"None of that matters. The real question is: Who claims the carcass the Human Kingdom left behind?"
Kadir crossed his arms, one hand propping up his chin, and dropped the heaviest question of the night onto the table.
Currently, the undisputed apex predator of the continent was the Stoneheart Horde. If the Horde didn't stake a claim on the abandoned territories, who else would dare extend a hand?
"It doesn't add up. The whole situation reeks," Tristan muttered, drumming his fingers on the table as he tried to pierce the fog of war. "Think about it. What kind of entity is our King? Do you really think an entire kingdom could mobilize without him sensing it? And yet... the Horde hasn't issued a single command regarding the Human territories."
He looked at his companions, his eyes narrowing. "Do you know what that means? No faction turns down free land and resources."
The weight of his words settled in, sparking a sudden realization in Tristan and Kadir.
"The Swarm!"
