Chapter 39

Alright. First of all, it seems we’ve got the Martial Arts Tournament for selecting the Great Warrior sorted out. Now, all that’s left is the Archmage, right?

The Archmage needs an understanding of magic, so maybe I should do some research before speaking… or should I drop a hint about choosing one early?

Let’s go with dropping a hint. I’ll say we’re going to select the most talented mage as the Archmage and will communicate through them from now on.

The Chief of the Lizardmen Tribe, the Great Warrior, and the Archmage keep each other in check but also cooperate—feels like that’s how the Lizardmen are maintained.

Here, the Chief of the Tribe passes down by bloodline, the Great Warrior changes yearly, and the Archmage… well, unless someone more talented appears, it’ll continue indefinitely…

Alright, this setup works.

“And since I’ve taken interest in your magic, henceforth, I shall bestow the title of Archmage upon the most gifted mage among the Lizardmen and convey my voice through that child.”

“Wait… wasn’t it supposed to be me?”

“You are already the Chief of the Tribe, are you not? You have much already… why covet more?”

“No! Forgive me! Please forgive me!”

Not really mad though… hmm…

“You already have much, so be content with that. When the child who will become Archmage is chosen, I’ll pass on further details.”

“Understood. The festival preparations will be thorough. But may I ask one question?”

Question?

“What is it?”

“If… hypothetically, if one person held the positions of Chief of the Tribe, Great Warrior, and Archmage… what would happen?”

“One person?”

Hmm… that’s almost impossible, isn’t it?

But… wouldn’t that be quite interesting?

The bloodline of the Chief leading the Lizardmen, the most talented mage’s abilities, and the strongest warrior’s body—all concentrated in one person.

If those elements were focused in one individual, wouldn’t they truly be called the Hero of the Lizardmen?

“In such a case, that person would become the Hero of the Lizardmen and my Representative.”

Whether possible or not, this meaningful story feels like something worth keeping for later entertainment.

Who knows, maybe such a person—a Lizardman—might appear.

“Understood. As instructed, I’ll hold a competition during the festival to choose the strongest Lizardman. Please watch over us.”

“I shall.”

Alright. That’s it! All that’s left is waiting for the Lizardmen’s festival while advancing research on their magic!

Let’s see what the Lizardmen’s magic feels like… shall I take a quick look?

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Magic is the general term for techniques that borrow elemental spirits’ power and apply it to the body.

Originally, the Lizardmen, being close to nature, had the ability to interact with elementals, but lacked enough magical power to control them.

To overcome this flaw, the Lizardmen developed magic by granting their bodies elemental powers.

They borrowed speed and agility from wind elementals, and solidity and weight from earth elementals. These early forms of magic were simple enough for even Lizardmen with low magical power to use, though their effects were weak.

A major change occurred when the Archmages appeared.

Chosen by the Creator Dragon God and able to hear its voice, these Archmages began developing magic using elemental spirits in astonishing ways.

Rather than borrowing elemental powers, they infused the spirits themselves into their bodies.

By trusting elementals and offering parts of their bodies, they could maximize elemental power despite having little magical power.

This magic is called Spirit Possession.

Spirit Possession differs greatly from previous forms of magic and emphasizes spiritual communication with elementals.

Elementals instinctively desire bodies, so blindly offering oneself risks losing control.

Thus, forming a close relationship with elementals through communication and building trust is necessary before attempting Spirit Possession.

This core principle treats elementals as friends, unlike the Elves’ spirit magic which binds them contractually.

“Hold on. That sounds like you’re saying Elf magic is bad.”

“But it’s true! Unlike us Lizardmen, we treat elementals as friends.”

A female Lizardman adorned with decorative accessories said this, causing an Elf to frown.

“Our contracts with elementals are sacred ceremonies done by mutual agreement! Not some vague friendship like yours.”

That comment made the female Lizardman raise her voice in anger.

“Vague friendship? It’s about cultivating bonds of friendship with elementals until we can safely exchange bodies without issues. Nothing like your cold-blooded, emotionless contracts, Elves.”

“Without clear contracts, everything becomes ambiguous. Who would create something so strange? Honestly, who thought this up?”

“It was taught to us by the Great Creator Dragon. Disrespecting the Creator Dragon is disrespectful. Oh mighty Creator Dragon, forgive this one’s ignorance.”

At that moment, the door opened, and a silver-haired girl with dragon horns on her head peeked inside.

“Huh? Did someone call me?”

“We didn’t call you. How about some honey cakes? They’re made from flower honey, a specialty of the Lizardmen.”

“Yeah, they’re tasty.”

The silver-haired girl munched happily on the honey cakes with her small mouth.

“Since there’s plenty, feel free to relax in the room and enjoy them. But don’t fill up too much before dinner, alright?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

The silver-haired girl withdrew her head and closed the door. Watching this exchange, the Elf sighed exasperatedly.

“You know, aren’t you blatantly favoring that girl?”

The Lizardman replied matter-of-factly.

“Huh? She’s the Holy Maiden of the Church of Life and so cute. Is there any reason not to like her?”

“Well, yeah, but your attitude toward her is different compared to others. We’re all part of the same hero party!”

“Pfft. Of course it’s different. The others might try to seduce Uncle at any moment! Especially THAT woman!!! Her eyes clearly show she wants to capture Uncle and make lots of babies to build a happy family with our great Lizardman Great Warrior!!”

“That woman does have a sultry gaze, but come on, mentioning it in front of her ally is harsh. Besides, compared to her allure, the Dragon Priestess is far more charming… almost the most beautiful in the world.”

The Lizardman looked suspiciously at the Elf.

“Are you into women?”

“Wha- What?! What nonsense are you saying?! That girl is objectively attractive, but I’m NOT into girls!!!”

“Hmm… well, whatever. Anyway, as a priest serving the Creator Dragon and Archmage, I have no reason to dislike the Holy Maiden of the Church of Life! If anything, I see her positively!”

The Elf tilted her head and asked.

“What connection do the Lizardmen’s race god and the Church of Life have anyway? They seem unrelated.”

“Haha, that’s why Elves lacking theological knowledge are troublesome. It’s because I believe the Creator Dragon and the Goddess of Life are the same entity.”

“What?”

“It’s a somewhat obscure belief within the Lizardmen, but I believe it. Comparing the deeds of the Creator Dragon and the Goddess of Life shows many similarities. From creating this world full of life to calling the Holy Maiden a Dragon Priestess…”

“Huh? Did you call me?”

“We didn’t call you, just mentioned you.”

With that, the silver-haired girl withdrew her head again.

– From the adventure records of a certain hero party.