Over time, the exiled Lizardmen had been absorbed into the ranks of the Small Fang Tribe, leaving only five remaining tribes within the Great Wetland.
Among them, the Small Fang Tribe had been one of the factions involved in the war. Though they had suffered heavy losses, they had only just begun to recover in the past two years.
However—
Even as one of the five major tribes, they lacked both an Arcana user and a Forest Priest, making them the weakest among the current Lizardman clans.
Despite their shortcomings, the tribe's location near a small lake had ensured a steady supply of food—at least for a time.
But as their population grew, the lake's resources had started to dwindle. The variety of fish they once relied on was no longer sufficient to sustain them.
Now—
In the center of the Small Fang Tribe, within one of the larger wooden dwellings, several Lizardmen had gathered.
The atmosphere was tense.
Something serious was being discussed.
"Are you certain? You're saying… humans?"
The first to speak was a Lizardman with yellowish scales, his voice carrying an unmistakable note of surprise.
Unlike the others in the room, he was noticeably smaller—but his status was unquestionable.
He was Sukyu Juju, the patriarch of the Small Fang Tribe.
Across from him, the leader of the hunting squad responded with a deep, guttural hum.
"I couldn't have mistaken it, Patriarch. It was definitely a human. Completely different from us—thin, strange-looking."
His tone carried a mix of curiosity and wariness.
Then, after a brief pause, he added—
"That human… summoned a glowing monster. It looked very strong."
As soon as those words were spoken, a silent figure who had been listening from the side finally stirred.
An elderly Lizardman, draped in ritualistic markings, turned his gaze toward the hunting leader.
He was the tribal priest.
"Describe this 'glowing monster' in detail." His voice was calm yet commanding.
The hunting leader nodded and gestured animatedly, doing his best to illustrate the creature he had seen.
The patriarch watched in silence as the priest fell into deep thought, his scaled brow furrowing.
After a long pause, the old Lizardman finally spoke.
"If your description is accurate… that creature is likely a summoned being known as an 'Angel.'"
His words made the others shift uneasily.
"That human is a Faith Magic Caster. However… I cannot determine their level of power."
His knowledge of humans was limited—passed down from generations of tribal elders, rather than through direct encounters.
But one thing was certain—
A human capable of summoning an angel was not to be underestimated.
Sukyu Juju's tail flicked slightly, his yellow-speckled scales gleaming under the dim torchlight.
A cold glint flashed in his reptilian eyes.
"It doesn't matter who or what that human is."
His voice was firm—unyielding.
"They have entered our territory. That alone is enough reason not to let them leave alive."
His clawed fingers tapped against the wooden surface before him.
"The other tribes haven't even seen a living human yet… but we have."
A slow, predatory smile curled across his face.
"And more importantly—that human has already slaughtered a large number of the fish in our lake."
That—was an unforgivable offense.
"Mobilize the entire hunting squad."
His voice grew sharper.
"Capture the human. If they resist—kill them on the spot."
"Yes, Patriarch!"
The hunting leader immediately snapped to attention, raising his weapon high before turning on his heels and dashing out of the dwelling, his excitement barely contained.
As the sound of departing footsteps faded, the tribal priest let out a low hiss.
His aged gaze settled back onto the patriarch.
"That human dared to enter this land alone. That means his strength is not to be taken lightly."
Sukyu Juju's eyes gleamed with confidence.
"The hunting squad consists of our finest warriors."
His tone was unwavering.
"This human… won't escape us."
(End of Chapter)