“Hold on, Endure! Just a little further, then we can fall back!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton, the leader of the Blue Jewel Dwarves, shouted with all his strength.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Endure! Don’t collapse! We’re almost there!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Though hope rang from his lips, despair was swelling within Blton’s heart.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Damn monsters! There are too many of them…’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
They had set out on a mission entrusted to them.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But their departure had been far too late.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The monsters clung to their tails, and once they reached the valley below, they were inevitably caught.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘We should have done it like the Red Hammer.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
At the gathering after receiving the mission, Tarunga, the Red Hammer leader, had vowed to abandon everything and migrate.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Back then, Blton had thought Tarunga naive and reckless.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘We should have hurried, even if it meant losing everything.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Now, looking back, he regretted that hesitation.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He had even abandoned all the supplies they had carried while fleeing.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Yet the end was drawing near.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘If we could just get into that other valley over there, maybe we could farm for a while…’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Judging by the monsters pressing in, even that seemed unlikely.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Endure! Keep fighting! We’re almost there!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Endure! You can survive! The Balankar Mountains are right ahead!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“The land of hope is waiting…!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
One dwarf shouting hope was struck by a monster’s attack and fell dead.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Tr-Troll! Damn twin-headed trolls have appeared again!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Damn it! Fall back! The chief will drive them off!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The dwarves panicked and retreated.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton stepped forward.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He gripped his axe and shield tightly.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Die!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton slammed the shield with the axe.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Gooooong—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Resonance rang out between the two weapons.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Pajijijik—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A fierce electric shock fired.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The bolt struck the troll.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Ku-raaaaagh—!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The twin-headed troll howled and collapsed backward.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton’s expression was grim.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Still didn’t kill it.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Despite being hit by the electric shock, the troll didn’t die.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Other monsters dragged the troll to the rear.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Once it recovers, it’ll attack again.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton’s finest equipment—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The shield and axe charged with electricity—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Even their combined electric strike couldn’t take down the twin-headed troll.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Damn Magic!’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was because of Magic.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The troll, infused with Magic, exhibited several times the resilience and regeneration of before.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘There’s a limit to the equipment.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton’s hands burned hot.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
His axe and shield had heated up from overuse.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I overused the Skill and got an overload.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
As an excellent blacksmith, Blton had known this from the start.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
At this rate, the gear wouldn’t last much longer.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“What should I do…”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Though the troll was pushed back, waves of smaller monsters pressed like a tide.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
In the end, Blton’s actions repeated themselves.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Endure! Just a little further and it’s the valley! Once we reach the valley, we live!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Unfortunately, Blton’s wish was not easily fulfilled.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Kr-r-rum, com-com—”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Readang—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A pack of dark, drooling monsters resembling dogs quickly charged forward.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Flank! Damn it, watch the sides!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Monsters! We can’t break through. We’ll be completely surrounded.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“No way… The Balankar Mountains are right ahead.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Voices laced with despair reached them.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Their spirits sagged.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton could barely speak.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘We have to at least push back the Monsters.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton gathered all his strength and lifted his axe and shield again.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
At that moment—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Waaaaa! Protect the Blue Jewel!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Kill the monsters!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A fierce shout rang out.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Something began flying.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Mushoo shush shush—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Mushoo shush shush—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A rain of arrows blanketed the sky above the monsters’ heads.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton turned his head backward.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
On the ridge above, countless dwarves appeared.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Blton! Hurry! Fall back to the valley!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“There’s no time! Quickly! Gather the tribe and run!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was Tarunga and Dalkong.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton’s face flushed at the arrival of the main force.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“The Rescue Squad is here! Blue Jewel, hang on!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton’s voice echoed amid the shower of arrows.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Waaah! We’re saved!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“We can survive!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Fall back! Fall back to the valley!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Blue Jewel tribe retreated into the valley.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Rescue Squad, led by Tarunga and Dalkong, moved swiftly.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
They set fire to the brush prepared beforehand, blocking the valley entrance.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The heating oil Suho had provided came in handy.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A curtain of flames appeared.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Monsters howled, trapped by the wall of fire.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
***
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“What? Dwarves, what are you doing?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho growled at Balryong.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I warned them. But they didn’t listen. They can’t stand by when my kin are in danger.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“You should’ve tried everything!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Weighing the cost of defending the base is no easy matter.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Then you’re saying I should forcibly hold them back? I can’t move my vision to their side or help them.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho clicked his tongue and averted his gaze from Balryong.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
This was no time for disputes.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho hurried to the Freezer and peered inside.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Inside the wall was eerily empty.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Except for the elderly and weak, only a bare minimum number remained.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Which direction did the dwarves go?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Don’t know. They just vanished to the other side of the wall.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“That much we can allow.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
As Suho was shouting, a voice came from the Freezer.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Giant! You’re here, Giant?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was Bold.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He had stayed behind to communicate with Suho.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Bold, what’s the situation?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Someone came from the Blue Jewel tribe. They said they’re being chased by monsters. Our leader and Dalkong took some tribe members and went to rescue them.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“How long ago? Which direction?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“About two hours ago. That way. See that valley? It narrows into a small ravine down there…”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Bold explained the terrain and the dwarves’ route down the mountain.
[Check the details through the Dimensional Panel.]
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Dwarf Rescue Squad”
The Blue Jewel Dwarf tribe, en route to the Balankar Mountains on a mission, was ambushed.
Assist the Red Hammer and Light Hide Dwarves dispatched to rescue them, and save the Blue Jewel tribe.
Reward: New Exchange Target (Blue Jewel Dwarves), Blue Jewel Dwarf Satisfaction.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Quickly confirming the mission, Suho moved his vision.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The sight moved along the valley.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“They’re not here! They didn’t make it this far.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho searched the valley to the very end but saw no dwarves.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“We have to find another way.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho poked the ground and fell into deep thought.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Balryong quietly approached.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Don’t be too disheartened. I know your skills.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Yeah, that’s right!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho let out a sigh.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
While discussing the new mine, Suho explained the Dimensional Sight to Tarunga and Dalkong.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I know the limits of what I can do. But I’ll try to get as close as possible. Maybe I can prepare a way to help beforehand.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Right. He wouldn’t have come without a plan. The fate of our people depends on this.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho’s task was clear.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Wait! Be ready to help as soon as they come into sight!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho dragged a chair before the freezer and sat down.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I won’t let them die.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Determination blazed in Suho’s eyes.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
***
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Inside the valley.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Three dwarf leaders hastily gathered.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Listen, Blton. Are you hurt?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“You’ve had it rough, Blton. Are you okay?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I’m fine. Thank you so much for coming to rescue us.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton bowed his head.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But the expression on his face was far from bright.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Why such bad luck, Blton?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“How long can we hold out in this valley? To climb the mountain, we have to leave here. But monsters have set up camp outside… I worry I dragged you all into a death trap.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton answered Tarunga’s question.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
His voice was filled with worry.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“It’s okay. There’s always a way.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Yeah, we wouldn’t have come into this other valley just like that. Heh heh.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Dalkong and Tarunga replied.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton saw hope in their faces.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“What’s the plan? Did you bring some powerful weapon?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“No way. No matter how powerful, we can’t fend off that many monsters.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Right. Weapons won’t do. But we have a friend far greater than any weapon.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Their answer surprised Blton.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“A friend? What do you mean?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“The Giant. The dwarves’ friend. Heh heh.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“The greatest and mightiest in the world. Haha.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Could it be a Giant tribe living in the Balankar Mountains? Have you allied with them?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Heh heh, not a Giant tribe, but the Giant himself.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Yes. No Giant tribe could compare to the greatness of the Giant.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton grew more confused.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“What on earth are you talking about? Explain it clearly.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“There’s no time, so listen carefully. When our Red Hammer tribe first arrived here…”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Tarunga’s story continued.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The more it went on, the more bewildered Blton became.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“You want me to believe that now?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Of course. Look at Dalkong. He was even more skeptical at first. Thought I was crazy. But now he respects the Giant more than anyone. Heh heh. So trust me and follow the plan. Or rather, trust the Giant. Everything will be resolved.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Heh, well…”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton couldn’t believe it.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But he had no other choice.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
***
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
One night passed in the valley.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I’m not sure this is the right choice.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton muttered.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The fire blocking the valley’s entrance was dying down.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The escape operation would start soon.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Don’t worry too much. It’ll be fine.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Right. The Giant should have returned by now. We just have to reach the ridge.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The calm attitudes of the two leaders eased Blton’s heart.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Worrying now wouldn’t help.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Alright, we’re ready. Signal and we’ll move.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Blue Jewel tribe members prepared to run.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Red Hammer and Light Hide dwarves of the Rescue Squad were also fully ready.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Then let’s begin. Operation prepare—!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Tarunga gave the signal.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Get the oil drums ready!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Throw the grease and run.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Don’t throw the grease! You’re supposed to throw the flare to block the pursuers at the rear.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Got it, got it.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The dwarves involved in the operation lifted rectangular iron containers.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Suho had added some materials to the kerosene he supplied for heating to ensure it stuck well.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Move out! Along the path!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The lead dwarves threw sand into the smoldering fire wall.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Passs—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The flames died down.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Monsters started rushing in from the other side.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Oil drums flew through the air.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Fire! Shoot!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The oil drums dropped before the monsters.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Flaming arrows were fired.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Kuaaang—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Kwa kwa kwa gwang—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
An explosion occurred.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The monster horde faltered.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Go! Run!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Don’t stop! Move out!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The dwarves burst out of the valley at once.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“The monsters are coming! Pour oil behind us!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Throw it! Light it up!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Got it!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Oil drums flew backward, and crossbows fired.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Kwa kwa kwa ang—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Another explosion rocked the area.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Thanks to the successful operation, the monsters’ pursuit was scattered.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Run! Run! Just a little further!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“The ridge! The Giant is waiting for us!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Run!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The dwarves’ short legs hurried along the path.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Kuwaaaaang—!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A howl sounded.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton turned his head back.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Damn it, that troll again!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The twin-headed troll that had repeatedly blocked their escape had appeared once more.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Kuququke kekeke—”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The running troll sneered at Blton.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Then it lifted a huge boulder from the valley.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Its throwing it. Damn!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
If that rock fell, several would be killed instantly.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton clenched his axe and shield.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The troll roared.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Whoooong—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A house-sized boulder flew through the air.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“We have to break the rock!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton struck the axe against the shield.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Electricity sparked.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The target was the rock suspended in the air.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Pajijijik—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The electric shock hit.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The rock shattered.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But Blton’s face turned pale and dark.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The troll grabbed another boulder.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“That guy! Did he notice the crossroads? Damn!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It seemed the troll even understood the electricity wasn’t unlimited.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Whoooong—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Another rock flew.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton had no choice but to use electricity again as he ran.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Blton, hurry! Just a little further!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Tarunga’s voice called out.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But Blton couldn’t move forward.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He had to protect the tribe.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Whoooong—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Pajijijik—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The same scene repeated several times.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
By now, Blton had almost reached the ridge.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chief! Hurry!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Only the last group remained.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton stayed behind, waiting for them.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Whoooong—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A massive boulder flew.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton prepared to send out electricity again.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Parang—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
With a soft sound, a tremor spread through his fingertips.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The electricity didn’t fire.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Damn it! The electric stone in the axe and shield broke!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The power source embedded in the axe and shield was shattered.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The overused equipment was finally destroyed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Ah, so this is how I die.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Blton closed his eyes, sensing death approaching.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Even if I die…”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
There was no regret left.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Only a desperate wish that the Giant truly existed.