Ever since Duhan Orvis, the first Lion of the Southern Border, built this black fortress on the Great Wasteland between the fertile lands and the wild forests, its towering walls and sturdy gates had steadfastly guarded the country. Its gates had opened for kings, for envoys from other Order States, and for the monks of the Order State—but today, they welcomed the most unusual group of "visitors" in their history.
Black Raven Stronghold was about to open its gates and welcome a group of crude creatures from the wilderness—demihumans, beasts, savage beings that looked no different from animals in human eyes. Now, they had become guests whom this glorious fortress had no choice but to welcome.
The battle on the wasteland had ended. The smoldering fire pits belched thick smoke, while dust whirled away on the wind.
The entire land seemed shrouded in a layer of drifting mist. The stench of blood lingered in the air, and the nauseating smell would probably not fade until the next snowfall. The warriors of the beast tribes were clearing away the bodies of their kin, while their leaders were preparing to head to the human fortress. In Alpha Wolf's words, they were about to conduct an "epoch-making diplomatic activity."
Philip stood atop the city wall and saw the dense mass of beasts below surging about in chaotic disorder. Yet amid the confusion, a broad stretch of open ground had been cleared.
A dozen Forest Demon Wolves marched at the front like pathfinders. Two blue-gray Giant Monsters wearing loincloths followed close behind, carrying battle standards decorated with beast bones. Crooked tribal totems of unclear meaning had been painted on the banners. Behind them came a large force composed of demon apes, lesser demons, Jackalmen, and goblins.
At the very center of the procession walked