"Buffalofolk City is being built quickly. When I left, the damaged city walls and arrow tower had already been fully repaired."
"The other buildings in the city are almost finished too!"
In truth, when it came to Buffalofolk City, Drakthul was quite excited.
Valkorath Realm had Soraya City and the soon-to-be-built Wind Fortress, the latter to be constructed in Gustalon's territory.
Orion had once promised that elders with sufficient battle achievements and the potential to reach legendary level would be granted land to build their own cities.
This was something both Dirtclaw and Drakthul envied and eagerly anticipated.
"What about your side? How are things with the Sea Race?"
After discussing Buffalofolk City, Drakthul inquired about the coastal region Dirtclaw was guarding.
"Just minor skirmishes. The sea race armies don't even dare come ashore to fight."
"Similarly, we don't dare get too close to the coast. Both sides are just stalling, occasionally trading insults."
Dirtclaw, stationed at the coastal region, followed the horde's orders strictly and felt no pressure.
"Ugh, I really wish we could rotate over there soon!"
"Same here!"
"Hahaha…"
Valkorath Realm, Soraya City.
After emerging from the Purification Tower, Orion brought Elara to spend time with Lilith and Soraya.
The four enjoyed seven wonderful days together, and amidst Elara's tearful reluctance, Orion teleported back to Stoneheart City.
The castle, Kitsune Sylvana's bedroom.
Orion appeared silently, sweeping Sylvana into his arms and tossing her onto the bed.
After a moment of panic, Sylvana caught a familiar scent, and the fear on her face slowly faded.
Along with it, their clothes vanished.
"Miss me?"
Orion caressed Sylvana's face, and just as she was about to speak, he kissed her.
"Mmm…"
Orion, who hadn't made love in a long time, was vigorous, only stopping with Sylvana at the dawn of the next day.
The following morning, Orion's presence briefly flickered in Stoneheart City.
At the same time, Delilah, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, and others scattered across Stoneheart City received a telepathic message.
"Orion's back!"
"It's the Giant King!"
"That's Master's voice!"
"My Lord!"
"…"
In less than fifteen minutes, Delilah, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, and Drakthul gathered in the castle's meeting hall.
"Tell me, what's the status of the horde?"
Orion gestured for everyone to sit before addressing Delilah directly.
Delilah gave a gentle smile, her voice carrying a refined tone.
"My Lord, the horde is doing well. Everything is progressing according to plan."
"The four cities planned within the territory are being constructed as scheduled, and progress is on track."
"No signs of foreign invasion have been detected around the territory, and the patrol teams report all is normal."
"The Merfolk along the western coastline are as usual, with no signs of a major tidal invasion."
"Stoneheart City's development is also proceeding smoothly. The outer city has recently opened…"
Delilah went on at length, recounting every detail of the Stoneheart Horde with familiarity.
Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, and Drakthul, listening to Delilah's report, gained a renewed understanding of the Stoneheart Horde.
Unbeknownst to them, under Delilah's management, the Stoneheart Horde had reached new heights.
"Well done. As long as our Stoneheart Horde keeps moving forward steadily, year by year, we'll eventually catch up to the other major races."
Orion acknowledged Delilah's accomplishments before shifting the conversation to the main topic.
"Have we gathered all the intelligence on the lizardfolk territory?"
This time, Orion had returned to assist Aldous in dealing with Lokiviria and Ssorin.
"Here's Prince Theodore's confidential letter!"
Delilah nodded. She had already dispatched scouts, and she knew exactly what valuables the lizardfolk territory held.
Moreover, some members of the succubus tribe skilled in stealth had infiltrated the area.
Orion took the envelope and read it carefully.
Nearby, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, and Drakthul exchanged quick glances.
They were familiar with the lizardfolk territory.
The territories and races near the Stoneheart Horde were common knowledge among the horde's leadership, thanks to the efforts of the Sentinel Corps.
Ever since the Stoneheart Horde established itself in the south, all levels of leadership had been educated on this information.
"Prince Theodore has invited us to meet in Soaring Bird City, in the human kingdom. That's Torin's territory, right?"
"Yes, respected Lord!"
"What's the situation with Torin now?"
Orion asked casually, treating it as a minor move in his strategy.
Torin was a survivor. As long as he wasn't too foolish, he could rise in Soaring Bird City with the help of the Survivor's Platform.
The timing of that rise, however, was uncertain.
"He's lost control over Soaring Bird City."
"But according to the scouts' reports, with the arrival of the Rose Knight Regiment, Torin's situation has improved somewhat."
"My Lord, the Rose Knight Regiment is Princess Ava's faction."
Delilah's face carried an enigmatic smile as she said this.
"Keep monitoring Torin and have our people infiltrate Soaring Bird City."
Orion understood the meaning behind Delilah's smile but stayed focused on business, offering no reaction.
"You four, prepare yourselves. Three days from now, bring your armies and join me in conquering the lizardfolk territory."
Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, and Drakthul stood, responding with a serious yet excited "Yes, My Lord!" before leaving to make preparations.
...
Ogre territory, a patch of flowers.
This was the border between the ogre and giant territories. The two-headed ogre Aldous lay among the flowers, one head dozing, the other gazing at the sky.
Aldous plucked a nearby dandelion and blew on it.
"White clouds drift, dandelions drift, and even Aldous drifts."
"A beautiful, peaceful life is always interrupted by enemies. Aldous's good days have barely begun."
"…"
As Aldous was about to complain further, Orion's aura flickered briefly in the giant territory.
The ogre Aldous froze, then slapped the dozing head.
"Idiot, wake up! It's time for revenge!"
"Damn insectoids, wretched lizardfolk—I'll eat them!"
"Get up! Head to Soaring Bird City in the south!"
"No, we'll go straight to the border and wait for my friend."
"With a friend, we'll be safer!"
When the larger of Aldous's two heads woke, he had already taken control of the body and stood, letting out a rallying roar.
In the ogre territory, countless ogres responded to Aldous's call with roars of their own, converging toward Soaring Bird City in the south.