Boom, boom.
The ground-shaking tremors drew closer from a distance.
As a handful of soldiers hurriedly headed toward the fortress in response to the evacuation order, they exchanged puzzled glances.
It wasn’t the season for Glacier Trolls to be roaming—what on earth was making that sound?
They soon discovered the source of the tremors. Rounding a bend in the gorge, massive ice monsters emerged into view.
“Aah! It’s Glacier Trolls!”
“Run! Run for your lives!”
Ordinary soldiers like them had no hope of standing against such colossal beasts.
They immediately activated their Schnischuhe (snow-speeding technique) and sprinted with all their might. Fortunately, their terror didn’t last long.
“Hey! Don’t go too far!”
“Stop! They’re allies of the Zigsmunt territory!”
…What?
The startled soldiers turned around, only to widen their eyes further at the sight before them.
On the shoulder of the leading ice creature was none other than the familiar figure of Grand Duke Orden, his face pale but unmistakable.
“These are Binsu (ice allies),” Orden called. “They won’t attack you.”
Binsu… what now?
“We’re here to aid in the evacuation. There’s no time—get on quickly!”
“…You want us to ride these? Glacier Trolls?”
“The prince is controlling them well. You’re safe.”
As if to confirm these baffling words, the three giant…