Cain and Barock exchanged a quick glance before refocusing on Cliff. Barock spoke first, his voice measured but edged with skepticism:
"Your Majesty, with all due respect… We've had no contact with humans for centuries. Until recently, we didn't even know if other demi-human clans existed outside our own."
His gaze flicked to Siliva, leader of the Tereïn clan, before continuing:
"They reside in the northern continent, far beyond the Cursed Forest. With our current strength, crossing that distance is… impossible."
Cliff's lips quirked into a half-smile.
"I never said we'd traverse the forest. I'm well aware the land route is impassable, and the skies even more so. That leaves us one option—the sea."
"…The sea," Cain repeated, his expression unreadable. "We lack the technology to build ships capable of such a voyage. Even if we did, the journey could take over a year with our current means."
Cliff crossed his arms, determination sharpening his gaze.
