Philiana’s demeanor had changed due to Cecilia being taken hostage.
Upon entering, a stone bridge spanned before us, designed to overlook the entire village. Below, houses constructed from wood and grass stood in rows.
“Wow, this is amazing. It feels like we’re flying.”
“It’s true, we’re seeing things from the same perspective as Piyo-chan.”
Piyo and Pauline were happily peering down from the bridges strung across the village. Aside from the occasional torch flickering in the wind, no other presence could be detected. Sharin also moved her ears independently, scanning the surroundings.
“Can we really just enter so easily?”
“Ah, it’s a trap. It has to be. W-what do we do?”
Lauren hid behind Sharin, trembling. That’s right, something was off; there were no sentries, and not even the gate was closed.
“Welcome, we’ve been expecting you.”
From the shadows cast by the torches, a figure emerged soundlessly. It was a Naga? A Harpy? No, it was neither. It was a woman, but with feathered arms and the lower body of a snake. Could this be Quetzal?
“We have come again to speak with you.”
Philiana turned towards the woman. Despite our large group, she didn’t even flinch and waited for her to continue.
“We wish to cooperate with Nagaraja.”
“As we discussed before, we cannot cooperate. We are neutral.”
“I see,” Philiana said, her hand moving to her sword.
“Wait, wait, Philiana, you’re too hasty. Why can’t you cooperate? I apologize for asking, but I’d like to know the reason.”
“As you can see, we are neither Naga nor Harpy. For years, we have been oppressed by both sides, who bear us ill will, as traitors. However, this is our natural form; we are certainly not half-breeds.”
Looking closely at her form again, the wings on her arms resembled those of a Dark Harpy. While their colors were vibrant, yellow and red, they had four fingers, just like them. As for her lower body, it looked like a Naga’s. But no, it lacked scales. Instead, its surface was covered in a short, fur-like material. The underside was covered in scales, similar to a snake’s, but was this truly a snake?
“Therefore, we have no intention of siding with either. That’s why.”
“Is that so? I understand. But aren’t you attacked by Dark Harpies?”
“We are. However, we can handle it with our own strength.”
With that said, there was no room for further discussion. Was she suggesting we subdue them by force? But against so many, she was just one person, and she was lightly clothed and unarmed. She didn’t even have a dagger. The atmosphere felt strange. Thinking the conversation was over, Philiana reached for her sword again.
“I apologize, but I have no choice.”
“Is that so? Very well. I can defeat you without using weapons.”
What? Is she that strong? She looked like a demure, gentle woman. Philiana drew her sword and lunged at the opponent with the sound of hooves. However, before her sword could strike, Nina leaped in.
“You, stop! Are you serious? Open your eyes!”
“Do not interfere. I have no choice.”
I never expected these two to clash. Sharin, watching from the side, was also flustered.
“No choice? Why doesn’t Nagaraja come himself? Why do *we* have to get our hands dirty?”
“That is because they have no chance of winning.”
The Quetzal woman murmured from behind Nina.
“His weapon is poisonous fangs. But only Nagaraja possesses them. Other Nagas cannot defeat us. Fighting would be futile.”
“Hmm, I see. You seem quite confident. Fine, then teach that fool a lesson.”
Nina sniffed and gestured with her chin, stepping aside. Philiana, still gripping her sword, swung with all her might. To my surprise, the woman blocked the blade with her tail. However, Philiana’s strength was greater, and she was forced to the ground. The blade dug into something with a grinding sound.
“Wha-what…”
From behind, I could hear Piyo and Pauline’s frightened voices. Without realizing it, I swallowed hard.
Philiana’s hand stopped as the blade bit into the fur. I could hear the sword trembling. Even though she had her perfectly trapped, the tail didn’t even get cut, and the woman remained unmoved, her face calm. After a moment, the sword was forcefully repelled.
“Hah, hah, wh-why? The blade won’t penetrate.”
“Our tails are as hard as steel. They can withstand the fangs of a Manticore. Now, it’s our turn.”
As the woman moved her hand, the nearby torch seemed to leap into action, changing its form.
