The Sequel to the Romance Fantasy Was a Zombie Apocalypse – Chapter 94

Frost Giant.

Among the trolls, there exists a massive type referred to as ‘giants.’

Frost Giants stand at an average height of 4 meters and weigh close to 900 to 1000 kg, making them among the most formidable monsters in the giant category.

Not only do they possess immense size, but their strength is complemented by thick skin that can withstand most magical attacks, making them exceptionally powerful monsters that can be counted on one hand.

Additionally, classified as ‘epic’ monsters, they understand human language and possess the intelligence necessary for pack living—making them incredibly threatening to those dwelling in the snowy plains.

“A few days ago, the patrol reported that some Frost Giants who haven’t turned into zombies are living in a cave in the northwestern part of our territory. How about we hunt one to gather fur for Esmela?”

Dion proposes this epic monster hunt as casually as if mentioning a trip to the market.

It’s a suggestion that obviously lacks any sense of reality.

Even though the warriors of the House of Larson are renowned for their toughness, confronting Frost Giants requires serious preparation for battle.

If Esmela were in good health, we could have used Herta’s Flame to pierce through their thick hide, but since Esmela is out of commission, that’s not an option now.

“Hmm… But Dion, a cold wave is coming soon. What if you catch a cold after going there? You’re not used to the cold like us, you know.”

However, the Count showed no concern towards Dion’s suggestion.

In fact, he worried more about the frail Dion participating in the hunt than the absurdity of the whole plan.

“It shouldn’t take too long, Father. My friend is in trouble, so I can’t just sit back, can I? Right? And I don’t think we need to bring a whole guard from the House of Larson. Just Arit, Iiergo, and the Butler should be enough.”

Dion pleads with the Count, almost like a child.

With a reluctant sigh, he finally gave in, “Fine, then I permit it.”

“Thank you!”

“Iiergo, make sure to look after Dion while you’re out.”

“Yes, Father.”

Iiergo nodded.

The three from the Larson house had a ludicrous plan about hunting a Frost Giant, and the three watching them didn’t even bother to argue, as if they thought Dion’s proposal made sense.

“Then, I’ll gather the gear. Shall we meet in 30 minutes to depart?”

With Dion cheerfully suggesting this, the plan to hunt the Frost Giant was finalized in just about ten minutes.

“…Oh my.”

And two hours later, Renit witnessed the source of Dion’s boundless confidence with his own eyes.

Following Dion’s plan, they left Esmela’s bedroom, and 30 minutes later, the four of them mounted the large black horses provided by the House of Larson, racing toward the cave presumed to be the habitat of the Frost Giant, led by Iiergo.

The sound of heavy hooves shook the snow-covered ground, and a cold wind brushed against their faces.

After battling the cold for about an hour, they finally arrived at a cave.

The entrance was massive, exceeding 6 meters in height.

“According to the patrol report, it seems that around 8 to 9 Frost Giants who survived the last hunt are living in here,” Iiergo explained after dismounting first.

After everyone dismounted, Dion took the lead.

Although all of them had wrapped themselves in thick fur coats for warmth, Dion had gone a step further, wearing an extra layer.

Her frail figure, now swathed in thick fur, resembled a little black furball, and the way she waddled about was adorably reminiscent of a penguin.

No one objected to Dion leading, and they all followed her into the cave.

The internal structure of the cave wasn’t very complex.

Just a large passage that extended deep inside, the three walked forward.

“Oh my… Esmela has been through so much…”

“Seriously. I can’t tell you how many times I cried while she shared her survival story from the past three years…”

Dion walked alongside Arit, drawing her own version of Esmela’s tale.

Meanwhile, the two women continued their idle chatter, seemingly unconcerned about the Frost Giants they were about to face.

“Dion, how are you holding up? Aren’t you cold?”

Iiergo worriedly asked Dion with a tone that seemed overly affectionate for her stature.

“I’m fine, Iiergo. I’m bundled up like this, plus I have the portable heater that Esmela made with me. There’s no way I could be cold!”

Dion answered cheerfully.

It was a peaceful scene, if one disregarded the events ahead, but only Renit wore a slightly unsettled expression.

Finally, they reached the innermost part of the cave.

As they walked deeper, the surroundings suddenly expanded into a huge chamber.

This chamber was wide enough to fit several buildings, yet it appeared devoid of any other living beings.

“Dion, it seems there are no Frost Giants around…?” Arit asked, bewildered as she looked around, while Dion and Iiergo remained calm as if this was expected.

“Wait a moment, Arit.”

Dion took a few steps forward and suddenly began to remove her thick coat.

Iiergo hurried over to her, taking her discarded clothing and asking, “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I can’t fight in this kind of getup. Plus, I’ll warm up once the fighting starts, so it’ll be fine.”

After that brief exchange, Dion finally removed all her winter clothing.

What was revealed was her martial artist outfit.

She wore black shorts that reached down to her knees and low-heeled leather boots. Underneath the overalls was a lightweight armor piece, exposing her delicate wrists and shoulders.

After taking off her thick gloves, she donned fingerless gloves designed for martial arts, which already had spikes embedded in the finger joints.

“Huff…”

Perhaps feeling the chill, her breath emitted visible white puffs.

Though wearing a quintessential martial artist outfit, her slight frame made it feel a bit like cosplaying.

Dion confidently marched forward, taking a deep breath—

“I know you’re in there. Come out now!”

She shouted with a booming voice directed at the cave’s interior.

Time passed as her voice echoed several times against the walls of the cave…

*Thud. Thud.*

Finally, giant forms began to emerge within the cave.

With thick, dark gray hides that had a slight white hue, they wore crude clothes made from the hides of unknown creatures.

Their protruding tusks gave them a beast-like appearance.

Each of them wielded massive clubs, roughly the size of their forearms, as they faced off against Dion.

This bizarre scene had a frail woman standing up against several burly giants.

*Gulp.*

Watching this, Renit swallowed nervously, instinctively placing a hand on his sword’s hilt, ready to assist Dion at a moment’s notice.

Instead of charging at them, the Frost Giants took a rather unexpected stance.

“…You again.”

The lead giant’s shout was filled, not with anger, but with fear and desperation.

“Human! Little female human! I remember you! You hunted us last time!”

Renit glanced over; the other giants were huddled back, clearly terrified, fighting the instinct to flee.

“We were over thirty strong! We’re reduced! Far fewer than half! You killed us! Why are you back! Why do you trouble us!!!”

The shouting giant stamped his feet in despair and looked shockingly pitiful.

“Why trouble you? That’s a foolish question.”

Dion’s demeanor, responding to that desperate cry, was devoid of any softness or kindness.

“Before I arrived in this Larson territory, you enjoyed hunting the local inhabitants. Now, I’m merely returning the favor for what they’ve suffered—what’s there to be wronged about?”

Dion sharply countered with a voice colder than the snowstorm outside the cave.

A sneer of disdain played on her face.

*Growl… This time, we won’t lose.*

That lead giant, unlike the others, boldly bared his teeth and assumed a battle-ready stance.

“Wait.”

Yet Dion raised her hand to stop the giant’s words.

“What is it.”

“I propose one thing.”

“A proposal?” The giant tilted his head in confusion.

“It wouldn’t be bad for you either… I suggest a one-on-one duel. And as a bonus, I’ll add a penalty for you.”

“…Tell me.”

Dion’s confident smile suggested she had them hooked.

“Send out a representative. If the representative can take five of my punches and still be standing, I’ll let you go.”