The cave was eerily quiet.
The only sound was the cracking sound of the campfire.
The forest was quiet as ever— the only sound that came was from the owls and few wolves howling. But that made the scenery much more terrifying because it sounded like the noises came right next to them!
Maria and others were sleeping carelessly, without any care in the world.
Rick was acting sleeping, but he was closest to the cave entrance, which made him extremely fearful.
Ichiro was sitting crosslegged— he was holding his sword in his right hand and looking at the entrance of the cave.
He narrowed his eyes. He felt like the Mutated Beasts out of the cave were mocking him.
If he was alone, he wouldn't mind going outside to start his slaughter.
But that's what the Mutated Beasts want.
If he left, Rick and others would be free for taking— it was like a buffet waiting for them.
Ichiro stayed awake the whole night, not daring to lose his concentration even slightest, and that's the reason the Mutated Beasts didn't dare to barge in.
They knew the strength Ichiro possesses, and many of them would have lost their lives.
Soon, the darkness vanished after the sun appeared in the sky.
The snowy forest in front of the cave was bright once again, Mutated Beasts nowhere to be seen.
Maria and others started waking up.
Rick also opened his tired eyes— he couldn't sleep at all.
He didn't know when it would be when some Mutated Beast appeared inside the cave and sinks his fangs on him.
Ichiro quickly cooked another meal from wild boar's meat.
They ate silently, and soon they were done eating.
Rick and others felt tired— they wanted to leave this island and not come back.
''It is time to go.'' Ichiro said and stood up.
''N-Now?!'' Rick shouted and fearfully looked outside the cave.
Maria and others looked at Rick's scared face with frowns.
Ichiro glared at him, ''Yes, now!''
'Why the fuck would I want to stay in this cave? Like animals in a cage.'
For Ichiro, being in the open land is much better, especially since he can't really execute his Iron Style in tight spaces.
Rick, hearing Ichiro shout, instantly stood up.
Maria and others stood next to Rick and waited for Ichiro to leave the cave first.
Ichiro exited the cave and looked warily towards the trees.
He feels like most of the Mutated Beasts have retreated for the time being, but there are few curious individuals.
But they possess no threat for Ichiro.
Rick and others followed behind him as he walked in the snow.
The snow has piled up, making it hard to move forwards, but Ichiro pushed through, and others followed behind his footsteps.
A few hours later, they saw the walls of the fortress.
''We are here!'' Rick said with happiness.
Maria and others looked thrilled.
Ichiro looked around them and noticed that the Mutated Beasts were still watching, not planning to do anything.
Ichiro didn't know why, but he didn't wait to find out.
He quickly made his way over to the gates, and before he even arrived there, the Gates were opened, and a bunch of people with relieved faces came.
''Ichiro, correct?'' A middle-aged man asked with a relieved smile— he put his hand forwards for a handshake.
Ichiro shook the hand and nodded.
''My name is Peter— I am the commander of this Fortress,'' Peter said.
He felt like a heavy mountain was lifted off his shoulders.
Peter then looked behind Ichiro and saw a group of young men and women.
''Your friends?'' Peter asked curiously.
He didn't even know there were others at this time, but of course, he didn't have time to care.
Ichiro shook his head, ''They tried to kill me. Give them punishment or whatever.''
''What?!'' Peter's enraged shout echoed in the fortress.
Rick and others paled.
Everyone else in the Fortress also grimaced.
Trying to kill other than Mutated Beasts in Frozen Island is a big crime!
Peter glared at Rick and others, ''Take them!''' He shouted towards the soldiers.
Few soldiers behind him nodded and put handcuffs on their wrists and legs.
Rick and others were taken away— their faces were pale as a sheet.
Ichiro turned and started walking back to the forest!
''Where are you going?!'' Peter shouted anxiously.
Ichiro looked at him and said, ''My training isn't done.''
Peter paled. He knows that denying his training will get him in a lot of trouble, and since the Mutated Beast invasion was repelled, there is really no reason for them to stop Ichiro.
Ichiro entered the snowy forest, not letting them speak another word.
Peter felt like even heavier mountain appeared on his shoulders.
...
2 Weeks Later.
[Killed: 49/50]
Another Mutated Beast's corpse was sucked inside Ichiro's inventory.
''One more...'' Ichiro murmured— he took a glance at his blades and saw that there was visible cracks.
His swords won't be able to last much longer.
It was no surprise because, after the 30th kill, he started only fighting against Fury Beasts.
His swordsmanship has progressed to an unimaginable level, and it won't be farfetched to call him a Sword Master.
''I need to get these repaired.'' Ichiro thought aloud and started walking deeper inside the forest.
He was already very close to the center of the island, where the so-called King of the Island resides.
It is said to be Peak Fury Beast, which is Peak Martial Commander.
It is an opponent at a level above Avery, and Ichiro was not confident in defeating that kind of opponent.
Not without his Ultimate Iron Style Technique.
But that would be suicidal to be used— after that technique ends, he will be at a level of Martial Novice.
He could just kill Savage Beast and be done with the Quest, but that would not fit Ichiro's personality.
He is foolish, definitely battle-hungry individual, and something might be wrong with his mind.
Ichiro and his two almost broken swords reached the center of the island.
It is the territory of the King of the Island.
Ichiro was already preparing for life and death match, but then...
Something unexpected happened.
