The data Owen provided showed that the number of outsiders in Steel City had exploded compared to previous days, increasing nearly tenfold in just a few short days.
And that was merely the "outsiders" they knew about.
Heaven knew how many outsiders had slipped into Steel City in places beyond their knowledge. After all, aside from their words and behavior, they were basically no different from the residents of Steel City.
"The number of outsiders saw an explosive increase several days ago. It has now stabilized and is gradually declining, but judging from the current information, this should only be a surface-level change in the data. There seems to be some kind of information-sharing among the 'outsider' group that we do not know about," Owen explained, recounting the information he had gathered.
"So, does that mean that one day, those outsiders will completely integrate into Steel City?" the Black Robe Woman asked, her voice seeming to carry a cold power.
"If they integrate, they integrate. Steel City has always been an inclusive city. If we have to put it that way, we are all 'outsiders' ourselves. Only the dwarves are the original inhabitants here." Tasha waved her hand and spoke rather casually, making her attitude toward the matter clear.
"Speaking of which, could that Hearthstone Tavern be connected to the outsiders?" Koya suddenly asked.
"I don't know." Owen shook his head. "There is no news in that regard for now. At present, the Hearthstone Tavern's customers are mainly dwarves from Elder Giant Axe's branch. The outsiders do not seem to know about it."
"I see." Wang Gulas seemed thoughtful. "When I have time, I'll go take a look myself."
Besides the matter of the outsiders, the council still had many other problems to discuss and resolve. As the organization managing