Chapter 25

Bab 2: Berkumpul, Lizardmen

Bagian 1

Matahari tinggi di langit setelah setengah hari naik ke Rororo. Zaryusu mencapai tujuannya tanpa menemui musuh yang dia khawatirkan.

Ada beberapa rumah di sini yang menyerupai rumah suku Cakar Hijau, dikelilingi oleh barikade dengan pancang tajam yang menunjukkan semua sisi. Kesenjangan antara taruhan cukup besar, tetapi mereka cukup untuk mengusir monster seperti Rororo. Ada lebih sedikit struktur di sini daripada di suku Cakar Hijau, tetapi masing-masing lebih besar.

Karena itu, ia tidak dapat menentukan suku mana yang memiliki lebih banyak orang.

Setiap bangunan mengibarkan bendera yang melambai tertiup angin. Bendera tersebut dihiasi dengan simbol Lizardman untuk "Red Eye."

Memang, ini adalah tujuan pertama yang Zaryusu pilih – tempat tinggal suku suku Mata Merah.

Setelah melihat sekeliling, Zaryusu menghela nafas lega.

Untungnya, mereka masih tinggal di tempat informasi masa lalunya mengatakan kepadanya bahwa mereka akan berada. Dia takut mereka bermigrasi setelah perang sebelumnya, dan dia harus mulai dengan menemukan suku mereka.

Melihat kembali ke arah mana dia datang, Zaryusu melihat desanya sendiri di batas visinya. Mereka pasti sedang mempersiapkan sambutan yang cukup untuk tamu yang datang. Sementara dia merasa tidak nyaman ketika dia meninggalkan desanya, dia cukup yakin sekarang bahwa mereka tidak akan diserang.

Bukti terbaik dari itu adalah kedatangan Zaryusu yang aman di sini.

Sementara dia tidak yakin apakah itu kekhilafan oleh Yang disebut Agung atau jika perkembangan ini termasuk dalam ruang lingkup peristiwa yang diprediksi, tampaknya musuh tidak berniat untuk kembali pada kata-kata mereka, dan mereka juga tidak berniat untuk kembali. menghentikan Lizardmen dari mempersiapkan diri mereka sendiri.

Tentu saja, bahkan jika kekuatan Tertinggi Apa pun itu muncul, Zaryusu tidak punya pilihan selain menindaklanjuti dengan sekuat tenaga.

Zaryusu turun dari Rororo dan menggeliat dengan malas.

Meskipun mengendarai Rororo untuk waktu yang lama membuat otot-ototnya kaku, peregangan seperti itu membuatnya nyaman.

Setelah itu, Zaryusu menunjukkan bahwa Rororo harus tetap di tempatnya dan menunggu. Kemudian, dia mengambil beberapa ikan kering dari kantong pelana dan memberi makan mereka ke Rororo untuk makan siang.

Awalnya, dia bermaksud meminta orang-orangnya membawa jatah mereka ke sini, tetapi dia tidak bisa memberikan perintah itu karena itu mungkin telah merusak lahan perburuan Mata Merah.

Setelah menepuk semua kepala Rororo, Zaryusu berangkat sendiri.

Jika dia menjaga Rororo di sisinya, kehadiran Hydra mungkin membuat pihak lain terlalu waspada untuk keluar dan berbicara. Karena Zaryusu datang untuk mengusulkan aliansi, dia tidak ingin menekan mereka secara berlebihan.

Air memercik di kakinya saat ia maju.

Dari sudut matanya, Zaryusu memperhatikan beberapa pejuang suku Mata Merah mengikuti pergerakannya dari dalam barikade. Sama seperti para pejuang suku Cakar Hijau, mereka tidak mengenakan baju besi dan membawa tombak panjang, yang masing-masing pada dasarnya adalah tongkat panjang berujung dengan kepala tulang yang tajam. Yang lain membawa gendongan, tetapi fakta bahwa tidak ada dari mereka yang melepaskan proyektil padanya menunjukkan bahwa mereka tidak berniat menyerang segera.

Zaryusu juga tidak ingin membuat mereka gelisah, jadi dia perlahan mendekat sampai dia mencapai gerbang utama mereka. Kemudian, dia menoleh ke Lizardmen mengawasinya dengan waspada, dan berteriak di atas suaranya:

"Aku Zaryusu Shasha dari suku Green Claw! Saya mencari audiensi dengan kepala Anda! "

Setelah beberapa waktu, seorang Lizardman tua yang memegang tongkat berbonggol tiba. Dia dibuntuti oleh lima anggota sukunya yang tegap. Tubuh Lizardman tua dicat dengan desain putih.

Apakah dia Imam Besar mereka?

Zaryusu memotong sosok yang mengesankan bahkan ketika dia berdiri di sana menunggu.

Saat ini, mereka sama. Dengan demikian, dia tidak bisa menunjukkan tanda-tanda kelemahan. Zaryusu tetap diam bahkan ketika pastor memeriksa merek di dadanya.

"Saya Zaryusu Shasha dari Green Claw. Ada sesuatu yang harus saya diskusikan dengan Anda. "

"… Meskipun aku tidak ingin menyambutmu, pemimpin kami telah memutuskan untuk memberi Anda audiensi. Ikutlah bersamaku."

Balasan bundaran ini membuat Zaryusu agak bingung.

Yang membingungkannya adalah mengapa dia tidak menyebut pemimpin mereka "kepala." Selain itu, mereka tidak meminta bukti identitasnya. Yang mengatakan, itu akan merepotkan jika dia berbicara terlalu banyak dan membuat mereka marah. Dengan perasaan samar bahwa ada sesuatu yang salah, Zaryusu mengikuti di belakang kelompok Lizardmen.

♦ ♦ ♦

Dia dibawa ke rumah kecil yang ditunjuk dengan baik.

Itu mudah lebih besar dari rumah saudara Zaryusu, di desanya. Dindingnya dihiasi dengan desain yang digambar dengan cat langka, menyiratkan status tinggi penghuninya.

Anehnya, rumah ini tidak memiliki jendela, meskipun memiliki lubang ventilasi yang tersebar di seluruh dindingnya. Seperti Lizardman lainnya, Zaryusu bisa melihat dengan baik dalam gelap. Namun, itu tidak berarti mereka menikmati hidup dalam kegelapan.

Karena itu, mengapa pemimpin ini hidup di gubuk kecil yang gelap seperti ini?

Pertanyaan seperti itu muncul di pikiran Zaryusu, tetapi tidak ada yang akan menjawabnya untuknya.

Melihat ke belakang, dia melihat bahwa pastor dan prajurit yang membawanya ke sini tidak ditemukan.

Ketika dia pertama kali mendengar orang-orang yang menuntunnya menyuruh orang lain pergi, dia mengira mereka terlalu ceroboh, dan dia hampir bertanya mengapa mereka melakukan ini.

Namun, begitu Zaryusu mengetahui bahwa permintaan itu datang dari pemimpin desa – kepala penjabatnya – rasa hormatnya terhadap orang di dalam pondok hanya bertambah.

Zaryusu telah berjanji pada kakak laki-lakinya bahwa dia akan kembali dengan selamat, tetapi itu tidak berarti dia harus kembali tanpa terluka. Mengelilinginya dengan pejuang bersenjata untuk memberikan tekanan tidak akan ada gunanya. Sebaliknya, jika mereka melakukan itu, dia akan kecewa dengan kurangnya wawasan mereka.

Namun, jika pihak oposisi sudah mengantisipasi hal itu, dan menampilkan pertunjukan hebat ini untuknya …

Apakah itu berarti saya akan berurusan dengan negosiator yang terampil …

Zaryusu sengaja mengabaikan orang-orang yang memperhatikannya dari jauh. Dia berjalan ke pintu dan berteriak keras:

"Aku Zaryusu Shasha dari suku Green Claw! Saya diberi tahu bahwa pemimpin suku ini ada di sini! Bolehkah saya meminta audiensi? "

Suara samar terdengar kembali, memberinya izin masuk. Itu suara wanita.

Zaryusu masuk tanpa ragu sedikit pun.

Seperti yang diharapkan, interiornya gelap gulita.

Sementara dia memiliki kegelapan, perubahan dramatis dalam tingkat cahaya membuat Zaryusu berkedip.

Bau tajam menggantung di udara, mungkin dari sejenis ramuan herbal. Zaryusu mengharapkan seorang wanita tua, tetapi suara itu dengan mudah menghancurkan prakonsepsi miliknya.

"Saya mengucapkan selamat datang."

Suara itu datang melalui pintu dari bagian dalam ruangan yang gelap, jadi dia berasumsi bahwa itu pasti milik seseorang yang sudah tua. Tetapi sekarang, dia menyadari bahwa suaranya masih muda dan penuh semangat.

Saat mata Zaryusu akhirnya disesuaikan dengan cahaya sekitar, bentuk Lizardman menyelesaikan dirinya dalam bidang penglihatannya.

Putri Salju.

Itu adalah hal pertama yang dipikirkan Zaryusu ketika dia melihatnya.

Sisiknya seputih salju dan cerah seperti siang hari, bersih dan bebas dari ketidaksempurnaan.

Matanya yang bulat dan mengkilat berwarna merah tua, bersinar seperti batu delima. Tubuhnya yang ramping bukan maskulin, tapi feminin.

Tubuhnya ditutupi dengan desain kesukuan merah dan hitam yang menunjukkan bahwa dia adalah orang dewasa, bahwa dia tahu banyak mantra …

… Dan dia belum menikah.

Pembaca yang budiman, apakah Anda pernah ditusuk oleh tombak sebelumnya?

Zaryusu punya. Itu adalah rasa sakit yang membakar yang membuatnya merasa bahwa sesuatu yang panas telah ditekan dengan paksa ke tubuhnya, penderitaan yang berdenyut di sekujur tubuhnya tepat pada waktunya dengan detak jantungnya. Zaryusu mengalami hal seperti itu.

Hanya saja, itu tidak sakit, tapi—

Zaryusu berdiri diam dalam posisi aslinya.

Reaksi rekannya terhadap kesunyiannya tidak dapat dibaca. Dengan senyum mengejek, dia bertanya:

"Tampaknya bahkan pembawa Frost Pain – salah satu dari Empat Harta – menganggapku sebagai penyimpangan juga."

Di alam liar, albinisme adalah kondisi yang sangat langka. Itu karena albino sangat jelas dan mereka sulit bertahan hidup kerasnya hidup.

Hal yang sama berlaku untuk Lizardmen, yang memiliki tingkat peradaban tertentu. Itu karena mereka tidak memiliki teknologi yang memungkinkan orang yang takut pada matahari dan memiliki penglihatan yang buruk untuk bertahan hidup. Akibatnya, hanya ada sedikit lizardmen albino dewasa, dan beberapa bahkan terbunuh saat lahir.

Di antara para Lizardmen, dianggap sebagai gangguan belaka sudah cukup bagus. Dalam skenario terburuk, beberapa bahkan dianggap sebagai monster. Itulah arti ejekan dalam senyumnya.

Namun, tidak ada yang berlaku untuk Zaryusu.

"- Apa yang salah denganmu?" Tanya wanita terkejut Zaryusu, yang membeku di depan pintu rumahnya.

Jawaban Zaryusu adalah tangisan yang tumbuh tinggi di akhir, dengan beberapa keributan di tengah.

Mata Lizardwoman melebar dan rahangnya sedikit menurun. Itu meliputi keterkejutan, kebingungan, dan rasa malunya.

Suara itu dikenal sebagai panggilan kawin.

Setelah menyadari tindakan bodoh yang telah dilakukannya tanpa sadar, ekornya bergoyang-goyang; Lizardman setara dengan blush on manusia. Meronta-ronta begitu keras sehingga seolah-olah rumah itu akan dirobohkan.

“Er, ah, tidak. Tidak, bukan itu. Aku tidak bermaksud begitu, aku— "

Reaksi panik Zaryusu tampaknya menenangkan wanita itu. Giginya menyentuh satu sama lain dalam tawa berderit, dan kemudian dia mencoba menghiburnya dengan nada jengkel.

“Tolong tenanglah. Akan sangat merepotkan bagi saya jika Anda kehilangan kendali di sini. "

"Ah! Maaf."

Setelah meminta maaf, Zaryusu memasuki pondok. Pada saat ini, ekor Lizardwoman terbaring di tanah. Tampaknya dia akhirnya berhasil mendapatkan kembali ketenangannya. Namun, ujungnya berkedut dan gemetar, yang mengisyaratkan bahwa dia belum sepenuhnya menenangkan dirinya.

"Silahkan lewat sini."

"- Terima kasih."

Perempuan itu mengantar Zaryusu ke tempat yang tampak seperti kursi di tanah yang sepertinya ditenun dari serat tanaman. Dia mengambil tempat di seberangnya begitu dia duduk.

"Senang bertemu denganmu. Yang ini seorang musafir dari suku Cakar Hijau, Zaryusu Shasha. ”

“Terima kasih atas perkenalan formal kamu. Saya adalah penjabat kepala suku Mata Merah, Crusch Lulu. ”

Setelah memperkenalkan diri, mereka berdua saling belajar, seolah-olah melakukan penilaian rekan mereka.

Keheningan singkat memenuhi pondok, tetapi itu tidak bisa bertahan lama. Zaryusu adalah seorang tamu, jadi itu jatuh ke Crusch – sebagai tuan rumah – untuk berbicara terlebih dahulu.

"Lalu, Yang Mulia, jangan berdiri pada upacara. Saya ingin kita dapat berbicara dengan bebas, jadi tidak apa-apa untuk bersantai. "

Zaryusu mengangguk menanggapi permintaan akan keterbukaan.

“Saya berterima kasih untuk itu. Faktanya adalah, saya tidak terbiasa berbicara secara formal sendiri. "

♦ ♦ ♦

"Nah, mengapa kamu datang ke sini?"

Crusch sudah punya ide, terlepas dari pertanyaannya.

Makhluk mayat hidup misterius telah muncul di pusat desa mereka, dan sepertinya orang lain telah menggunakan sihir pengontrol awan tingkat keempat – 「Control Clouds」. Selain itu, pengunjung adalah pahlawan Lizardman dari suku lain.

Jadi, hanya ada satu jawaban. Ketika Crusch bertanya-tanya bagaimana harus bereaksi terhadap Zaryusu, dia mendengar jawaban yang benar-benar melebihi harapannya.

"- Tolong menikahi saya."

–

-?

-!

"Ah—?"

Untuk sesaat, Crusch bertanya-tanya apakah telinganya salah.

"Memang, bukan itu sebabnya aku datang. Selain itu, saya tahu betul bahwa hal semacam ini harus terjadi setelah kami selesai mendiskusikan bisnis. Namun, saya tidak dapat menyangkal apa yang saya rasakan di hati saya. Aku kira kamu bisa mengejekku sebagai pria bodoh. ”

"Uu, er, mm. Oh … "

Setelah mendengar kata-kata ini yang belum pernah didengarnya sejak lahir, dan yang dia yakini tidak akan pernah diarahkan padanya, badai kekacauan mencabik-cabik hati Crusch, dan dia sama sekali tidak bisa fokus.

Zaryusu tersenyum pahit ketika dia melihat Crusch dalam keadaan itu, dan melanjutkan:

"Maaf, saya benar-benar menyesal. Saya tidak boleh melakukan hal seperti itu di saat seperti ini. Saya tidak keberatan jika Anda memberi tahu saya jawaban Anda nanti .. "

"Er, um … hm."

Akhirnya, Crusch akhirnya berhasil mengumpulkan pikirannya sekali lagi, atau setidaknya dia berhasil mulai berpikir lagi. Bagaimanapun, dia akhirnya tenang, tetapi ketika kata-kata Zaryusu muncul di benaknya, dia merasa seolah-olah kepalanya akan terbakar kapan saja.

Dia mempelajari wajah lelaki di seberangnya, berhati-hati agar tidak diperhatikan saat dia menilai ekspresi tabahnya.

Saya tidak percaya dia bisa begitu tenang setelah mengatakan hal semacam itu kepada saya … apakah dia sering membuat proposal seperti itu? Atau apakah dia terbiasa orang-orang mengadilinya … Memang, dia sangat tampan … Ah! Apa yang aku pikirkan !? Ini pasti rencananya … ya, itu benar. Jelas, dia hanya mencoba untuk membuat saya lelah. Selain itu, bukan seolah-olah ada orang yang akan melamar seseorang seperti saya …!

Karena belum pernah diperlakukan sebagai wanita sebelumnya, ia dilemparkan ke dalam kekacauan oleh pengalaman ini. Dia tidak memperhatikan bagaimana ujung ekor Zaryusu berkedut sedikit. Laki-laki di depannya juga berjuang untuk mengendalikan emosinya dan menjaga mereka agar tidak meletus.

Dengan demikian, keheningan berlalu di antara mereka untuk sementara waktu. Butuh beberapa saat sebelum mereka berdua bisa mendinginkan kepala mereka, dipanaskan oleh pikiran yang demam.

Setelah waktu yang cukup berlalu bagi mereka untuk mendapatkan kembali ketenangan mereka, Crusch menyadari bahwa mereka harus kembali ke topik semula untuk saat ini.

Sama seperti Crusch yang berpikir untuk bertanya kepada Zaryusu tentang alasannya datang ke desa ini, dia ingat apa yang baru saja dikatakannya.

Bagaimana aku bisa menanyakan hal seperti itu !?

Ekor Crusch menampar tanah dengan thwap. Laki-laki di hadapannya bergidik, seolah-olah dia telah dipukul secara fisik.

Crusch panik, menyadari bahwa ini adalah perilaku yang sangat kasar.

Bahkan jika dia seorang musafir, dia masih merupakan wakil sukunya. Dia juga bukan Lizardman biasa, tapi pahlawan yang melahirkan Frost Pain. Ini bukan sikap yang seharusnya dia ambil dengan seseorang seperti itu.

Tapi itu semua salahmu! Cepatlah dan ucapkan sesuatu!

Zaryusu memilih diam karena dia malu dengan apa yang telah dia lakukan, tetapi Crusch tidak mengetahui hal itu ketika dia mencoba untuk menutup gunung berapi di dalam hatinya.

Keheningan berlanjut. Menyadari bahwa ini tidak bisa berlangsung, Crusch mengambil keputusan dan memutuskan untuk mengubah topik pembicaraan.

"Mengingat kamu tidak takut dengan penampilanku, aku membayangkan kamu pasti sangat berani, apa aku salah?"

Ketika dia mendengar jawaban penghinaan diri Crusch, Zaryusu menjawab dengan ekspresi yang sepertinya mengatakan, Omong kosong apa yang kamu ucapkan?

Apa sih yang dia pikirkan? Pikir Crusch.

"Aku berkata, apakah kamu tidak takut dengan tubuh putihku ini?"

"… Ini seperti salju yang menutupi pegunungan."

"… Eh?"

"- Ini adalah warna yang indah."

Dan tentu saja, dia harus mengatakan satu hal yang tak pernah dibicarakan orang sebelumnya.

Apa, apa yang orang ini katakan !?

Tidak dapat menahan ketegangan dari dalam, tutup emosi Crusch meledak, tidak pernah terlihat lagi.

Melihat Crusch kehilangan total untuk apa yang harus dilakukan selanjutnya, Zaryusu dengan santai meraih dan menyentuh tangga Crusch. Tangannya menyentuh sisik-sisik berkilau, indah, yang tampaknya dipoles itu – yang agak dingin saat disentuh.

"Shaa!" Crusch tersentak dalam apa yang terdengar seperti ketakutan.

Suara itu sepertinya agak mendinginkan kepala mereka.

Keduanya tahu ada sesuatu yang terjadi pada mereka, tetapi mereka tidak bisa menahan diri. Panik memenuhi mereka. Kenapa dia tidak bisa mengendalikan dirinya dan menyentuhnya? Dan mengapa dia membiarkannya melakukannya? Pertanyaan-pertanyaan ini menjadi kecemasan, yang pada gilirannya menjadi kebingungan.

Pada akhirnya, ekor mereka berderak berulang kali di tanah, begitu kuat sehingga seluruh rumah tampak bergetar.

Tak lama kemudian, mata mereka bertemu, dan mereka menyadari keadaan ekor masing-masing. Kemudian, ekor mereka membeku di tengah gerakan, seolah-olah waktu telah berhenti untuk mereka.

"…"

"…"

Seseorang bisa menggambarkan suasana di udara sebagai berat. Kata "tense" juga bisa diterapkan. Keheningan turun pada mereka sekali lagi, dan mereka saling mempelajari secara diam-diam. Setelah itu, Crusch akhirnya berhasil menenangkan diri. Dengan tatapan matanya yang mengatakan bahwa dia tidak akan membiarkan kebohongan apa pun melewatinya, dia bertanya:

"… Kenapa … tiba-tiba kau melakukan itu?"

Sementara Crusch tidak cukup mengekspresikan apa yang ingin dia katakan, Zaryusu tampaknya mengerti maksudnya, dan memberikan jawaban langsung dan jujur.

"Saya percaya itulah yang mereka sebut cinta pada pandangan pertama. Juga, kita mungkin mati dalam pertempuran ini, jadi aku tidak ingin meninggalkan penyesalan. ”

Crusch menjadi bingung bagaimana cara membalas pengakuan tulus Zaryusu. Namun, ada sesuatu dalam kata-kata itu yang tidak bisa dia terima.

"… Jadi, bahkan pembawa Frost Pain merasa dia mungkin mati?"

"Kami tidak tahu tentang musuh, jadi kami tidak bisa menganggapnya enteng … Apakah Anda melihat monster yang mereka gunakan untuk menyampaikan pesan mereka? Yang datang ke desa kami terlihat seperti ini … "

Zaryusu menyerahkan sketsa monster kepada Crusch. Dia mencarinya, dan mengangguk.

"Mm, itu sama saja."

"Apakah kamu tahu monster macam apa itu?"

"Tidak. Tidak ada orang lain di sukuku yang tahu. ”

"Begitukah … Yah, aku pernah melihat monster seperti itu sebelumnya …"

Suara Zaryusu menghilang di sini, dan kemudian dia mempelajari reaksi Crusch setelah berkata, "Aku lari darinya."

"- Eh?"

"Aku tidak mengalahkannya. Atau lebih tepatnya, itu hampir membunuhku. ”

Setelah menyadari betapa kuatnya monster itu, Crusch menghela nafas lega. Tampaknya menahan para pejuang adalah hal yang tepat untuk dilakukan.

“Hal itu dapat membingungkan pikiran seseorang dengan ratapannya, dan itu adalah makhluk yang tidak berwujud. Senjata yang tidak diinginkan tidak berguna melawannya, jadi saya tidak bisa membanjirinya dengan angka. "

"Kami druids memiliki mantra yang untuk sementara bisa menyihir senjata …"

"… Bisakah kamu bertahan melawan serangan mental?"

"Kita dapat meningkatkan resistensi terhadap serangan semacam itu, tetapi melindungi pikiran semua orang ada di luar jangkauanku."

"Begitu … bisakah semua pastor mengeluarkan mantra seperti itu?"

"Hampir semua pendeta bisa mendukung perlawanan, tapi aku satu-satunya di sukuku yang bisa menangkal kebingungan."

Crusch menyadari bahwa napas Zaryusu agak kasar. Tampaknya dia menyadari bahwa posisi Crusch bukan untuk pertunjukan.

Memang, Crusch Lulu adalah druid veteran, dan kekuatannya mungkin melebihi Imam Besar lainnya di antara Lizardmen.

"… Kapan suku Mata Merah akan diserang?"

"Mereka mengatakan kita akan menjadi yang keempat."

"Begitukah … kalau begitu, apa rencanamu?"

Waktu berlalu.

Crusch memperdebatkan kelebihan dan kekurangan dari memberitahunya. Suku Green Claw pasti akan memilih untuk bertarung, dan Zaryusu kemungkinan besar di sini untuk mengamankan aliansi untuk bertarung dengan mereka. Bagaimana dia bisa mengubah itu untuk kepentingan suku Mata Merah?

Mata Merah tidak pernah berniat membentuk aliansi. Mereka bermaksud melarikan diri. Lagipula, bertarung dengan siapa pun yang bisa menggunakan mantra tingkat keempat adalah hal yang bodoh secara ekstrim. Tidak ada kesimpulan lain yang bisa mereka tarik mengingat bahwa oposisi mereka bisa mengerahkan mayat hidup juga.

Namun, apakah benar-benar bijaksana untuk mengatakan itu kepada mereka?

Saat pikirannya berputar-putar di dalam kepalanya, Zaryusu menyipitkan matanya, seolah-olah dia akan memberikan jiwanya padanya.

"Biarkan aku menyatakan pendapat jujurku."

Crusch tidak tahu apa yang akan dikatakan Zaryusu selanjutnya, dan terus melatih matanya.

"Yang membuatku khawatir adalah apa yang akan terjadi setelah kita mengungsi."

Crusch tidak tahu apa yang dibicarakan Zaryusu. Zaryusu dengan tenang menjelaskan dirinya sendiri.

"Apakah kamu pikir kamu bisa terus hidup seperti biasa setelah meninggalkan tempat yang familier?"

"Kurasa tidak … tidak, itu hampir mustahil, kan?"

Jika mereka meninggalkan tempat ini dan membangun kehidupan baru di tempat lain, itu akan berarti memasuki lingkungan baru. Mereka harus mempertaruhkan hidup mereka dalam perjuangan untuk hidup dan mati – untuk bertahan hidup – dan menang. Dan sebenarnya, Lizardmen bukanlah penguasa danau ini. Mereka telah berjuang selama bertahun-tahun untuk mengukir ceruk mereka di lahan basah ini. Sebuah ras seperti mereka tidak dapat dengan mudah mencabut diri mereka sendiri dan berkembang di wilayah yang tidak dikenal.

"Artinya, mungkin sulit untuk menemukan makanan dan tempat tinggal, apakah aku benar?"

"Memang," jawab Crusch dengan nada agak melengking yang menyampaikan keraguannya.

"Lalu, apa yang akan terjadi jika kelima suku itu mencoba mengungsi sekaligus?"

"Ini—!"

Crusch tidak bisa berkata-kata, karena dia sudah meramalkan niat sejati Zaryusu.

Daerah di sekitar danau itu luas, tetapi di mana pun suatu suku tertentu melarikan diri juga akan menjadi wilayah yang diperebutkan dengan panas untuk suku-suku lain. Dengan kata lain, hanya pindah ke tempat baru akan memicu pertempuran untuk bertahan hidup. Selain itu, mereka semua akan berebut ikan yang merupakan makanan pokok mereka. Apa yang akan terjadi jika peristiwa itu terjadi? Yang mereka tahu, sesuatu yang mengerikan mungkin terjadi, seperti perang dari masa lalu.

"Jadi, kau memberitahuku … alasan mengapa kau ingin bertarung meski kami kurang percaya diri adalah …"

"…Iya. Ini bukan hanya masalah suku saya sendiri, tetapi saya juga telah mempertimbangkan bagaimana mengecilkan barisan suku-suku lain. ”

"Alasan macam apa itu !?"

Itu sebabnya dia ingin mereka untuk menutup barisan dan bertarung. Bahkan jika mereka kalah, jumlah Lizardmen akan berkurang.

Idenya adalah ide yang radikal – gagasan bahwa setiap orang dapat dikeluarkan selain para pejuang, pemburu, dan pendeta. Namun, dia bisa memahami alasan di balik itu. Atau lebih tepatnya, ketika seseorang memandang jauh ke depan, mengorbankan orang lain adalah pilihan paling bijaksana.

Jika jumlah Lizardmen lebih sedikit, mereka tidak akan membutuhkan begitu banyak makanan. Dengan cara itu, berbagai suku mungkin bisa hidup berdampingan secara harmonis.

Crusch mencari cara untuk menyangkal gagasannya itu.

"- Anda mengatakan kepada saya bahwa Anda ingin mengurangi jumlah kami dan membuat kehidupan baru di tempat lain tanpa mengetahui betapa berbahayanya rumah baru kami?"

“Kalau begitu, izinkan saya bertanya kepada Anda – apa yang terjadi jika kita dengan mudah memenangkan pertempuran demi keselamatan kita? Ketika pasokan ikan menipis, apakah kelima suku akan saling membantai satu sama lain? "

"Sejauh yang kita tahu, mungkin lebih mudah untuk menangkap ikan di masa depan!"

"Dan bagaimana kalau itu bukan?"

Crusch tidak tahu bagaimana menjawab jawaban dingin Zaryusu.

Zaryusu tampaknya mengasumsikan skenario terburuk saat merencanakan, yang tampak seperti posisi ekstrem bagi Crusch. Jika mereka melakukan apa yang dipikirkannya, maka sebuah tragedi akan terjadi ketika masa-masa sulit. Namun, jika mereka melakukan apa yang disiratkan Zaryusu, maka kata tragedi itu bisa dihindari.

Selain itu, bahkan jika Lizardmen dewasa mati dalam pertempuran, itu akan menjadi kematian yang mulia bagi mereka.

"… Jika ada yang menolak usul kita, maka kita harus berbaris melawan mereka terlebih dahulu."

Nada rendahnya membuat Crusch menggigil.

Yang dia maksudkan adalah bahwa dia tidak akan membiarkan suku Mata Merah untuk bermigrasi ke tempat lain dengan jumlah mereka yang tidak berkurang.

Itu adalah kesimpulan yang masuk akal, dan yang sangat tepat.

Ketika suku-suku yang habis berlari ke suku Mata Merah – yang kekuatannya tidak berkurang – mereka akan beresiko dihancurkan. Untuk menghindari itu, satu-satunya pilihan yang mereka miliki adalah menyerang suku mana saja yang tidak memilih untuk bergabung dengan aliansi. Itu adalah keputusan yang sangat rasional untuk diambil dari sudut pandang seorang pemimpin yang orang-orangnya dalam bahaya, dan jika dia berada di posisinya, dia mungkin akan membuat keputusan itu juga.

"Aku merasa selama kita membentuk aliansi, bahkan jika kita kalah, akan ada sedikit kesempatan bagi kita untuk saling membunuh ketika suku kita pindah ke tanah baru."

Crusch tidak mengerti arti kata-kata itu, dan ketidaktahuannya terlihat di wajahnya. Saat itulah Zaryusu memutuskan untuk menjelaskan dirinya dengan istilah yang lebih sederhana.

“Saya merasa aliansi ini akan menumbuhkan semangat kerja sama timbal balik dan mengubah perspektif kami. Semua orang akan menjadi kawan yang telah menumpahkan darah bersama, dan bukan orang dari suku yang berbeda. ”

"Begitulah," gumam Crusch saat pencerahan menyadarinya.

Dengan kata lain, suku-suku yang telah berperang berdampingan satu sama lain mungkin tidak perlu turun ke kekerasan begitu makanan langka. Namun, mengingat pendapat Crusch dan pengalaman masa lalunya, dia bertanya-tanya apakah mereka bisa mencapai keadaan seperti itu.

Ketika Crusch menundukkan kepalanya dan memulai kontemplasi, Zaryusu bertanya:

"Kalau dipikir-pikir, bagaimana kabarmu sukumu selamat dari periode itu?"

Crusch menyentakkan kepalanya, seolah dia ditusuk jarum. Dia berbalik dengan kaku ke arah Zaryusu, yang memiliki ekspresi terkejut di wajahnya.

Jadi dia benar-benar tidak tahu tentang itu sebelum dia bertanya.

Meskipun mereka sudah lama tidak saling kenal, Crusch memiliki pemahaman kasar tentang kepribadian Zaryusu, dan nalurinya mengatakan kepadanya bahwa pertanyaannya tidak menimbulkan ancaman bagi sukunya.

Crusch menyipitkan matanya dan menatap Zaryusu, seolah berusaha menembusnya dengan tatapan tajamnya. Dia tahu bahwa Zaryusu akan bingung mengapa seseorang menatapnya seperti itu, tetapi meski begitu, dia masih harus melakukannya. ”

"- Haruskah aku memberitahumu?"

♦ ♦ ♦

Nada suaranya penuh dengan penghinaan dan kebencian. Begitu besar perubahan yang membuat Zaryusu bertanya-tanya apakah dia sedang berbicara dengan orang lain.

Namun, Zaryusu tidak akan kembali ke sini, karena ini berpotensi menjadi penyelamat yang bisa menyelamatkan semua orang.

“Saya ingin mendengarnya. Apakah itu karena kekuatan para pendeta? Atau ada cara lain? Mungkin ada cara untuk menyelamatkan— "

Zaryusu memotong kata-katanya di tengah jalan.

Jika memang ada cara untuk menyelamatkan semua orang, maka raut wajah Crusch tidak akan begitu pahit.

Mungkin Crusch merasakan apa yang dipikirkan Zaryusu, tetapi dia tertawa, seolah mengejek dirinya sendiri.

"Kamu benar. Tidak ada cara untuk menyelamatkan semua orang. "

Dia berhenti di sini, dan tersenyum lelah.

"Kami menggunakan kanibalisme – memakan kawan-kawan kami yang sudah mati."

Kejutan yang luar biasa membuat Zaryusu terdiam. Membunuh yang lemah – mengurangi jumlah mereka – tidak dilarang, tetapi makan sesama manusia adalah praktik yang tidak bersih, tabu di antara tabu.

Kenapa dia mengatakan ini padaku? Mengapa dia memberitahuku sesuatu yang seharusnya dia rahasiakan seumur hidupnya, kepada seseorang di luar suku – kepada seorang pengunjung? Mungkinkah dia tidak berniat membiarkan saya pergi hidup-hidup … tidak, sepertinya tidak begitu.

♦ ♦ ♦

Bahkan Crusch terkejut mengapa dia mengatakan ini pada Zaryusu.

Dia tahu betul bahwa sukunya akan difitnah karenanya. Tapi kenapa—

Dan kemudian dia terus berbicara, seolah-olah mulutnya tidak lagi di bawah kendalinya.

“Pada waktu itu – selama perang suku – suku kami dalam kesulitan karena kekurangan makanan. Namun, kami tidak ikut serta dalam pertempuran itu karena suku kami memiliki lebih banyak imam dan prajurit yang lebih sedikit. Para pendeta bisa membuat makanan dengan sihir. "

Seolah berada di bawah kendali kehendak lain, Crusch melanjutkan.

“Namun, makanan yang dibuat para pendeta dengan sihir tak lebih dari ukuran sementara, dan suku kami perlahan dan pasti menuju kehancuran. Namun, kepala desa tiba-tiba membawa makanan kembali suatu hari; daging merah segar. "

– Mungkin, aku ingin mengaku … dosaku padanya.

Suara Crusch menggertakkan giginya memenuhi udara.

Pria di depannya mendengarkan diam-diam. Jika dia jijik karenanya, dia sama sekali tidak menunjukkan tanda.

Crusch berterima kasih untuk itu.

“Semua orang tahu apa itu daging itu. Ada hukum ketat yang ditetapkan, dan keluarga-keluarga yang melanggarnya telah diasingkan. Kepala hanya membawa daging itu kembali setelah orang-orang buangan itu pergi. Tetapi semua orang mengabaikan kecurigaan mereka dan memakan dagingnya untuk bertahan hidup. Tentu saja, hal-hal tidak dapat berlangsung seperti itu selamanya. Perasaan terpendam semua orang mencapai kepala, dan kemudian meledak. "

Crusch memejamkan mata dan mengingat kembali wajah kepala sebelumnya.

"Kami, yang makan daging itu … bahkan ketika kami tahu apa itu … kami bersalah atas kejahatan yang sama dengan kepala suku. Ketika saya memikirkannya sekarang, rasanya hampir menggelikan. ”

Setelah menyelesaikan monolognya, Crusch menatap mata Zaryusu. Ketika dia tidak melihat tanda-tanda rasa jijik di matanya, serentetan kegembiraan rahasia mengalir di dalam dirinya, diikuti oleh keterkejutan pada sukacita wanita itu.

Kenapa dia begitu senang tentang ini?

Crusch mulai menyadari jawaban untuk pertanyaan itu.

"… Tolong lihat aku. Terkadang, orang-orang seperti saya muncul di suku Mata Merah. Ketika mereka tumbuh dewasa, mereka mengembangkan beberapa bentuk kemampuan khusus – dalam kasus saya, saya berbakat dalam sihir imam. Oleh karena itu, saya dalam pelarian untuk menjadi kepala suku berikutnya … jadi saya mengangkat spanduk saya dalam pemberontakan melawan kepala suku itu. Pertempuran itu membagi suku menjadi dua, tetapi kami menang karena kami lebih kuat. ”

"Jadi persediaan makananmu sekarang mencukupi karena jumlahnya berkurang?"

"Ya … dan pada akhirnya, suku kami selamat. Ketika kami memberontak, kepala suku mengulurkan tangan sampai akhir yang pahit, dan dia meninggal setelah diliputi banyak luka. Sebelum dia menerima pukulan fatal, dia menatapku dan tersenyum. "

Kata-kata itu meluncur dengan menyakitkan dari Crusch.

Itu adalah rasa bersalah yang telah membara di hatinya sejak dia membunuh kepala sebelumnya.

Dia tidak bisa mengakui dosa-dosanya kepada orang-orang yang telah berdiri di sisinya, terlibat dalam pengkhianatannya. Tapi sekarang, dia bisa melepas beban dirinya ke Zaryusu. Itulah sebabnya dia terus berbicara tentang masa lalu.

“Itu adalah senyum yang tidak kuduga dari seseorang yang memandang orang yang akan membunuh mereka. Tidak ada kebencian, kebencian, permusuhan, atau kebencian di sana – itu adalah senyum yang sangat indah! Saya bertanya-tanya … mungkinkah kepala desa telah melakukan semua ini setelah mempertimbangkan semua yang lain? Sebaliknya, kami hanya bertindak karena permusuhan dan idealisme. Kepala adalah yang di sebelah kanan! Dan setelah kepala suku itu mati – yaitu, setelah kambing hitam untuk semua dosa kita terbunuh – suku kita bersatu sekali lagi. Selain itu, dia meninggalkan kita hadiah perpisahan untuk mengatasi kekurangan makanan kita! ”

Sekarang, Crusch sudah mencapai titik puncaknya.

Dia telah berjuang begitu lama dengan rasa bersalahnya dan beban menjadi kepala pelaksana. Jadi, ketika dia membiarkan dirinya hancur, dia akan melakukannya dengan kekuatan yang luar biasa. Namun, Crusch menelan banjir yang akan datang di dalam dirinya, karena dia tahu bahwa jika dia membiarkan pikirannya jatuh ke dalam kekacauan, dia bahkan mungkin tidak dapat berbicara.

Terisak yang tenang memenuhi udara. Berbicara secara biologis, itu adalah jumlah air mata yang tidak signifikan, tetapi kenyataannya adalah bahwa pada tingkat psikologis, ia telah hancur sampai menangis.

♦ ♦ ♦

Betapa tubuh kecilnya yang lemah.

Di dunia alami, kelemahan tidak bisa ditoleransi. Sementara anak-anak masih merupakan kelompok yang dilindungi, ada sedikit perbedaan antara Lizardmen pria dan wanita; semuanya menghargai kekuatan. Dari sudut pandang itu, dia seharusnya mencibir perempuan di depannya. Lagi pula, bagaimana mungkin pemimpin suatu suku menunjukkan kelemahan di hadapan anggota suku lain – di hadapan orang asing?

Namun, Zaryusu berpikir berbeda.

Mungkin dia merasa bahwa dia adalah wanita yang cantik, tetapi lebih dari itu, dia tampak seperti seorang pejuang. Dia adalah seorang pejuang yang terluka, yang terengah-engah dan putus asa, tetapi dia terus maju. Zaryusu merasa bahwa ini hanya mengungkapkan sisi rawannya.

Jika dia masih mau berdiri dan maju, maka dia tidak lemah.

Zaryusu leaned close, and gently wrapped his arms around Crusch.

“—​We are not all-knowing, and each of us might make a different decision in a different situation. If it were me, I might have done the same thing. But I don’t want to try and comfort you or anything, because there’s no such thing as a right answer in this world. All we can do is to choose to move on, and I feel that even after all the regret and misery and the wounds that cover the soles of your feet, all you can do is choose to press forward.”

The warmth of their bodies flowed into each other, and the tiny tremor of their heartbeats went with it. For a moment, it felt as though their hearts were slowly syncing up with each other.

What a strange feeling.

This was a warmth Zaryusu had never felt before in his life. It was not because he was embracing a Lizardman.

Could it be that it’s because I’m holding this female —​ Crusch Lulu —​ in my arms?

Before long, Crusch wriggled free of Zaryusu’s chest.

Zaryusu briefly regretted the departure of her warmth, but he kept silent because he did not know how to express that feeling.

“It seems I’ve embarrassed myself in front of you… do you think less of me now?”

“What do you mean, embarrassed? Do I look like the sort of male who would laugh at someone who carried on moving forward despite their wounds and worries about the future? …But I think you look very beautiful.”

“—​!”

“—​!”

The white tail curled, and slapped repeatedly at the ground.

“…Oh dear.”

Zaryusu did not inquire about what Crusch had meant by those words. Instead, he asked another question.

“Right, does the Red Eye tribe raise fish?”

“Raise?”

“Yes, as in breeding and nurturing fish to be eaten.”

“We don’t do that, because fish are a blessing from nature.”

From what Zaryusu could tell, no Lizardman tribe had ever practiced fish breeding. That was because they felt that growing their own food was a form of blasphemy.

“That seems to be what the priests —​ what the druids think. Could you try to change their minds and persuade them to raise fish to fill their bellies? The priests in our tribe seem to have accepted that.”

Crusch nodded.

“Then, I shall teach you how to raise fish. The important thing is their feed; you need to feed them with the fruits conjured by druidic spells. The fish grow large and fat when fed on those.”

“Is it really all right for you to tell me the secrets of fish-rearing?”

"Tentu saja. There’s no point hiding it. It’s more important that I help as many tribes with that as possible.”

Crusch bowed deeply to Zaryusu and lifted her tail in thanks.

“You have my utmost gratitude.”

“You… Well, you don’t have to thank me, but in return, I’d like to ask you something again.”

The emotion disappeared from Crusch’s face, and that shift in attitude calmed Zaryusu’s heart down.

This was a question he could not evade. Zaryusu took a deep breath, and so did Crusch.

And then, Zaryusu asked:

“What does the Red Eye tribe intend to do about the coming battle?”

“…After what we discussed yesterday, we are currently in favor of fleeing.”

“Then, acting chief Crusch Lulu, let me ask you one more time —​ do you still feel the same way?”

Crusch could not answer him.

It was only natural to hesitate, given that this concerned the fate of the Red Eye tribe.

However, Zaryusu could do nothing about that response but force a smile to his face.

“…You have to make that decision. I believe the reason why the previous chief smiled at you was because he was entrusting you with the tribe’s future. That being the case, now is the time to live up to his trust in you. That’s all I have to say. The rest is up to you.”

Crusch’s round eyes panned around the room. It did not imply she wanted to flee or seek help, but that she was searching for the right answer within her heart.

No matter how it ended up, all Zaryusu had to do was accept her answer.

“As acting chief, may I ask how many people you intend to evacuate?”

“For the time being, we are planning to evacuate ten warriors, twenty hunters, three priests, seventy males, one hundred females and some children.”

“…As for the others?”

“—​Depending on the circumstances, we might have to let them all die.”

Crusch stared off into empty space and murmured:

“—​Really now.”

“Then, please give me your answer, acting chief Crusch Lulu of the Red Eye tribe.”

♦ ♦ ♦

Crusch considered her options.

She could kill Zaryusu. Personally speaking, she did not want to do that, but it was a different matter in her capacity as acting chief.

How about killing him and fleeing with the rest of the village? Crusch abandoned that line of thought, because it was an extremely dangerous gamble and it concerned their future. Besides, there was no guarantee that he really had come alone.

Then, how about agreeing with him and then running away with everyone?

That would probably be problematic too. If they tried to be clever and messed up instead, it might lead to a war with the Red Eye tribe —​ one that would lead to an extermination of their people. After all, their intention was to reduce the population, and it did not matter who had to die for that to happen.

Ultimately, if he did not receive an answer agreeing to an alliance, he would probably lead an army to the Red Eye tribe to destroy them.

However, she did not know if Zaryusu had realized there was a flaw in that plan. The problem of food scarcity still remained.

Then, enlightenment dawned on Crusch, and she smiled. There had never been a way out to begin with. From the moment Zaryusu had proposed the alliance; from the moment he had suggested they work with the Green Claw tribe—​

The only way for the Red Eye tribe to survive was to ally with them and join the battle together. Zaryusu should have realised that as well.

Even so, he wanted Crusch to give her answer. He probably wanted to see if Crusch —​ the leader of her tribe —​ was worthy of standing beside him as his comrade.

After that, all that was left was to speak her decision.

However, if she told him, many people would surely die. Still—​

“Let me get one thing straight. We are not fighting to die, we are fighting to win. I may have said a lot of things that made you uncomfortable, but as long as we beat the enemy, we can laugh it all off. I hope you understand that.”

Crusch nodded to show that she understood.

He was a compassionate male. With that, Crusch replied with her decision:

“…We, the Red Eye tribe, will join you, because I do not wish to make the previous chief’s smile meaningless, and also because I want to give the Red Eye tribe its best shot at survival.”

Crusch bowed deeply, and lifted her tail.

“—​Thank you very much.”

Zaryusu nodded, and his firmly erect tail spoke more of his emotions than his words ever could.

♦ ♦ ♦

It was morning.

Zaryusu looked toward the main gate of the Red Eye tribe’s village, from where he stood in front of Rororo.

His mouth opened, and a yawn slipped out. He was still feeling a little tired, because he had been sitting in on the tribal meeting of the Red Eye tribe until late last night. However, time was of the essence, and he had to visit another tribe by today.

Zaryusu furiously battled the spectre of sleep, but he lost his fight and yawned again, louder than before.

While Rororo was hardly a stable ride, for some reason he felt that he could still fall asleep on top of it.

Zaryusu glanced at the sun, which seemed bright yellow despite having just risen, and then he looked back at the main gate. A feeling of confusion came over him, because something strange had walked out from it.

It was a bundle of grass.

It was a set of garments that had been made with long strips of cloth and stuffed full of long grasses. If it lay down on the marsh, it would look like a pile of weeds from a distance.

Ah, where have I seen a monster like that before—​

As Zaryusu recalled the sights he had seen as an adventurer, Rororo growled in a threatening fashion from behind him.

Of course, Zaryusu knew who that pile of weeds was. There was no doubt about it. After all, her white tail peeked out from it.

As he stared dumbly at the swaying tail and absentmindedly rubbed Rororo to calm it down, the pile of weeds had already drawn up to Zaryusu.

“—​Good morning.”

“Mm, good morning… it seems you’ve gathered the tribe.”

He looked toward the dwellings of the Red Eye tribe. It was filled with a frantic energy, with many Lizardmen running back and forth. Crusch stood aside to watch, and then replied:

“Mm, there were no problems with that. We should be able to reach the Razor Tail village by today, and we’ve already picked out the people that we’re going to evacuate.”

According to the spells cast by the priests from the village, the Razor Tail tribe was the first to be attacked. The fact that the first tribe to be attacked was not the Dragon Tusk tribe was a godsend when they considered the time they had left.

“Then, why are you coming with me, Crusch?”

“The answer is simple, Zaryusu. But before I answer you, tell me this —​ what do you intend to do next?”

After the long meeting that had lasted from evening to the middle of the night, neither of them felt uncomfortable about addressing each other by their first names. Even the way in which they spoke had changed, probably because they had come to be familiar with each other.

“After this, I intend to visit another tribe —​ the Dragon Tusk tribe.”

“They’re the tribe that values strength over all things, right? I’ve heard that they have the greatest fighting power of all the tribes.”

“Mm, that’s right. Since we haven’t had much contact with them, we’d best prepare ourselves for anything.”

Everything about them was shrouded in mystery, so even proceeding to their domain was a very risky matter. In addition, they had absorbed the survivors of the two tribes which had been disbanded during the previous war, so that made things even more dangerous.

Zaryusu had distinguished himself during that war, so he would be a hated nemesis for the survivors of those two tribes.

Even so, they were the tribe whose strength they most needed during the upcoming conflict.

“So that’s it… Then it would be better for me to accompany you.”

“—​Why?”

“Is it strange?”

The weed pile rustled softly. Zaryusu had no idea what those words meant because he could not see her face.

“It’s not strange… more that it’s very dangerous.”

“Is anywhere safe during these times?”

Zaryusu could not reply to that. When he thought calmly about it, there were many advantages to bringing Crusch along. However, as a male, he did not want to bring the female he loved to a place where he knew great danger was waiting.

“—​I really can’t calm down.”

He could not see Crusch’s face inside the weed pile, but she seemed to be smiling.

“…Then I’ll ask you another question. Why are you dressed like that?”

“Is it ugly?”

It was not ugly so much as bizarre. However, would it be better to praise her for it? Zaryusu did not know how to answer, but after some thought, he sized up the expression he could not see and replied:

“…Well, I should say it looks good… does it?”

“As if.”

Crusch shut him down with a flat denial. That was probably why Zaryusu felt weak all of a sudden.

“It’s simply because I don’t deal well with sunlight. Thus, I need to dress up like this whenever I go outside.”

"Saya melihat…"

“Ah, you haven’t given me your answer yet. Will you let me come with you?”

No matter what he said to her, it would all be pointless. Having her around would be advantageous to his aim of forging an alliance. She must have suggested as much because she felt the same way. Thus, there was no reason for him to refuse her.

"…Saya mengerti. Then, please lend me a hand, Crusch.”

With a sense of joy that seemed to come from the bottom of her heart, Crusch replied:

“—​I understand. Leave it to me, Zaryusu.”

“Are you ready to set out?”

"Tentu saja. My pack is filled with everything I need.”

After hearing that, Zaryusu looked at her back and found a bulge there. The thick scent of fresh grass and other herbs came from it. Since she was a druid, she ought to have skills pertaining to herbs and the like, so it must be filled with such materials.

“Zaryusu, you look tired.”

“Uh, yes, I do feel a bit weary. The past two days have been pretty busy, so I haven’t had time to sleep.”

Just then, a white-scaled hand emerged from under the mass of weeds.

"Sini. This is a Rikiriko fruit. Eat it, skin and all.”

The hand proffered him a brown-colored fruit. Zaryusu placed it into his mouth and bit down on it without hesitation.

A bitter taste filled his mouth, chasing away his fatigue. While it was barely passable in terms of flavor, after chewing it several times, an explosion of flavor bloomed on his tongue. In addition, even the breaths he exhaled had the same taste on them.

“Muu! What’s this cool sensation that’s filling my head?”

Zaryusu had unconsciously adopted his elder brother’s verbal tic. Crusch could not help but giggle as she saw him.

“Your desire to sleep has gone away, right? But the fact is that it isn’t really gone, so don’t get too used to it. It would be best to find somewhere to rest.”

Every breath Zaryusu took in and released filled him with bliss, as did the full-body sensation of coolness. He replied:

“Then, I’ll take a nap while I’m on Rororo.”

Saying that, Zaryusu immediately mounted Rororo. He was followed by Crusch. While Rororo glared at Zaryusu due to the sinister feeling of a pile of grass climbing astride it, Zaryusu finally managed to calm it down.

"Lalu, ayo pergi. The seating isn’t very stable, so you’d best hang on to me.”

“All right.”

Crusch’s arms encircled Zaryusu’s waist. The prickles from her weed outfit made Zaryusu feel itchy.

"…"

Zaryusu frowned. This was not what he had imagined.

“—​Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing. Ayo pergi. Rororo, I’ll leave it to you.”

What exactly was making her so happy? Crusch’s cheerful laughter came from behind him, and as Rororo lurched on, Zaryusu was all smiles.

Bagian 2

The Great Forest of Tob was silent under the oppression of its new rulers. That was because all the living beings here had gone into hiding, afraid of the gaze of those who held power over them.

However, that was not the case for a specific area of the forest.

The sound of tree-cutting and logs being moved filled the air in that place.

There was a Golem which resembled a piece of heavy machinery —​ a Heavy Iron Machine —​ which carried logs to a massive wooden structure that was still under construction.

It looked like it would take a long time before that building was complete. While it occupied a large area, the portions which had actually been constructed were surprisingly small.

A group of undead and Golems worked there.

Among these undead were Elder Liches who wore eye-catchingly bright red robes.

Every now and then, they would be approached by demons that were roughly thirty centimeters tall —​ small monsters with bat wings and coppery-red skin, called Imps. The Imps kept their slender tails —​ which were tipped with venom-dripping stingers —​ out of the way lest they get in the way of the Elder Liches’ work.

One hardworking Elder Lich unfurled the blueprints he was holding and gave orders to one of the Golems under him.

The Golem obediently stopped what it was doing and compared the worksite before him to the blueprints, before pausing to cogitate. Shortly after, it spoke to the Imp on its shoulder.

After hearing it out, the Imp indicated that it understood, and took wing.

Flying with ungraceful movements, the Imp opened its eyes and took in the surrounding area. Before long, it found its target and swooped down.

Said target was the Guardian of the Sixth Floor of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick —​ Aura Bella Fiora. In other words, she was one of the people who now ruled this forest.

♦ ♦ ♦

The Dark Elf Girl rolled up her scroll into a megaphone so her voice would carry out to a long distance. The Imp landed before her and bowed deeply, whereupon she asked in a familiar tone:

“All right~ and which group are you from?”

“Aura-sama, I come from Number 3 in U Group.”

“U Group, huh? All right, Got it. Ada yang lain?"

The work crews here were divided into named after the vowels from “A” to “O,” and they were assigned to work on different areas. From what Aura could remember, U Group was assigned to the storehouse. Progress on that was the second fastest among all the other areas.

“There’s a discrepancy in the thickness of the timbers used in construction, so could we please have more time—​”

The Imp suddenly shut up, because the steel band around Aura’s wrist suddenly made a sound.

“Break time~!”

Aura’s face changed as she heard that lazy, yet cheerful voice. Her ears drooped and she looked oddly vulnerable and embarrassed.

“Got it, Bukubukuchagama-sama!” she answered the wristband.

“So, uh, it’s time to eat, so we’re done working for the morning.”

Hardly any of the monsters here needed to eat. In fact, Aura was also wearing a Ring of Sustenance, which eliminated the need for food or sleep. However, her master had insisted that “everyone must take breaks from time to time,” so she had to obey him despite her wishes.

“Ah, sorry about you, but I need to rest, so come back in an hour’s time.”

"Dimengerti. Then I shall take my leave first.”

The Imp bowed and flew off amidst a storm of noisy flapping.

As she watched the Imp fly off towards the storehouse, Aura worked her shoulders, and then glanced down at the band around her wrist.

Then, her face was all smiles.

This was a reward her master had given her for her hard work. Of course, the Guardians had been created to serve their master and the Supreme Beings, so working hard for them was a fundamental fact of life. Thus, they should not have accepted a reward, as their labor was only a matter of course.

However, she could not refuse the band her master had given her.

“Kukuku, I want to hear more of Bukubukuchagama’s voice.”

Aura tenderly caressed the band on her wrist. That gesture was more loving and gentle than how she stroked her own beasts.

All the voices recorded into this item came from the Supreme Being who had made Aura.

They filled Aura with delight, even if all they did was tell the time.

She had felt jealous when she learned that her brother (Mare) had received a Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, but in all honesty, she felt that this item was better.

“Ehehehehe~”

Aura’s ears drooped and she caressed the band with an embarrassed look on her face. Then she nodded in satisfaction as it gleamed in the sunlight. But shortly after that, she tilted her head in bafflement.

“Why did Ainz-sama say that I could not set it for certain times?’

Ainz-sama had commanded that the watch not be set to state the times of 07:21 or 19:19, among others.

“Hm… I might as well ask him. Ah, crap!”

After noticing the time which floated above the watch, she hurriedly rushed off.

There was a maid at her destination.

The forty one maids who served the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick were heteromorphic creatures called Homunculi. All of them resembled beautiful women. However, she did not.

She had the head of a dog that was divided down the middle by a line —​ it resembled a scar, complete with traces of stitching. It looked as though her face had been split in half and joined back together again.

Her name was Pestonya S. Wanko.

She was the Head Maid of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, and a high-level cleric.

“I have brought the hamburger over as you wish, Aura-sama. The side dishes are two pickles and unpeeled french fries, while the drink is cola… wan.”

The delay before the “wan” made Aura think that she had forgotten to add her verbal tic at the end of her words, but Aura did not comment on it. Her attention was focused on the smell that tantalized her tummy and made her drool in anticipation. While the ring she wore meant that she did not need to eat, it did not make her unable to do so. In addition, eating was a pleasurable activity, especially when it came to such delectable cuisine.

“The combined effects of this food and drink are—​”

“Ah, no need for that. I didn’t ask you to make this for me just to boost my stats.”

“Understood -wan.”

Aura approached Pestonya and the dinner service she was pushing, which emanated a delicious scent.

“Time to eat, time to eat~!”

Pestonya whipped the silver lid off the tray as Aura intoned her eating-rhyme.

“Ohhhhh~”

Aura’s eyes were glued to the food as it revealed itself, and at the same time she blurted out something which came to mind.

“A7 beef mince is good, but I prefer mixed mince. I hope you can make a triple patty with that meat.”

“Then, I shall inform the Head Chef of your wishes -wan.”

“Mm, thank you!”

Aura picked up the entire tray and giggled as she strode off.

Part 3

As Zaryusu examined the village of the Dragon Tusk tribe which lay before his eyes, a pile of vegetation thrust itself forward from beside his head. Needless to say, that mass of leaves was actually Crusch. She reached out to pull away the vegetation covering her face, which Zaryusu felt was very beautiful.

“Are you really going to charge right in? Do you want to pick a fight with them?”

“No, it’s the exact opposite, actually. The Dragon Tusk tribe places great value on strength. If I left Rororo behind and went in on foot, I might end up being challenged by all sorts of people before I even got to their chief. Entering while on Rororo’s back will avoid that sort of trouble.”

After advancing with Rororo for some distance, it would seem they had been spotted, because several warriors emerged from the village, each brandishing a weapon and eying Zaryusu and his group.

Rororo sensed their hostility and let out a low growl. As he heard Rororo’s growl of warning, he urged it forward.

Continuing on like this would spark a confrontation. Zaryusu went on until conflict was almost inevitable before stopping Rororo and hopping down from it. Crusch jumped down as well.

Quite a number of warriors stared daggers at the two of them. Their gazes seemed to inflict a palpable pressure; this was no longer mere hostility, but on the level of murderous intent.

Crusch seemed shaken by their gazes and froze. That was because she was not experienced with the battlefield, despite her potent abilities as a druid.

In contrast to her, Zaryusu strode forth. He shielded Crusch with his body and shouted:

“—​I am Zaryusu Shasha, a representative who has come to visit. I seek an audience with your chief!”

His powerful voice blew away the bloodlust in the air. The tables were turned on the warriors of the Dragon Tusk, who flinched as they were shaken by him.

Then, Crusch raised her voice and stated her name.

“I am Crusch Lulu, acting chief of the Red Eye tribe. I too seek an audience with your chief.”

Though her voice was not loud, it was filled with the assurance and confidence of one who bore the fate of her tribe on her shoulders. Spurred on by the manly and proud voice of the male beside her, the cowering girl from just now was nowhere to be seen.

“I say again! I am here to see the chief! Where is he!?”

In that moment —​ a ripple ran through the air. It was as though raw emotion had been transformed into a shockwave, which washed over them.

Rororo’s heads thrashed wildly. Its jaws gaped and it gave voice to a menacing roar, glaring angrily around itself. As the hydra’s roaring echoed from all around, the air seemed to shrink away from it, as though in fear.

“…There’s no need to protect me from small things like this.”

“I didn’t do it to protect you, because you chose to come here of your own free will. However, I was the one who destroyed their tribe, so I should be the one to bear their vengeful gazes.”

The warriors started gathering at the entrance of the village. All of them were heavily muscled and imposing Lizardmen. Their bodies were covered in faded scars, which implied that they were grizzled veterans. However, Zaryusu did not see their chief among them.

All of these Lizardmen were mere warriors. None of them had the fearsome stature of his brother, nor did any of them have anything like Crusch’s unusual looks or her air of authority.

As Rororo roared, the Lizardmen remained on edge. And then—​

“Ngk!”

—​Crusch gulped and squeaked. However, Zaryusu had already sensed the arrival of another Lizardman and remained unmoved. That was because he had already sensed the slow approach of a mighty being even before it had made its appearance.

Still, he could not help but stare at the Lizardman before him.

Simply put, that Lizardman was a monster.

Facing them was a gigantic male Lizardman who was in excess of two hundred thirty centimeters in height. That alone would not have qualified him as monstrous, but that was not the only reason it was described as such.

For starters, his right arm was extremely large and bizarre in appearance, like the oversized claw of a fiddler crab. No, his left arm was hardly slender, being about the same as Zaryusu’s. It was merely his right arm which was abnormally thick, and it had not become that way because of a mutation or disease, but simply because of sheer muscle mass.

The ring finger and little finger were missing from his left hand.

A scar continued back from the edge of his mouth, possibly caused by some sort of injury. His tail was flat, like it had been squashed. It resembled an alligator’s more than a Lizardman’s.

However, outof all these visual features, the thing which drew the most attention was the brand on his chest. The design was different from the one Zaryusu had on his chest, but the meaning was the same —​ this Lizardman was also a “traveller.”

And as he sized up Zaryusu and company—​

—​The rustle of dry kindling spilled from his mouth, the sound of that monstrous Lizardman grinding his teeth. It was probably his version of laughter.

“Welcome, master of Frost Pain.”

The monstrous Lizardman’s rich, basso profundo voice matched his appearance perfectly. He was probably speaking normally, but even that exuded an awesome air of power.

“Pleased to meet you. I am the Green Claw tribe’s Zaryu—​”

The monster Lizardman waved off the rest of his introduction.

“State your names.”

“…I am Zaryusu Shasha, and this is Crusch Lulu.”

“That wouldn’t be a… plant monster? No, since you’ve brought a Hydra along, it stands to reason that you’d have another creature by your side. Hardly anything to be worried about.”

“…Not quite.”

The monstrous Lizardman once again waved off Crusch, who was taking off her costume of leaves.

“Hey, it was just a joke. Don’t take everything I say so seriously, it’s a pain.”

“—​”

After glancing at Crusch as she doffed her pile of leaves, he looked back to Zaryusu.

“So, why are you here?”

“Before that, might I know your name?”

“Oh, I’m the chief of the Dragon Tusk tribe, Zenberu Gugu. Zenberu will do.”

Zenberu laughed in his tooth-grinding way. While this was exactly what he had expected, the idea of a traveller becoming chief was still quite surprising.

On the other hand, it was an answer he could accept. A Lizardman like him was no mere traveller. In truth, the gathering hostility had vanished the moment he showed up. Clearly, he was a Lizardman with great authority, as well as extraordinary martial might and leadership.

“Zaryusu will be fine, then. Tell me, Zenberu… have any strange monsters visited your village recently?”

“Mm, that messenger of the Supreme One or whatnot.”

“Well, if they came, then we can discuss—​”

Zenberu raised his hand to interrupt Zaryusu.

“I think I know what you want to say. However, we only listen to the strong. Draw your sword.”

The towering Lizardman before him —​ Zenberu Gugu of the Dragon Tusk tribe —​ bared his fangs in a toothy grin.

"Apa!?"

As Crusch gasped, she saw approving looks on the faces of Zaryusu and the surrounding warriors.

“…Well, that makes things simple, chief of the Dragon Tusk. It certainly saves a lot of time.”

“You’re a truly outstanding messenger. No, as the master of Frost Pain, perhaps I should say that it was only to be expected?”

♦ ♦ ♦

Choosing the strong as their leaders was a very rational decision for the Lizardmen.

However, was it really such a good idea when it involved the continued survival of their tribes? Should they not discuss it with the others and consider the matter from various angles before coming to a conclusion?

Those thoughts ran through Crusch’s head —​ followed by surprise that she would actually think that way.

The fact was that all the warriors watching them approved of their chief’s decision, be they male or female. She would probably have felt the same way had she been asked the same thing earlier.

Then, why am I questioning this now?

Where had these doubts come from?

Was it because of some kind of magical attack? That was impossible. She was confident that nobody in this swamp was her superior in terms of magic. That confidence made her absolutely certain that she had not been the victim of some sort of spell.

Crusch turned to look at the two of them.

Zaryusu and Zenberu.

Standing next to each other, they looked like a child compared to an adult.

One’s physique did not determine everything. She was very clear about that as a magic caster. However, given the massive difference between their bodies, she could not help but hope that this was not the case.

Berharap? I’m hoping that they —​ that he won’t have to fight?

Crusch wanted to know why she was feeling such a bizarre thing. Why did she not want that? Why did she not want them to fight?

There was only one answer for that, which went without saying.

Crusch smiled bitterly, as though to mock herself.

You might as well admit it, Crusch. You don’t want Zaryusu to fight because you’re afraid he’ll get hurt… that he’ll die.

That was the whole thing in a nutshell.

It was rare for these battles to be fought to the death. However, the word “rare” implied that the possibility still existed. Lives could easily be lost if they fought until they were no longer in possession of their senses. As a female, she did not want her companion to die because he had taken part in this fight.

In other words, Crusch had long since accepted Zaryusu’s proposal within her heart.

I gave in so simply because no male ever… does that mean I’m easily tricked? Eh, it just feels… I’m both happy and a little upset… ah, what a pain!

Having accepted her innermost feelings, Crusch stepped up to Zaryusu as he prepared for battle, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Do you need anything? Is anything lacking?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Crusch patted his shoulder.

It was a strong shoulder.

Ever since she had come of age, Crusch had walked the path of the priest. She had touched the bodies of many males while she was praying, while she was applying medicine to them, and while she was casting spells on them. But her contact with Zaryusu’s body was longer than all those other times put together.

So this is Zaryusu’s body… huh.

His firm muscles, filled with hot blood that was eager for battle and a palpable manliness.

“…What’s wrong?”

Zaryusu was baffled by Crusch’s lingering hand.

“—​Eh? Ah, that… It was a prayer. A priest’s prayer.”

“I see, so your ancestor spirits watch over those of other tribes, then?”

“The spirits of our tribe are not so petty. Good luck.”

Crusch apologized internally to her ancestors as she peeled her hand off Zaryusu’s shoulders, because she had lied about praying to them for the victory of the male she favored.

Zenberu was also preparing for battle. He carried a massive polearm in his right hand —​ a steel halberd that was almost three meters long. A regular Lizardman would need both hands to wield it.

And then —​ he swung it lazily.

The sweep of the halberd generated a gust of wind that swept over Crusch, who was some distance away from him.

“Can you… no, I should ask, will you be all right?”

“About that… well, I’ll see how it goes.”

At first, Crusch had wanted to ask if he could win, but ultimately, she did not. Zaryusu must have fought while knowing that victory was not impossible.

That would mean that the male before her would not lose. They had only known each other for a day and travelled with each other for half that time, but Crusch was certain of that.

She loved this male because there was something about him to love.

“Then, are you ready, master of Frost… ah, Zaryusu.”

"Saya baik-baik saja. Whenever you’re ready.”

With a dramatic flourish, Zaryusu turned his back to Crusch and stepped into the dueling circle.

Crusch sighed. That was because of the back which could not help but draw her attention.

♦ ♦ ♦

The warmth of her hand which had been touching his shoulder for so long —​ not very long, in actual fact —​ slowly faded away.

The battle which came next was essentially a simplified version of the tribal chief selection battle. Since this was intended to be a one-on-one fight, magical assistance from a third party was against the rules.

However, the warmth on Zaryusu’s shoulder —​ which had made him feel nervous and jittery —​ and the contact with Crusch made him wonder if she had worked some magic on him. However, there was no way that she, as the acting chief of her tribe, could not know of that rule.

Then, why was he so fired up, even though she had not cast a spell?

Was it because he wanted to do his best for her, as a male performing for his female? His big brother had once said that he was a “withered tree…” but that did not seem quite right.

Zaryusu entered the circle formed of Lizardmen, and swiftly drew Frost Pain from his waist. The blade emanated a frosty white mist, as though in response to Zaryusu’s will.

A disturbance swept through the surrounding Lizardmen.

They were the survivors of the Razor Edge tribe —​ in other words, they had known the previous owner of Frost Pain, and they understood its fearsome power.

As he beheld the power of Frost Pain which only a true owner could unleash, Zenberu’s savage expression turned to one of glee. He bared his teeth and growled like a beast.

In response to his opponent’s fighting spirit, Zaryusu only had a single, cold response:

“I don’t want to hurt you too badly.”

His taunt immediately incurred the ire of all the warriors around him. However, they immediately calmed down as the sound of an unnaturally loud splash echoed through the air.

Zenberu had driven the point of his halberd into the mushy ground.

“Oh… then make me accept my defeat! Listen up, all of you! If I die in this fight, he will be your new chief! There will be no objections to that!”

The surrounding warriors did not agree right away, but neither did they protest. If Zaryusu really did kill Zenberu, they would obey him, however unwillingly.

"Baik. Now come at me with the readiness to die. I ought to be the strongest foe you’ve ever faced.”

“Indeed… I understand. Also, if I die by your hand—​”

Zaryusu glanced back to Crusch.

"Tidak apa-apa. I’ll let your female go back safely.”

“…She’s not mine yet.”

“Kek, it seems you’re really into that plant monster. Is she really such a good female?”

"Baik sekali."

They paid no heed to said female, who was hugging her head and squatting on the ground.

“Now that I’d like to see. Perhaps if I win, I’ll strip her bare and see what she looks like before I let her go.”

Until now, Zaryusu had only been filled with an intent to fight, but now that intent had developed another nuance.

“…It feels like you’ve given me an excellent reason to win. I won’t let someone like you enjoy Crusch’s bare body.”

“You really are hopelessly in love with her, aren’t you?”

"Oh ya. There’s no helping how much in love I am.”

Several other Lizardwomen seemed to be talking to the squatting female, but she hurriedly shook her head. The two males put that matter out of mind for now.

"Ha!"

Zenberu chortled in glee.

“Then defeat me! If you die, none of that will matter any more.”

“That was my intention.”

Zaryusu and Zenberu locked gazes. It would seem they had said everything that had to be said.

“—​Here I come.”

“—​Bring it on.”

The two of them exchanged terse words, but no blows.

Just as the anticipation of the spectating Lizardmen built to its peak, Zaryusu began inching forward. There was no sound, despite this being a waterlogged marsh.

Zenberu remained still, awaiting his foe.

Before long, when Zaryusu had reached a certain distance, a massive clang rang out from the air which Zaryusu had just leapt away from. It was the sound of Zenberu swinging his halberd.

There was no skill to it; it was merely a forceful swing.

However, it was so shocking precisely because of its artlessness.

Zenberu braced his halberd, took a stance, and prepared himself for Zaryusu’s next incursion. He wielded the massive halberd with just his right hand. Immediately after every cyclonic swing, he would immediately reset to a ready position.

Zaryusu felt something was strange.

Therefore, to verify the meaning of that motion, he darted into his foe’s attack range —​ and was subjected to that hurricane-like swing. He blocked the haft of the weapon with Frost Pain, but a bolt of intense pain wracked the hand holding the sword, and he was bodily flung away,

One could say that he had extraordinary arm-strength if he could toss away a grown Lizardman with just the might of one arm.

—​Their blood was boiling.

The surrounding warriors roared as they saw their chief display his matchless might.

Zaryusu’s tail swished as he stumbled back, still on his feet.

He shook his numbed hand, and narrowed his eyes.

This… what’s this?

Zaryusu’s attention was focused on the hulking body before him.

Apa yang sedang terjadi? This is… too weak.

Indeed, that was a swift blow, and if he blocked it with his sword he would be sent flying, but that was all. It was not terrifying in the least.

Zenberu’s moves were like a child swinging around with a stick. There was no technique to speak of, only sheer brute strength. The question now was if that was really all he had. Someone with a huge arm like his ought to be able to wield his weapon more skillfully.

Could it be that he’s not using his full strength to lull me into overconfidence?

Zaryusu felt that it was not the case.

He began to reconsider his strategy, watchful against the unusual feeling of not knowing the truth. The hitherto stationary Zenberu smiled and asked:

"Apa masalahnya? Not using Frost Pain’s power?”

He was clearly taunting him with that smile, but Zaryusu did not take Zenberu’s bait.

“I was once beaten by the wielder of Frost Pain.”

Zaryusu remembered. He knew the person of whom Zenberu spoke —​ the former chief of the Razor Edge tribe, and also the one whose head Zaryusu had taken.

He relaxed the intense focus he had directed at Zenberu, and set his sights wider.

Among all those who bore hostility towards him, the ones who hated him most must be the survivors of the Razor Edge tribe.

“That’s where the wounds on my left hand came from.”

Zenberu waggled his left hand and its two missing fingers for emphasis.

“Maybe if you use the ability that guy used to beat me, you might be able to win.”

“Really now?” Zaryusu replied in a cold, calm voice.

Granted, that ability was very powerful.

Because it could only be used three times a day, he had a good chance of victory if he used it. The reason why Zaryusu had defeated the previous owner of Frost Pain was because his foe had already expended his three uses of the ability. If his foe had been able to use it back then, Zaryusu might well have been the one to die instead.

However, someone who knew of Frost Pain’s power would not deliberately incite its wielder to make use of it.

Zaryusu’s remained on his guard.

I have no idea… still, there’s no point dragging this out. Time to make my move.

Having decided on his course of action, Zaryusu charged forward, twice as fast as before.

Zenberu responded to Zaryusu with shocking speed.

Zaryusu did not evade, but met the blow head-on with Frost Pain. Everyone who saw it felt that Zaryusu would be swatted away once more.

Zaryusu met the halberd with Frost Pain —​ and countered the attack.

There was no need for martial arts or the like. Zenberu’s halberd swings were child’s play. No matter how forcefully he swung, his blows could be easily dispersed.

Zenberu’s eyes went wide in shock —​ no, in respect.

At the same time, Zaryusu dashed forward with lightning speed, faster than Zenberu could bring the halberd back. Even with muscles like his, resetting his stance after a full-power hit with his halberd would take time. That time was enough for Zaryusu to close in.

In the next moment, Frost Pain cut in at Zenberu’s body—​

♦ ♦ ♦

—And blood splattered.

Thunderous cheering erupted from all around, as well as a whimper of pain.

It was not Zenberu who stumbled back, oozing fresh blood. It was Zaryusu, with two bleeding wounds on his face.

In contrast with what he had done until now, Zenberu strode forward at Zaryusu, intent on not letting him escape. He led the way with the weapon that had wounded Zaryusu.

That weapon was —​ his claws.

They collided with Frost Pain, and the ringing of metal pealed forth. The halberd splashed as Zenberu let go of it.

“Guh—​!”

Zenberu exhaled, and as he stepped forward, his massive arm launched into a flurry of blows.

Compared to his amateurish spearplay from earlier, his bare-handed chops were on the level of a master. Now that the most important piece of the puzzle had been revealed, it all came together for Zaryusu.

Zenberu was not a warrior, but a monk; one who used the power of ki to turn his body into a living weapon.

Zaryusu blocked his chops with Frost Pain.

Lizardman claws were sharper and harder than human nails, but even they would not make metallic sounds like this. Indeed, this was a monk ability called 「Iron Natural Weapon」, which hardened one’s natural weaponry, such as claws or teeth.

It was said that the fists of the most skilled monks could even break adamantite, the hardest metal known. However, judging by the sensation which filtered back through Frost Pain, Zenberu had not yet reached that level. He was only on par with steel. Even so, his hardened claws could stand on even terms with Frost Pain, one of the Four Treasures, so he could not look down on it.

The two of them exchanged blow after blow.

Zenberu swiped with his chops while Zaryusu swung with Frost Pain. They leapt away to avoid each other’s strikes, opening up the distance between them.

“—​Haha, so you’re still alive!”

Zenberu licked at the flesh and blood staining his fingertips.

Zaryusu too extended that tongue of his that was longer than a humans, and licked at the red fluid that flowed from the place which corresponded to the cheek on a human being.

He was glad that he had managed to evade the knife hand thrust that had been intended to gouge out his eyes. He was wounded, but not deeply, and he could continue fighting. He thanked his tribe’s spirits for protecting him, and—​

Maybe I evaded it because the ancestors of Crusch’s tribe protected me.

Zaryusu was grateful, but Zenberu was grumbling instead.

“Come to think of it, if I beat you without making you use that move, it’ll feel like you’re going easy on me.”

Zenberu clenched his fists and pounded his chest several times.

“Sorry, but I don’t intend to use that move.”

"Oh? Then don’t say you didn’t go all-out after you lose.”

“Do you think I’m someone who’d say that, after fighting me?”

“…No, I don’t. Forgive me, I misspoke. Just… if you’re not using that move, then here I come!”

With a whoosh, Zenberu’s leg cleaved through the air at Zaryusu.

There was no hesitation in that movement.

Zaryusu slashed at Zenberu’s leg with Frost Pain while evading the kick, but a metallic clang rang out, and the strike bounced off.

Zaryusu’s eyes went wide.

When a sword met flesh, the flesh should have been wounded. That was the way of the world. Yet, a monk’s ki turned that precept on its head.

This was the result of 「Iron Skin」. That skill could shroud the body in ki before any attack could touch it, making it as tough as steel. Much like 「Iron Natural Weapon」, the more skilled one was, the harder it would become.

The fact that his opponent had repelled a magic sword with his bare flesh spoke volumes about his monk skills. However, Zaryusu still felt that he had a chance of victory.

It was not that there was an overwhelming difference between their combat skills. It was only that the circumstances had been against Zenberu from the start.

♦ ♦ ♦

He came with a bewildering series of strikes.

Flying kick. Tail sweep. Straight punch. Knife hand. He attacked with all these and more.

Every blow Zenberu struck was both fast and weighty. All Zaryusu could do against a foe like that was adopt a total defense.

Combination followed combination.

If he did not defend against his foe’s destructive strikes, Zaryusu’s defeat was assured. Confident in their chief’s victory, the surrounding Lizardmen cheered as Zenberu lashed out with blow after blow.

Zenberu’s claws occasionally grazed Zaryusu, easily scoring his scale-sheathed body and leaving wounds which wept blood in their wake. Those injuries could not be considered light in any sense.

Zaryusu’s body was covered in those wounds. His life hung in the balance, and it would not be strange if he surrendered at any time. The joyful looks on the spectating Lizardmen’s faces only proved it as they prepared to celebrate their chief’s imminent victory.

However —​ that was not the case for Zenberu.

Every time his strikes were blocked, Zenberu felt victory slipping further and further away from his grasp, and it made him anxious.

Frost Pain was imbued with cold, and it inflicted additional cold damage whenever it wounded a foe. A side effect of that was that it dealt cold damage to anyone who touched the weapon. In other words, just touching the weapon was enough to slowly wear away at Zenberu’s body with its cold damage.

His hands were freezing, his legs were numb, and his movements were slowing down.

Dammit, I lost too quickly in the previous fight… so I didn’t know it had a power like this too! So it didn’t just have that move alone! That’s one of the Four Treasures for you!

Zaryusu had adopted a defensive stance because he knew the item had an effect like this. Or rather, he had done so because he knew it was an assured way to deal damage. That was probably why he had not dodged Zenberu’s attacks.

He had chosen a steady path to victory.

This lack of openings made him Zenberu’s greatest enemy right now.

Zenberu used his trump card on Zaryusu, who was rushing in. If he managed to block that move as well, Zenberu’s chances of victory would be slim at best.

He felt like he was charging an impregnable fortress alone.

Ahhh, dammit, can’t I beat him —​ But! I’ve waited too long for this!

His battle with that Lizardman from the past flashed through his mind. He was stronger now than he was then, and he had trained nonstop in order to attain victory. Even when he heard that the person who had defeated him had been killed, he might have felt regret, but he never stopped training.

He had been waiting for this day.

As chief, he could not abandon everything to indulge in battle, so he had been delighted when he heard that the bearer of Frost Pain had come to his village.

He could not let this long-awaited battle end like this.

Zenberu began losing the feeling in his punches and kicks, and his ki could no longer reach his limbs. Still, he kept attacking.

He’s strong, stronger than that guy from last time!

Just like he had honed himself ceaselessly, the Lizardman before him must have trained himself without slacking off until now.

While he could have said that he could not narrow the gap between them because of Frost Pain, he had no desire to spout quitter talk like that.

Luar biasa! He truly is the master of Frost Pain! The mightiest Lizardman ever!

Zenberu did not halt his combination attacks, even as he praised Zaryusu, who was blocking his strikes with Frost Pain.

♦ ♦ ♦

Wounds, blood, and more wounds.

Crusch had devoted all her attention to witnessing this intense back-and-forth struggle, and with her outstanding druid skills, she had already seen how the battle would end.

Incredible… he must have predicted all this when the battle started.

Crusch was in awe of Zaryusu’s outstanding warrior skills.

The cheers continued from all around.

They were cheering for Zenberu, who was attacking non-stop and seemed to have the upper hand. None of them realised that Zenberu’s limbs were gradually growing sluggish.

Zaryusu was very strong. Crusch was certain of that.

Almost all Lizardmen did battle with their bodies and brute strength, but Zaryusu —​ and Zenberu —​ fought with skill, and Frost Pain aided that fighting skill.

Therefore, Frost Pain was a major factor in the development of the present situation —​ of the gulf between them. However, it was not the sole reason for it.

If one gave Frost Pain to an ordinary warrior, could they fight with Zenberu like this?

The answer was no. Zenberu was not some two-bit mook.

The weapon was powerful, but the fact that Zaryusu could exploit it to its full potential because he was a first-rate warrior.

But more outstanding than that was his perceptive and analytical mind.

Zaryusu had evaded the strike when Zenberu had cast down his halberd because he had been on top of the situation and had been closely observing it. He had sensed the presence of his foe’s ace in the hole and that the halberd was a mere distraction.

When he went on that journey as a branded traveller, what else had he brought back with him besides the knowledge of fish-rearing and these battle techniques?

Before she knew it, Crusch had become certain of Zaryusu’s victory. Now, she merely watched the profile of his face, her heart pounding in what was no longer anxiety.

“He really is an impressive specimen of a male…”

♦ ♦ ♦

Time seemed to fly past for those watching this exciting battle, but the two participants felt otherwise. The toll on their bodies and spirits caused by their panting was more intense than the passage of time.

Despite being covered in blood, Zaryusu’s fighting spirit was still strong. For that, the surrounding Lizardmen congratulated him. After all, nobody else had lasted this long against their chief before.

And then, just as Zenberu seemed on the verge of claiming victory, he dropped out of his fighting stance.

The audience waited with bated breath. Zenberu ought to be declaring his victory anytime soon.

However, the opposite happened.

“I’ve lost!”

But their chief should have been the winner.

Even so, why had he announced his defeat? Only Crusch had foreseen this. She raced into the fighting ring.

“Are you all right?”

As he heard those words, Zaryusu exhaled and lowered the sword in his hand. In a very tired voice, he replied:

“It’s nothing fatal… I should be able to fight in the upcoming battle.”

“…Mm. In any case, I’ll use healing magic on you.”

Crusch’s grass costume rustled, and she poked her head out.

Zaryusu felt a comfortable warmth suffusing his wounds, different from the searing heat that had made them. As he luxuriated in the sensation of vitality flowing back into his body, he turned to look at the gigantic Lizardman with whom he had just fought a life-and-death struggle.

Zenberu was surrounded by his tribemates. He was explaining the situation to them, and the strategy Zaryusu was using.

“That’ll do it.”

Crusch declared that his treatment was complete after casting two spells on him, and Zaryusu looked down on his body.

While the clotted blood still stuck to his skin, the injuries beneath had completely recovered. There was a certain tension over the former wounds when he shifted his body, but at least they did not look like they would open up.

“—​Thank you.”

"Sama-sama."

Crusch smiled brightly, and the pearly teeth she exposed were very pretty.

“—​You’re beautiful.”

“What—​!?”

Her tail swished, and splashed against the water.

The two of them gazed silently at each other.

Crusch’s silence was because she had no idea why this male would casually mention something like that. She was not used to such compliments, so hearing Zaryusu say things like that was not good for her heart.

Meanwhile, Zaryusu had no idea why Crusch was being quiet. Apakah saya melakukan sesuatu yang salah? Thoughts like that ran through his mind. The fact was that he had little experience with females, so he had no idea what he should do. Zaryusu was surprisingly tense as well.

Just as the awkwardness between them reached its height, a voice saved them.

“Oi oi, are you trying to make me jealous, you bastard?”

The two of them looked to the source of the voice —​ to Zenberu.

Their simultaneous and identical reactions left Zenberu momentarily speechless.

“Hm! Oi, whitey, how about some healing over here?”

Zenberu seemed quite nonchalant about Crusch’s albinism. However, Crusch recalled the Zenberu’s branded body and realised why he reacted that way.

“Fine, fine, fine… but shouldn’t you let the priests of your tribe heal you?”

“Ahhh, it doesn’t matter. Enough talk, it really hurts. Feels like even my bones are frozen. Could you hurry it up a little?”

“Just remember to tell your priests that you were the one who asked me to do it.”

“It’s fine, I’ll say I forced you into it, as a request.”

Crusch sighed, and worked her healing magic.

Zaryusu noticed that the hostile glares around him had diminished somewhat, and that there were a few friendly eyes looking upon him.

“All right, it’s done.”

Crusch had cast more healing spells on Zenberu than on Zaryusu. That implied that his injuries were not external, but internal.

“Ohh, you’re better than our priests.”

"Terima kasih. Still, I don’t usually heal members of other… never mind. Thank you for your kind words.”

“Now then, since we’re both healed, why don’t we talk about the main topic. Might be a bit of a rush, but you don’t mind, right?”

"Oh! Then let’s hear it —​ although I wanted to say that…”

Zenberu stopped mid-sentence and then smiled.

“But first, let’s drink!”

Zaryusu and Crusch had no idea what those words meant, and their faces were equally confused.

“Troublesome business should be discussed over wine. Kamu tahu itu kan?"

Zaryusu understood the meaning of the life-and-death duel. After all, it proved their respective strength, which was useful in negotiation. It was the Lizardman way of life. Drinking parties, on the other hand, were alien to him, because the Green Claw tribe had no such practice.

People who went drinking right after fighting for their lives seemed terribly sad to him.

“I don’t get it…”

The strength drained from Zaryusu’s body and his face was one of frank surprise as he muttered his response. However, it was immediately drowned out by a surging wave of regret in his heart, regret for behaving so childishly in front of a chief with whom he had not even allied with yet. In fact, he felt Crusch looking at him with a strange expression in her eyes.

Zaryusu had no experience with love, so he had no idea Crusch had been studying him all this time. He was seeing a new side of his beloved, and he found it both curious and adorable.

“No, I mean, if we drink a lot, our heads won’t be clear, which would be troublesome for us.”

Zaryusu hurriedly tried to amend his words, but Zenberu brushed it aside with his reply:

“Oi oi oi, you’re a traveller, aren’t you? Don’t they say that if you want to learn something, go to the Dwarves?”

“No, I didn’t learn from the Dwarves, but from the people of the forest.”

"Benarkah? Then all you need to know is this lesson of the Dwarves: friends who drink together become firm friends. Maybe we won’t have much time together, but we ought to discuss things frankly and openly. Shouldn’t we, Zaryusu Shasha?”

“I see… yes, I understand, Zenberu Gugu.”

"Baik! Come on, everyone! Time to drink! Bring it over! Get everything ready!”

♦ ♦ ♦

The pile of logs resting upon the ground stood nearly two meters tall, and the crimson flames upon it burned fiercely, as though they were reaching to the sky. This massive red blaze chased away the dark of the night.

Near the log pile was a large vessel that was over a meter tall and about eighty centimeters wide. A fermented scent wafted out from it.

Several dozen Lizardmen took turns scooping out liquid from the vessel. However, the wine within did not seem to deplete.

This was one of the Four Treasures that was ranked alongside Zaryusu’s Frost Pain —​ the Great Wine Cask.

While it could produce an infinite supply of wine, the taste was passable at best, and anyone who knew their wine would turn their noses up at it. However, it was delicious nectar to the Lizardmen.

Therefore, the guests kept coming.

There was a quiet region some distance away from the wine cask. The reason why this place was quiet was simple enough —​ because it was littered with the bodies of many drunken Lizardmen, who lay insensate here.

All the Lizardmen who had gotten so drunk that they had passed out were dumped here.

Having shed her leafy costume, Crusch carefully —​ taking care not to step on the tails of the fallen Lizardmen —​ made her way to this place, paying close attention to the ground. Her footsteps were even, so she looked like she was still sober, but it was hard to say that she was not drunk.

Her tail seemed like it had a life of its own, energetically flexing here and there. Sometimes it curled, sometimes it stood straight and sometimes it drooped. It behaved like an excited child.

The fact was that Crusch felt something like a cool wind coursing through her soul. While part of that was because of the wine, that was not the sole reason. The liberated feeling of her body had also contributed to it.

This was the first time she had shown her albinized body to so many people. However, their leader was a monster in his own right, so while the people around her had been startled at first, she soon blended in with them.

With both hands full of food, a bliss-filled Crusch continued forward.

She reached the place where Zaryusu and Zenberu were sitting on the ground and hoisting a glass to each other.

Said glasses seemed to have been made using coconut shells, and the liquid within was transparent, but it emanated a thick fermented smell.

Crusch laid a pair of raw fish in front of the two of them —​ snacks to go with the drinks. Zenberu smiled and greeted Crusch.

“Yo, plant monster.”

“…Could you not call me that?”

She had already shed her costume, so why did he insist on calling her that? It would seem he planned to amuse himself in that way. Once she realised it, Crusch decided to cease her pointless resistance.

“Have you finished your discussions?”

Zaryusu and Zenberu looked at each other, and nodded.

“For the most part.”

The two of them wanted to speak in private, so they asked Crusch to leave them be. Since they had said as much, all she could do was leave and bring some food over, but within her heart, she was hoping to be part of their conversation. After all, if they were discussing the upcoming battle, then she was certainly involved in it.

She was hoping to be allowed to skim the essentials, even if she could not listen in on the inconvenient parts—​

“This is a conversation between males.”

—​But Zenberu shut her down with those cold words. Crusch expressed her displeasure on her face, but she had no choice but to change the topic.

“So, what do you plan to do? Fight shoulder to shoulder as allies?”

“Wha? Oh, as if you had to ask. Of course we’re going to fight. Or rather, even if you didn’t come, we’d be fighting anyway.”

A sound like sticks scraping against each other came from Zenberu’s maw.

“You really are a battle maniac.”

“Aw, don’t praise me like that, now I’m all embarrassed!”

Zenberu paid no heed to Crusch as she rolled her eyes, but made a request of her.

“Oh right, help me talk some sense into him, plant monster. No matter how I ask him, Zaryusu won’t accept the position of our chief.”

There was a weary, despondent look on Zaryusu’s face. Judging by the fatigue there, Crusch could tell that he had repeated his answer many times in her absence.

“He can’t accept that position. After all, you’re from different tribes, and he’s a—​”

Crusch was about to say “he’s a traveller,” but then she considered that Zenberu was also a traveller, and decided to change the topic.

“So why did you become a traveller, anyway?”

"Apa? Oh, after I lost to Frost Pain’s previous owner, I was devastated, and wanted to become stronger. That being the case, why not leave this place and go somewhere else? That was why I became a traveller.”

Beside him, Zaryusu rounded his shoulders in powerlessness. It was then that Crusch recalled what Zaryusu had told him about his own travels.

In the past, when he had left on his journey, the only thing keeping him going was his determination, resolve, and his sense of duty towards his tribe. Zenberu —​ as a fellow traveller —​ ought to have felt the same way… but right now, he could not sense any of that from him.

Crusch placed a gentle hand on Zaryusu’s shoulder, as if to say, He’s him, and you’re you.

At this moment, anyone observing them would probably conclude that they were lovers. As she realised this, Crusch’s tail curled up, while Zaryusu’s tail swished back and forth.

The two of them gazed at each other, and smiled shyly.

Zenberu pretended that he had seen none of that and continued:

“I thought there must be someone pretty strong inside that mountain, given how big it was. So during my travels, I met the Dwarves and learned a lot of things from them. Got that halberd from them too. I didn’t want it at first, but since they asked me to keep it as a memento of our meeting, I had to hang on to it.”

“…So that happened. That’s nice.”

Crusch’s answer seemed a little slapdash, or rather, somewhat cold.

“Oh, thanks.”

—​Sarcasm did not work on him either.

Now that the good mood in the air had been ruined, Crusch picked up her wine and downed it in one gulp. She felt it burn as it went down her throat, and the heat seemed to radiate from her stomach throughout her entire body. Zaryusu polished off his wine in one go as well.

Just then, a quiet question made its way through the air. It seemed completely different from the voice just now, and for a moment it made them wonder who had asked it.

“Say, do you think we can win?”

Zaryusu quietly replied:

“…I have no idea.”

“Mm, same here. After all, there’s no such thing as a battle where victory is assured. If someone actually dared brag about how he’d win despite not knowing his enemy’s strength, I’d beat the crap out of him to shut him up.”

Crusch had no response to Zenberu as he chuckled.

“Still… our foe’s gotten a little careless. The changes here ought to affect our chances of victory.”

In place of Zaryusu, Crusch looked at Zenberu with a puzzled look on her face.

“Could you recall what that monster said?”

“Sorry, I was sleeping then.”

“…Surely you must have heard of it from someone else?”

“Hmph, I couldn’t be bothered to remember something like that, so I forgot it. In any case, the important thing is that if they come looking for a fight, then we’re going to give them one.”

There’s no hope for this guy —​ Crusch decided to abandon her attempts at explanation with that. Zaryusu grinned wryly, and answered.

“…He told us to struggle with all our might.”

A dangerous expression came over Zenberu’s face, and his features twisted savagely.

“Well, that just pisses me off. To think they’re sneering at us from the beginning.”

Zenberu roared with frightful anger.

The cry carried with it his wrath and displeasure.

“That’s right, they’re turning their noses up at us. The fact they’re so arrogant… probably suggests they’re powerful enough to break our resistance easily. But we’re going to crush their self-assurance. We’re going to gather the five tribes and show them our full power. I want to beat back their assault and show them that we’re a force to be reckoned with.”

“Hmph, well put. I can understand that. I like it.”

Just as the two males were eagerly discussing their battle plans, Crusch rained on their parade.

“I doubt there’s much merit to wounding their pride. All we need to do is prove our worth to them, right? Perhaps if they know that, they won’t exterminate us.”

“Oi oi oi, are you telling me to bow to annoying people like that?”

“Zaryusu… I know fleeing is dangerous, but I think it’s better to live on, even in bondage,” Crusch quietly said.

The other two did not deny her or tease her for her slave mentality.

It was not that they wanted to be ruled, but being slaves had more of a future than being corpses. As long as there was a future, there was infinite possibility.

For instance, they could teach the method of fish farming to everyone, and that might allow them to abandon their homes and flee elsewhere.

Any leader who abandoned that possibility and ordered everyone to die was not worthy of his position.

“Now, listen closely, you all.”

As they heard Zaryusu’s calm voice, the three of them pricked up their ears, and they heard the sounds of mirth coming from the party.

“After we’re ruled, we might not be able to laugh and rejoice like this.”

“The operative word being might, right?”

"Benarkah? Saya kira tidak. I don’t think anyone who would take pleasure in watching us die would be so compassionate. After all, if there was any mercy in their hearts, they would not plan to exterminate us in such a playful manner.”

Crusch nodded.

But even so—​

“Still, what I want to say is… please don’t die.”

“—​I won’t. Not before I hear your answer.”

“—​!”

Crusch and Zaryusu exchanged passionate looks under the night sky.

And then, they made their vow.

—​Paying no attention to Zenberu, the bored outsider.