Rustle, rustle!
As Igonila spoke, a rustling came from deep within the reeds ahead.
A moment later, five Lizardfolk emerged.
They were taller and more heavily built than ordinary members of the Black Marsh Clan.
And unlike Scale Claw's feathered headdress, theirs were made of bone. Paint on their chests marked their rank as hunters.
The one in front was especially burly. His headdress bore twelve teeth taken from Beastfolk of different clans, signifying that he had slain twelve powerful Beastfolk alone when they were at his level.
At the sight of them, Scale Claw went rigid, his pupils narrowing to slits. His voice was grave and tense. "It's the sacred grounds hunting party. They... don't like outsiders coming here."
"Scale Claw, you dared bring humans into our sacred grounds?"
The hunter with the headdress fixed Igonila and his companions with a cold stare. His voice rumbled like muffled thunder as he rebuked Scale Claw. "Have you forgotten the clan's prohibition?!"
"Chief Hunter Iron Scale, I'm here on the Council of Elders' orders to gather medicinal herbs for the trade agreement between the clan and the Governor's Office."
Nervous as he was, Scale Claw steeled himself and stepped between Igonila, whose killing intent was surging, and Iron Scale. He took a deep breath, forced a smile, and gestured toward the imperial party behind him. "These people are from the Governor's Office—"
"Save your breath. I know who these damned humans are!"
Iron Scale cut Scale Claw off, shoved him aside, and strode up to Igonila. Looking down at him, he curled his lip in a contemptuous sneer. "Human, you should be grateful the Black Marsh Clan has no interest in dealing with your damned governor right now. Now—"
Shing!
Before Iron Scale could finish his threat, a sharp silver flash