At noon, inside Redbird's Central Control Magic Matrix, several Hunter Cavalry units from Hindukush reported similar intelligence: the Ratman armies were disappearing from the Basin. They weren't retreating; they were vanishing on the spot.
"Sir, Neil heard what the locals in Emerald Mountain City are saying. They think this is a plot by the Rat God." Redbird had finished compiling the reports and immediately informed Landen, who was inside the Magic Matrix.
"It's definitely a plot. They've lost at least three High-Rank Magic Rats recently. If they can't find somewhere to make up for those losses, other Beastmen tribes may start coveting the Rat Clan's caves."
Relations among the various Beastmen tribes were complicated. Cooperation, rivalry, alliances, and betrayal were all commonplace. Even with the Royal Court serving as a sort of central authority, it could only truly coordinate the eight most powerful tribes on the plateau.
Yet neither the Beastmen nor the Magic Beast Gods would hesitate if they found a chance to devour their own kind.
"Honnier told me this morning that even in Hindukush, even among Retainers who grew up around Rosef, there's competition between them. Even siblings might kill each other over the position of leader."
"It's not just the Beastmen. That sort of thing happens among the Barbarians, too." Redbird thought for a moment. "And doesn't the Human Race's royalty have infighting among its great families, along with power struggles between nobles and the royal family?"
"True. By comparison, the Elves get along better. They live long lives and have plenty of interests. Their few people are all busy struggling against the environment."
While Landen was still musing about the differences between Humans, Beastmen, and Elves, Redbird had already aimed the simulation hall at the Beastmen camp west of the Boundary River in Iowa.
"Sir,