Pillar of Yita

Fang Hong looked at the tall Lizardman warrior sitting on the chair which seemed too ’delicate’ for its size, making the latter sit rather uncomfortably, with its long tail sweeping back and forth on the ground, not knowing where to place it.

Of course, the War Lizard Prince had a mouth full of sharp, white teeth and a cold expression that made him appear quite fearsome. Tianlan and Gita kept their distance, peeking curiously in this direction.

After listening to the other’s statement, Fang Hong finally asked, ”So, are you here to participate in the trial of the Dragon’s Nest?”

Tainaric politely placed his cup on the table, which looked like a tiny toy under his relatively gigantic claws. He was somewhat annoyed by the humans’ red tape, but remembering the cautions of the Holy Tower Ritualist before his departure, he still patiently answered in detail, ”Sss, you could say that, respected human brother. The ancient prophecy tells us that the Dust World Serpent is returning to this world. In the western sky, the Giant Serpent Tail is becoming visible. Sssss, the power of the Shining Sea weakens day by day, and the dark forces will soon sweep across the land—Andasok’s respected Great Elder, the Eye of Slin, Er Ata, told the Believers that the days of hiding in the dense forest are gone, and the Guardians must return to the world to find the clues left by the ancient Sages to seek the path of the Redeemer.”

The candlelight flickered briefly, casting light on the scales of Tainaric’s cheek, fine and orderly. His large, horned crown made him look somewhat like a draconian figure.

His dagger-like sharp teeth glinted with a cold white luster in the candlelight, beneath which a forked tongue, resembling a serpent, flicked in and out from under his lower lip. The massive difference between the Lizard People and other humanoid races, as well as from warm-blooded races like the Lion People and the People of Rotao, stemmed from them being cold-blooded creatures with unique living habits and cultural customs, which is why they did not fit in with the current civilization of Eteliria.

At least Tianlan and Gita did not dare to step forward, as Atira chuckled and patted their backs, encouraging them to go refill the water. But the two girls shook their heads in terror.

”It will eat me!” exclaimed Tianlan, exaggerating, ”Look at its teeth, Sister Atira, it could bite me to death in one go.”

”You’re not a Native, so don’t believe those rumors!” Atira replied irritably. ”That’s our Guest, invited by Ade.”

Tianlan shook her head adamantly and confidently said, ”Those are not rumors, cannibalistic cultures existed on Earth until the twentieth century, you know. Don’t worry, I’m watching it closely here, it won’t harm Brother Ade.”

Atira could only shake her head and sigh.

Mortals passed down stories that Lizardman Clans from faraway continents engaged in cannibalistic customs, thus considering them Monsters.

Indeed, some Lizardman Clans would consume the hearts of their opponents. However, this usually occurred during grand Rituals and was not something every Lizardman was qualified to do—only Ritualists, Elders, or the bravest warriors had this privilege.

They believed that eating an opponent’s heart would grant them the opponent’s Strength, hence they would not eat the hearts of feeble or weak opponents, but only those of formidable, indomitable enemies.

Of course, those barbaric customs had faded as the Lizardman lineage gradually made contact with other Kingdoms, and except for the Dragon Blood Clan, few other War Lizard People would engage in such acts. Otherwise, given Tainaric’s stature, he might indeed have been a ’cannibalistic’ Monster sitting before them.

Tainaric paused for a moment before continuing, ”Sssss, and so I followed this clue, coming all the way here from Andasok. An ancient voice called me to this place, and I believe it holds messages left by the ancient Sages. What about you, my respected human brother?”

As he spoke, he looked up at Fang Hong.

Fang Hong shook his head, indicating he had heard nothing.

Then he explained, ”You might not be aware, but the trial takes place twice a year on Fenris Isle. It is presided over by a very famous Green Dragon and is not some ancient pilgrimage route. Although I am not sure if we’re talking about the same thing, there are indeed no Pilgrims here. And you mentioned an ancient prophecy—what is that? As far as I know, Eteliria can’t see the black comet, and according to historical records, the Giant Serpent Tail has been gone for thousands of years.”

Tainaric also shook his head. ”My respected human brother, the ancient prophecy is documented by the Grand Mages of Xinsas on Slates. Only the Great Elder, Er Ata, born under the Stars, can interpret that information. It guided us to observe the world through the Ether floating over the Shining Sea—and undoubtedly, the black comet is approaching Eteliria. We saw its tail, long and spanning the western sky.”

As he spoke, he stretched out his long claws, gesturing as if through the roof, beyond the thick layers of rock, where the Giant Serpent Tail indeed streaked across the vast expanse of stars above.

Historical records from the previous era stated that the comet’s tail lasted for a century, maintaining its long orbit, intersecting with the world of Eteliria.

”Ah, Tainaric, may I call you that? Could you also call me Ade, or use another name?” Fang Hong suggested, somewhat bothered.

In truth, ever since Tata had him speak a bit of Dragon Language, the other’s attitude towards him had greatly improved, always referring to him as ’respected human brother.’ In contrast, its demeanor towards others was quite cold and reserved.