The 31st Piece Overturns the Game Board

Seol’s party sprang into action the moment they learned of the resurrected Branka’s plans. There was no time to waste. They needed to disrupt his plans, no matter how.

"For some reason, the trolls have all locked their doors and aren't coming out."

"C…Cold."

"We should also be careful about frostbite. If we aren't careful…"

Jamad and Seol strode forward, which left Joneh and Santio with no choice but to follow them—the cold more biting with each step.

Whoosh…

"Ugh…"

As Joneh and Santio's teeth were chattering from the cold, Seol looked back and said, "Luckily, there are no sentries."

"Sentries? It isn't that there's anything else out here… Huh? Wait."

"So this is where they store their preserved food. Well, most provisions would freeze in this kind of cold. Quite the setup. So… are you thinking of burning this place down?"

Seol, who had been stroking his chin, shook his head.

"That's no different than announcing our presence. We're going to take some minor measures and move on."

A set of options appeared before Seol.

[[This is the Frostmaw Tribe’s preserved food storage. Since hunting in the snowfields rarely goes as planned, the storage is essentially a lifeline for them. However, for some reason, the sentries who should be guarding this place are nowhere to be seen. This could be an opportunity. What will you do?]

1. [Risk Factor: Strong Boundary, Detection, Extinguishment] Burn down the preserved food storage.

2. Break down the door and steal the supplies inside.

3. [Requirement: Poison] Contaminate the preserved food.

4. Hide inside the storage.

…]

BZZ…

Seol, who had now become one with Jamad, placed his hand on the outer wall of the preserved food storage.

Whoosh…

The Majestic Mountain Energy flowed through the outer wall of the storage and went into the ground.

Rumble…

There was a slight tremor.

"It's done. Let's go."

"A-already?"

"You aren't even going to check inside?"

"There's no need to."

After Seol and Jamad did something mysterious to the preserved food storage, they soon reappeared in a different location.

"Oof… So this is how the underground is structured."

"They not only cultivate plants here but have also made underground paths… Be careful, they're here."

Grrr…

Wack! Wack!

A group of trolls circled around and passed near where Seol's party was hiding.

"What did they say…?"

"They said they need to finish up quickly and head back in since a snowstorm is coming."

"They must be the internal patrol. So the fact this underground passage exists means…"

"It's probably to prepare for the snowstorm. Once it hits, they won't be able to come outside for several days."

Joneh's eyes widened.

"S-several days? They suffer such long snowstorms?"

"There are many records of such. Human settlements have been outside the snowstorm's reach for a while, but the trolls still live within those dreadful storms."

Jamad replied to Santio.

"Snowstorms in the North last for at least two days, sweeping through vast areas. The Frostmaw Tribe prioritizes survival above all else because they have endured these harsh snowstorms."

Seol smirked and asked.

"No one loves gossiping about other tribes' affairs more than trolls. Although they cooperate, deep down, they think they're better than other tribes. Seeing how even the closed-off Frostmaw Tribe's stories have spread to our Tribe in the South…"

Due to the snowstorm, the ice castle would soon retreat into its shell like a turtle. No one would dare to move; they would likely convince themselves they were safe, simply waiting for the storm to pass.

At that moment, a set of options appeared.

[[The Frostmaw Tribe has constructed underground passageways in their settlement. The exact purpose of these passages is unclear, but they seem quite important to the tribe, especially due to crop cultivation. What will you do?]

1. Sabotage the root crop cultivation site.

2. Follow the patrol.

3. Make the supporting pillars collapse.

4. Search for an underground water vein.

…]

"This place looks good."

Whoosh…

WHOOM…

Just like the preserved food storage, Jamad poured Mountain Energy into the outer wall. However, it seemed that once wasn't enough, so he repeatedly muttered an unknown spell to the pillars and the wall.

"This should be enough. The next one will be the last."

"Huh? What are you talking about? We have to face this huge fortress..."

"Joneh, for now, let’s follow his lead."

"Ugh…"

Seol's party exited and looked beyond the castle's walls.

Not only could they see the magnificent mountain range, but they also felt a deathly silence.

Jamad looked into the distance and said, "It's coming."

Joneh and Santio turned their heads in the direction he was looking and gasped.

"Eek…"

"Th-that's…"

"Yes. That's the Northern snowstorm."

WHOOSH—!

WHOOSH—!

There was tremendous wind blowing. It was so strong that even their lips began to tremble. Along with that wind came the chilling fear of death.

"I-isn't that dangerous for us too?"

"It is."

"Th-then…"

"But it's not like we don't have a solution. Right, Seol?"

Seol smiled.

"If you're warm, you might even find the snowstorm refreshing. Now, let's head to the next location."

* * *

WHOOSH—!

WHOOM!

A colossal windstorm swept through the castle.

Someone watching it through a window clenched their fists.

Branka, the leader of the Frostmaw Tribe, shivered at the grandeur of nature.

"It's beautiful yet terrifying."

"The snowstorm has begun."

"Have you made all the necessary preparations?"

"Not only have we completed all the spells against the cold, but we've also inspected the nearby facilities. Additionally, the patrols were withdrawn early, so unless someone defied orders, no one should fall victim to the snowstorm."

"Good. Once we endure this trial, I will seize what remains of the mind of the Head of the Library. Once that happens…" Branka sat in his chair. "I, Branka, will take control of everything."

"There is no one here who doubts that will happen."

"Hmph…"

Branka felt a strange sense of disappointment as things were unfolding too easily.

He was one of the monsters who had survived an era of upheaval. He had shed blood to achieve his desires, and when that blood froze, he bled from other wounds once more.

Branka was a cold warrior.

Even as he methodically carried out his plans, a question lingered in his chest. Was the one sitting in the chair, tapping the armrest with his fingers, truly Branka, the Cold?

Since emerging from the pages of the book, he had chosen a sure path over constant struggle. Was that the right decision?

Did he get wiser with age? Had age simply made him more cautious? Or perhaps had he become more fearful?

"I guess I'll figure it out once I get everything."

In the end, only the result would remain—that Branka had miraculously revived and taken control of the world.

At that moment, a large mug filled with fermented liquor caught Branka's eyes.

Paf…

The liquor inside the mug rippled.

"Hmm…?"

At that moment, a voice caught Branka's attention.

"Branka!"

"What is it?"

"Y-you see…"

The voice was filled with ominous hesitation.

"What is it?!"

"Th-the food storage collapsed!"

"What do you mean by that…? It collapsed?"

Branka's gaze unconsciously returned to the mug from earlier.

"Don't tell me the tremor just now… Why?! Didn't you say you thoroughly checked everything before the sentries were withdrawn?!"

"W-we definitely checked it thoroughly!"

"Damn it… We need to recover everything before the storm freezes it all!"

"We've already sent soldiers through the underground passage. If we act quickly and salvage what we can, we should still be able to process it despite the damage."

"Hurry. Our food reserves aren't abundant. If we mishandle this, we could end up starving during the snowstorm."

"I'll send as many soldiers as possible to handle this situation! The cause…"

"Figure it out after the snowstorm. The damage has already been done. Just minimize losses."

"Yes!"

Swoosh…

Branka sat back in his chair.

His heart began beating faster.

It was the first time this happened since his resurrection.

'Why?'

Struggling to understand why his heart was pounding faster, Branka sank deep into his chair, lost in thought.

Then, a few moments later.

WHOOM…

This time, there was an even greater tremor.

BOOM!

Crack…

A long crack appeared across the floor beneath Branka.

"What the… What's going on?!"

A dumbfounded-looking subordinate approached Branka.

"Th-this can't be…"

"Hurry!"

"Th-the underground passage has collapsed."

"What about the troops headed to the storage…?"

"The status of most is unclear… B-but there's a bigger problem…"

"Say it…"

"The ground is collapsing…"

"Until what point?"

"It will most likely affect the entire area…"

Branka's face became blank.

What covered his face was neither composure nor cold calculation.

Why.

Why now?

"The snowstorm… is entering the castle."

"Agh!"

Crack!

Branka stood up in anger.

He couldn't do anything regarding the damage suffered by the troops—he needed to take immediate action.

"Summon the shamans… We must block the wind."

"Y-yes, sir!"

Swoosh…

While Branka hurriedly wore his armor, his subordinates ran off to fetch the shamans.

But a few moments later, they returned with barely half of the shamans they had started with.

"M-many shamans have disappeared!"

Hearing those words made Branka's heart race.

He smirked.

"Now I understand… A rat has crawled in. I'll go myself! You, block the cold infiltrating the castle!"

"Yes!"

[Jamad used Mountain Shamanic Spell: Crack.]

[Cracks will appear at the marked locations.]

[If the location or strength is insufficient for cracking, it will receive an equivalent amount of impact instead.]

The ones responsible for the disappearance—no—death of the shamans were, of course, Seol's party. They also caused the collapse of the storage and the underground passageway.

"How did you make the underground passageway collapse?"

Jamad nonchalantly answered, "I'm a Mountain Shaman. Figuring out the weak points is easy. It was decided the moment we entered the castle."

With the underground passageway's collapse, a breach had formed in Branka's fortress, allowing the snowstorm to pour in.

Jamad had fulfilled his role, and now it was Seol's turn.

"So… What are you making?"

"It seems good. Although it doesn't look great."

Tsss…

While chaos erupted inside the castle, Seol's party was inside a kitchen.

Seol pulled out ingredients he had stashed away earlier, poured oil into a large cast iron pot, and stir-fried them.

A savory aroma mixed with an indescribable scent filled the air.

And finally, Seol completed something amid the chaos that had been going on in the castle.

[You have finished cooking.]

[You have made a Volcanic Squid Stir-fried in Peanut Oil.]

[A spicy aroma fills the air. The dish was a success.]

[This recipe has never been seen before.]

[You have been Inspired.]

[You feel like you will be able to come up with a recipe the next time you come across a new ingredient.]

[Your cooking skills have slightly improved.]

…

Although it wasn't a monster dish, it was a recipe Seol knew well.

The Volcanic Squid Stir-fried in Peanut Oil was something that had proven useful in the past.

"Go ahead, eat."

"O-okay…"

"For a moment, I forgot where I was."

Joneh and Santio were puzzled by Seol's sudden offer to cook. However, since he said he had a plan, they began eating without complaint.

"Oh! This has a unique taste!"

"It's delicious! It's my first time trying this dish, and it’s already among the best I’ve tasted!"

"Whew… It's a bit spicy. Do you have anything to drink?"

Seol shook his head, "You have to endure the spiciness as you eat this dish."

"Ugh… Why?"

"Joneh… My stomach…"

"You too? My stomach has been hurting as well…"

Seol said while standing up.

"The effect is kicking in."

[You had a fiery meal.]

[Volcanic Squid Stir-fried in Peanut Oil’s Bonus Effect activates.]

[For the next 6 hours, you will be in a 'Moving Volcano' state.]

[Unless you cool down the heat, you will suffer excruciating pain.]

"Ugh…"

"A-aah…"

"Now. Let's go outside."

"A-are you out of your mind?! There's a snowstorm outside… Ugh…"

Paf—!

Seol went out first, and Joneh and Santio reluctantly followed.

Creak…

As Seol opened the door.

WHOOM!

An intense snowstorm roared in.

"It's dangerous! Close the… Huh?"

"Joneh? By any chance… Did you feel comfortable…?"

"You too, Santio?"

"Yes, how interesting. Don't tell me this is because of what we just ate…"

Joneh and Santio looked at Seol.

"Moving around a bit should be okay. Follow me. This way!"

"Ha! Hahaha! This is amazing!"

"The snowstorm doesn't bother me at all. Although my vision is still a bit limited, but still."

"This is refreshing! You should have told us beforehand! It really hurt before!"

With a noticeably lighter atmosphere, Seol's party continued moving.

"So now, we just have to reach the Head of the Library, right?"

"Since the castle is a mess right now, the security should have decreased. First…"

Paf—!

Seol, who was leading the way, suddenly stopped.

"Huh? What's the matter…"

"Oh…"

WHOOSH…

There was an overwhelming presence ahead of them.

"I've found the rats. As expected, you were after the Head of the Library."

Branka had abandoned all other concerns and headed straight to the Head of the Library.

Branka grinned, "How did you get through the 6th floor? That demonic beast should have been guarding."

Even though Branka had come to face Seol's party for having sabotaged his plans, he appeared more excited than angry.

"Haha… So that's how it is…"

"What are you talking about?"

"I've been wondering… Whether I was still truly myself. But now, after facing you, I'm certain."

"…"

A cold, blue spark seemed to flash in Branka's eyes.

"This is… Branka. The thought of crushing you and making you pay made my heart race. As a reward, I will bury you beneath the snow."

Crack…

Seol soon assimilated with Jamad.

"A troll…?"

"Branka, I've heard a lot about you."

"Who are you? I don't think we've met before… Do you know me?"

"Of course I do. It wouldn't be right for a descendant not to recognize the stinking old man who's been passed down through books."

"Haha… Ah, so you were one of my descendants?"

Whoosh…

There was a silence between them, broken only by the howling of the snowstorm in the background.

"I'm Jamad."

"I'm Branka."

CRACKLE!

Branka's muscles swelled.

"Say your greetings along with your last words. You won't have much time, after all."

The leader of the Frostmaw Tribe who used Ancient Shamanic Spells—Branka, the Cold, was back.

Jamad looked at him with a vicious grin.

"Hello… and goodbye, old man."

"I'll kill you!"

BOOM—!