The soft light of dawn bathed the landscape, breathing life into the ruins as the first rays of sunlight chased away the long night's darkness. Kido and the other two clan leaders crossed a field of devastation, skirting around a massive crater left by the final attack of their so-called "allies."
"They didn't even show up after the battle. How dare they look down on us like that?" the Lamian leader growled, his fist clenching hard.
"They probably thought that by showing off their power, we'd have no choice but to bow to them," he continued, his voice heavy with frustration.
Kido shook his head, looking thoughtful. "You're overthinking it. I know Rakahn and Akumu; they're two of the most reasonable people I've ever met. I doubt they'd pull a stunt like that."
"Even if they did, what could we do? Did you see that last attack? It wiped out more than fifty variant monsters in one hit," Kido added, glancing at the others.
The dwarf leader nodded wisely. "You're right, Kido. We had no way to defend against that kind of power. Best to be grateful they're still on our side." His tone was calm, but there was a hint of awe as they walked toward the forest.
The Lamian leader wasn't ready to let the matter go. "Still," he muttered, "they've changed a lot in a short amount of time. Something about this isn't sitting right with me."
Kido chuckled. "Right after they cast the spell, a team showed up and started dismantling the bodies, burning the remains right there on the battlefield. That's a little too efficient for mere reinforcements, don't you think?"
As they approached Rakahn's camp, they encountered a young half-ogre. His slim build set him apart from his bulkier comrades, and his brown eyes sparkled with curiosity. When their eyes met, he quickly approached.
"Greetings, sirs. My name is Seth Orleth, leader of the cleanup crew. How may I assist you?" he said with a respectful bow.
"Seth, my boy! How have you been? Could you let your boss know we're here to see him?" Kido asked, smiling warmly.
"They're already on their way, sirs," Seth replied calmly. "They've been informed of your arrival."
Kido raised an eyebrow. "Already informed, huh? Quick, aren't they?"
Before Seth could respond, several figures emerged from the trees. Rakahn, Renald, Dahlia, and Yadha strode toward them, fully armored.
"Well, speak of the devil!" the dwarf leader exclaimed, tugging on his beard.
Rakahn offered a warm smile. "Apologies for the delay. I have something urgent to attend to."
Kido clapped him on the back, grinning. "Ah, Rakahn, always the friendly one. But seriously, what was that last attack? It nearly obliterated our clan's barrier! That was dangerous, man!"
Rakahn winced from the slap. "Sorry, I didn't realize it'd be so destructive. The elves were using that attack for the first time, so we went all out," he said with a pained smile. "Come to my tent; we have much to discuss."
The clan leaders accepted his invitation, walking with him through the camp, where elves, lycanthropes, and half-ogres had settled after the battle.
As they neared the tent, the Lamian leader glanced at two soldiers exchanging essence stones. "How do you absorb the essence of a creature killed by someone else?"
Rakahn gave a short nod. "It's complicated. I'll explain everything once we're inside."
Kido's tone grew serious. "I've noticed something else too, Rakahn. You've changed. You and your people seem different."
Rakahn's expression darkened, and he bowed his head slightly, not sure how to respond.
Before he could speak, Dahlia stepped in, her voice cold. "Lord Kido, I find your comments toward our officer inappropriate."
Kido raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Officer? That's a title I wasn't aware of."
Dahlia's gaze hardened, but she sighed, restraining herself. "Ignorance," she thought bitterly.
They reached a large tent guarded by two soldiers—one lycanthrope and one elf, both holding long spears. They nodded as Rakahn waved them through.
Before them stood a small table with a map spread across it. The clan leaders gathered around, leaving Rakahn at the head. He clapped his hands together, clearing his throat.
"Shall we begin?"