Chapter 39: Azat Tribe
Azat’s tribe was also located within this swamp region, just like Salfa’s. The Azat tribe was situated to the south, several days’ walk away.
This region was a territory primarily inhabited by Lizard Kin, though there were also other tribes around the swamp.
Within the swamp itself, only Azat and Salfa controlled the area.
The Azat tribe had built houses supported by wooden stilts. They lived through hunting and fishing as well. Since they shared the same territory, Azat and Salfa occasionally clashed with one another. The latest conflict had cost both sides dearly, so they had agreed to a truce in order to rebuild their strength and prevent the surrounding tribes from taking advantage of their weakness.
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The Lizard Kin, monsters capable of standing on two legs, were somewhat similar to humans. They possessed hands and feet, though their feet were webbed. While their appearance was that of lizards, their overall shape resembled that of humans.
Although they possessed a form of intelligence, their lifestyle remained close to that of the animal kingdom. Their way of life was not very different from that of other monsters.
Adult Lizard Kin measured an average of one meter eighty in height and weighed more than one hundred and twenty-five kilograms. Their builds were therefore generally massive, and due to their regular activities they carried little fat and a great deal of prominent muscle. Combined with their natural weapons—fangs and claws—they appeared even more terrifying.
The tools used by the Lizard Kin in this part of Austral were rudimentary. They fought in a primitive manner, using weapons crafted from the fangs and claws of other monsters while also relying on their own bodies.
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The sun had risen while Incolsat was still on the road.
The atmosphere was humid, and the weather was pleasant. Visibility was clear across the surrounding landscape.
To reach Azat, they had chosen to travel by land rather than through the swamp itself. Incolsat did not want to be caught by surprise. He remained vigilant. Walking on solid ground made it easier to spot signs of danger.
Their feet slapped against the earth as they moved around the swamp.
Incolsat carried a basket on his back. Inside were fish and several pieces of dried game.
The same was true for those accompanying him. The two Lizard Kin carried useful plants and monster claws. All of it was intended as gifts for the Azat tribe.
One of the Lizard Kin could not help but ask Incolsat a question.
"What will happen if Azat is behind all of this?"
Incolsat, who was walking at the front, stopped.
"Well, I doubt they’ll let us leave."
Until now, Incolsat had believed that the disappearances had nothing to do with Azat. However, entering enemy territory was not a good idea. Even if Azat was not responsible, there was no guarantee they had no other intentions.
Still, Incolsat’s cautious nature compelled him to make sure.
He wanted to verify things personally. Regardless of the tribe involved, none of them could have carried out such clean disappearances. It had to be the work of something they did not know about.
He did not dismiss the possibility that Azat—or perhaps another tribe—had allied themselves with something dangerous.
That was precisely why he was throwing himself into the lizard’s jaws.
The other two said nothing more.
They were loyal supporters of Incolsat. If they had to die on this mission, they would do so without hesitation. They knew Incolsat and understood that everything he did was for the sake of the tribe.
Half a day after sunrise, Incolsat reached his destination without encountering enemies or the mysterious monster he had theorized about.
Several houses stood before him, resembling those of the Salfa tribe.
Unlike Salfa’s village, however, this one was surrounded by sharpened stakes that formed a defensive barricade.
This was something Incolsat had never seen here before, and this was far from his first visit.
The sight filled him with unease.
He sighed and pushed the feeling aside.
Then he walked toward the village.
As soon as he reached the entrance, Incolsat chose not to create unnecessary tension. Rather than entering, he announced himself from outside.
"I am Incolsat, a messenger of the Salfa tribe. I wish to speak with Nam Azat, chief of the Azat tribe."
Almost as soon as he finished speaking, several Lizard Kin appeared with spears in hand and surrounded them.
Their eyes were wary, and their hostility was abnormal.
"Is this how Nam Azat treats a messenger?"
The Lizard Kin did not answer.
Instead, they shoved Incolsat and his escort into the village.
Sent by Salfa, Incolsat showed neither weakness nor fear, even as he was dragged along by the Lizard Kin.
The two Lizard Kin accompanying him whispered quietly.
"It seems the elders were right."
Incolsat neither agreed nor disagreed.
The situation still seemed unclear to him.
Although the two tribes had their differences, this place had changed far too drastically. Their hostility was far too obvious.
Moreover, while crossing the village, they had not encountered a single child.
Only armed adults carrying clubs.
They were tied up and thrown into one of the houses.
After some time, an elderly Lizard Kin entered accompanied by two others.
The one in the center appeared to be the leader of the group.
The moment Incolsat saw them, he spoke immediately.
"As I said, we are only messengers. All we want is an audience with Nam Azat, yet you tied us up and locked us in here. Is this truly how Azat behaves? Is this how Nam treats messengers?"
Incolsat pretended to be filled with indignation.
Though he disliked the treatment, he knew something was wrong.
"Nam died recently."
The answer left Incolsat stunned.
It was disturbing because Nam was not particularly old. He still had many years ahead of him, and more importantly, he was far from weak.
For someone like him to die so suddenly was a serious problem.
Given the atmosphere of the village, Incolsat highly doubted illness was responsible.
That meant they truly had a problem on their hands.
"Speak, Incolsat. What brings you here?"
A young Lizard Kin spoke in a cold voice.
