Run. Run. Keep on running.
Moving in the wetlands was extremely difficult, requiring use of the tail to act as counterbalance. At a speed unattainable by humans —— although lizardmen feet were more suited for this environment —— Zaryusu reached the source of the alarm.
At that place, Shasuryu and the tribe’s warriors had formed a circular formation, staring at the village centre.
Following the object in their line of sight, Zaryusu also glared at the same place.
Everyone’s eyes were focused on a monster which looked as if it were created from dark mist.
Within the dark mist, numerous terrified faces would appear then quickly vanish. Although faces of various races appeared, the one thing they had in common were expressions of agony.
Carried by the wind were sounds of sobbing, resentment, painful lament, and dying gasps melding together to form a chorus.
With his back frozen from the gathered resentment, Zaryusu trembled in fear.
...Not good… we should have let all the people in the vicinity escape, leaving elder brother and I to deal with this, but if that were the case...
The surrounding lizardmen were all elite warriors of the tribe, but the opponent was one which even Zaryusu was terrified of: a powerful undead. In this situation, the only two who were able to give a proper fight would be Zaryusu and his elder brother. Even more importantly, Zaryusu knew that this undead had special abilities.
Diverting his attention slightly, he noticed that the majority of the lizardmen present were all taking short and sharp breaths, as if they were scared like little children -- despite all of them being of the warrior class
The monster stood at the village centre and made no movement.
After some time had passed, whilst maintaining a tense atmosphere and aware that only a tiny disturbance would trigger off the escalation into a fierce battle, the warriors slowly narrowed the distance. They resisted the mental stress and moved into action.
Using his peripheral vision to confirm that Shasuryu had drawn his weapon, Zaryusu also swiftly and silently took up his sword. If it became a fight, he intended to launch a surprise attack faster than anyone else.
It is necessary to tell others about that guy’s special ability, therefore, I cannot act rashly.
The tension in the atmosphere thickened. Suddenly, the sounds of resentment stopped.
The noises emitted from the monster mixed together, forming one sound different to the intelligible cursing earlier. It had a definite meaning now:
“Listen well. I serve as the messenger of the Great Being and I came here to announce his decree..”
Everyone looked at each other. Only Zaryusu and Shasuryu did not break eyesight.
“Proclaiming your death sentence, the Great One has sent his army to exterminate you. In his leniency, he has granted you mortals time to put up a meaningless resistance. Eight days from now, the lizardmen tribe of this lake shall become the second sacrifice.”
Zaryusu and grimaced, revealing sharp teeth and issuing an intimidating sound.
“Resist stubbornly, mortals. Allow the Great One to relish in your demise.”
Like smoke which constantly changed shape, the monster also gradually deformed and floated into the sky.
“Do not forget. Eight days.”
As if there were no obstruction, it flew in the sky towards the forest, with its departing back figure watched by many lizardmen. Zaryusu and Shasuryu were silently looking at the distant sky.
Part 2
The biggest hut in the village — the assembly hall — was rarely ever used. Clan leaders had absolute authority on all matters and assembly only happened once in a blue moon. There was no real value to having the hut, but on this day the inside of the hut was filled with strained clamor.
Many lizardmen had gathered, causing the spacious hut to feel narrow and stifling: the warriors, the druids, the hunters, the elder council and Zaryusu, who was a traveler. Everyone sat cross legged, facing Shasuryu.
Acting in his capacity as clan chief, declared the start of the meeting and the first to speak was the elder druid.
The aged female Lizardman’s body was covered in white dye, showing fantastical drawings. Although the symbols had many meanings, their significance were unknown to Zaryusu.
“You all remember the black cloud that covered the sky? That was magic. From what I know, there are two spells to manipulate weather. One is called 「Control Weather」, a 6th tier magic. We can safely rule that out since magic of that level is in the realm of legends. The other is a 4th tier magic called 「Control Cloud」. This is also a spell that only a powerful magic caster can cast. We would be fools to stand against such a foe."
Behind the Elder Druid, the similarly garbed druids nodded their heads in agreement.
Although Zaryusu understood how powerful 4th tier magic was, the other Lizardmen did not and their voices of doubt filled the surroundings.
Not sure of how to explain, the Elder Druid showed a perplexed expression before pointing at a Lizardman. The one being pointed at showed a confused expression, pointing at himself as well.
“Yes, you. Can you defeat me?”
The Lizardman slowly shook his head.
He might stand a chance if both sides were using weapons, but if you included magic, the odds of winning were really low. Or rather, it was nearly impossible for a mere warrior to win.
“However, even I can only use 2nd tier spells.”
“So to say, he should be twice as strong as you?”
Facing this kind of dumb question, the Elder Druid sighed and shook his head.
“It’s not that simple. Faced with magic of the 4th tier, even our Clan Leader would be easily killed.”
"Although it’s not absolute" added the Elder Druid speculatively then closed his mouth.
Finally understanding the terror of 4th tier magic, the room became silent. At this moment, Shasuryu started talking.
“In the end, what the Elder Druid means to say is...”
“Fleeing would be the best course of action. Even if we fought, there would be no way to win.”
“What are you saying!”
Following the thick and low roar, a tall Lizardman stood up. He had a similar build as Shasuryu and was the Head Warrior.
“To flee without even putting up a fight! Running away when facing just that level of danger is intolerable!”
“— What is in your head!? It would be too late if we are to start fighting!”
The Elder Druid glared and stood abruptly, face to face with the Head Warrior. Both of them had already lost their temper and made threatening sounds. Just when everyone feared the situation was about to escalate, a cold voice could be heard.