"Which one?"

That was apparently the biggest problem.

While travel was one consideration, another was the fact that there were several zones, each with its own version of a front line.

So which one was it?

Unfortunately, Lady Surna Marn—Ada's mother—had no answer.

Her expression was grim as she shook her head on the flickering screen. "We don't know," she said. "The orcs we captured either took themselves out before they could speak, or they genuinely had no idea which zone was targeted."

A heavy silence followed.

Even D-29, who was rarely quiet, had dimmed the projection screen.

Finally, Luca exhaled softly and stepped closer, bowing his head slightly in gratitude. "Even so, thank you, Lady Surna, for informing us. We'll start working on identifying which zone was affected."

Surna's sharp gaze softened slightly. "I apologize for our lack of information, but I assure you, we'll continue gathering intelligence on our side."

It may have sounded like a curt apology, but in truth, Surna and the others had been deeply remorseful.

Because somehow, they had an inkling that their survival was all thanks to these particular humans.

And yet, despite their best efforts, they still couldn't find out more about the attack that was about to come their way.

They wanted to help, but given their current state and the circumstances of their tribe, they would just be liabilities to their saviors if they tried to meddle now.

Yes, saviors.

Looking at those people next to Princess Kira and Ada, one wouldn't have thought that such a day would come when many of them would feel that way.

But how could they not?

Unbelievable supplies, medical assistance that none of their healers could even explain, and rations that suddenly appeared during a critical time?

And the cure—yes, the cure—that had saved her husband's life when they were certain he wouldn't make it to tomorrow.

Perhaps it could have been part of the King's preparations, but she doubted it was.

None of his provisions had ever carried such strange symbols or come packaged in such unfamiliar designs. After all, who would need such a thing when they would just eat it anyway?

To her eyes, and to the eyes of many orcs who had served under King Garick for decades, it all looked like human craftsmanship.

Before, they would have joked about it being a human oddity, but now, some even wanted tattoos of the symbols found on the back of each ration!

And if that wasn't proof enough, there was the Princess herself—still here, still safe, living among them.

The King hadn't demanded her return, hadn't even questioned her absence since he himself returned from his trip. That alone spoke louder than any decree, especially to those who knew about the King's original take on humans.

Last but not least, the King had even gone to such great lengths to wait for the communication, as if it were just as crucial as their ongoing battles. If it hadn't reached fever pitch, then those people would've been speaking to the King himself.

So how could they not know?

Even if no one said it outright, they knew who had likely given them aid in their darkest hour.

One day, Surna thought, they would express their gratitude properly.

But for now, there was an impending crisis to face.

She was just about to say her farewells when the golden-eyed boy who seemed close to their Princess spoke up.

"Ada, Princess Kira," Luca said kindly, "what about taking some time to talk to Lady Surna? It's been a long while, hasn't it? You must have things you want to ask her."

Ada immediately shook her head. "Oh no, Lord Luca, that's not necessary. We can just talk later. I don't want to inconvenience anyone."

Luca smiled and waved his hands. "It's not an inconvenience at all. Even you know this room isn't the main control center. We're just moving to another area to address the emergency."

Ada blinked, clearly taken aback. Then she lowered her gaze and nodded gratefully. For someone as composed and unshakeable as her, she looked genuinely moved. Her eyes glimmered faintly, though she tried to hide it behind her usual calm expression. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Surna was also caught off guard.

She had simply been happy to see her daughter and the Princess safe, but she hadn't expected such thoughtfulness from the others.

They exchanged nods of acknowledgment, and soon, the group began filing out toward the secondary chamber where the strategists were already pulling up maps of the contaminated zones.

Before Luca left, he paused by the projection one last time. "We'll try to find it," he said earnestly. "Please stay safe, Lady Surna."

Her eyes softened again. "We wish you all the best, My Lord."

The connection flickered softly as Luca followed the others out, leaving Ada and Princess Kira to speak with Lady Surna.

While the others rushed to check the anomalies in the corrupted zones, Ada and Princess Kira couldn't help but lean closer to the flickering projection. Their worry, which had been held in check earlier, was now fully written on their faces.

"Mother," Ada said, her voice quieter than usual but trembling with restrained urgency, "what about everyone? What happened to the tribe?"

Lady Surna gave a faint, weary smile. "We are alive," she said firmly.

"There were casualties, yes, but far fewer than expected. Especially considering how close we came to losing everything."

Kira frowned, her hands tightening into fists. "What do you mean?"

"There was an ambush," Surna explained. "It was meant for King Garick. If he hadn't stopped on another planet before returning to the tribe, he would have been caught in it."

"An ambush?" Kira gasped, her eyes wide in disbelief.

"Yes. And of all things, the betrayal came from Durmak's side."

Ada's head snapped up. "Lord Durmak? King Garick's aide?! That's impossible!"

Kira's expression mirrored hers, confusion flashing across her face. Then again, who would have thought that Grakkar, of all orcs, would be a traitor, just as who would have imagined that humans would become their greatest allies?