"Forest of Fortune?" The emissary frowned. This place name had never been marked on the Royal Tent's battle maps.
"Many years ago, human ships appeared at the mouth of the Blackwater Basin."
Groom's voice was filled with deep concern. "At first, there were only a few trading posts. Later, their camps spread through the forest like mushrooms. Our scouts went there and reported that those humans wore strange clothing and flew two kinds of flags, both with crimson backgrounds. One bore a five-pointed star encircled by gears, while the other was emblazoned with a black dragon. More seriously, our distant kin in the forest have already been subdued by them—whether coerced or enticed with benefits. Those humans possess formidable power."
The Royal Tent Emissary suddenly recalled something. "Arda... Greiman?"
Having personally fought the Northwest Legion, he was no stranger to the two flags described by the old chieftain. The former was the flag of the so-called Northwest Customs Union, while the latter was the military banner of the Northwest Legion, evolved from the Greiman Family Crest.
Groom nodded heavily. "The names you mentioned are often spoken of by the Forest Orcish. Those humans have not only occupied the forest, but have also recruited warriors from the local Orcish tribes. Even the edge of the grasslands is no longer safe."
The old chieftain pointed toward the approaching line of fire. "This kind of harassment has already happened three times since the Great Chieftain went to war with the humans. They come and go without a trace, never engaging our warriors. They always strike in secret when we are off guard."
A young Orcish warrior cut in, "Although those humans who crawl out of the forest don't dare fight us head-on, they have incredible patience and tenacity. They can hide there quietly