Legend

Winston's change in attitude naturally had its reasons.

By nightfall, Herak learned what they were.

First, Jupiter had broken through and become a "Hero"!

Second, war had broken out!

To the north of the Hormong Kingdom lay three great orc kingdoms: the Hoffman Dynasty ruled by Werewolves, the Golden Glory Kingdom founded by lionfolk, and the Bloodred Kingdom of the tigerfolk.

The three kingdoms had warred against one another for years, and at last, there was a result.

The Hoffman Dynasty had defeated the lands of the lionfolk and tigerfolk, formally unifying the north.

Then, last year, a terrible ice and snow disaster swept across the northern plains. Years of war had also depleted their grain reserves.

At that point, all orcs turned their gaze southward.

That band of apefolk who had fled had not only avoided extinction, but had established an entirely new kingdom. Their population and grain production had both soared.

Only then did they realize that the southern lands were equally vast once cultivated—and far more fertile than the north.

At first, scattered orcs continuously fled south due to warfare and disaster.

Later, the Hoffman Dynasty gathered the strength of the orcs, forming a great army in preparation for a southern campaign.

Terin III issued an emergency mobilization order, commanding every city-state to arm its citizens. Any criminals or slaves willing to enlist would be pardoned, and all their debts erased. At any cost, they were to strengthen their forces and prepare for the great enemy from the north.

Under such circumstances, Sir Winston naturally would not trouble the Mercenary Guild any further.

Inside the study.

As they listened to the earth-shaking changes across the continent, both Jupiter and Herak wore grave expressions. "The orcs are heading south?"

"Although the kingdom had long prepared for such a