even exist a Forbidden Shamanic Spell so powerful that not even an Old God would dare to interfere, especially since Irizard wasn't a complete Old God.

"The price I paid was my life…"

His life… Bron's last Shamanic Spell had most likely succeeded.

If so…

"If before dying, my spell succeeded…"

Then Bron's lieutenants who had fought Irizard that day might still slumber there.

In the Tomb of Breath.

"They should be there, frozen."