Actually, returning the valuables to their rightful owner and trying to communicate properly was an option. Too bad such a choice had never occurred to the minds of the Sand Lizardfolk.
The Sand Lizardfolk Leader took another glance at the Finger Claw beneath his feet, the greedy gleam in his crimson pupils quickly transformed into a ferocious and sinister light.
"Since it has come to this, it's better to end it all; kill that human!
"Let that damned Noble stay on this Desolate Mountain forever!"
[The Sand Lizardfolk Leader's next actions——]
1. Leave three people here to clean up, the rest come with me to pursue!♛
2. I'll stay here, the rest of you go!
1. Special accompanying creature (Summon Teleportation Gate)
2. Communication Magic♛
3. Actually, there is a passage
"As long as she's still on this Highland, we have a chance! Find her!
"Kill her, and take everything!"
With the situation taking a sudden turn for the worse, the Hero, ignored on the side, could only watch the Lizardmen with a sense of helpless heaviness.
When she first discovered that the other was of the Demon Species, she had hoped that perhaps conflict could be avoided through communication. The problem was that, if she directly transformed back to her Humanoid form, she wouldn't be wearing any clothes...
However, it was clear she had already missed the opportunity to communicate,
and even if she transformed back now, it would be useless. She estimated that before she could even speak, the Lizardmen's Claymores would be falling upon her head.
"Is it time to take action?" the Hero sighed faintly to herself.
Although the law of the survival of the fittest is a natural principle, there is no rule that only one side may slaughter without the other's resistance.
The identities of prey and Hunter could be reversed at any time.
With her determination set, the Hero's eyes also calmed down.
However, the Sand Lizardfolk currently had the advantage in numbers, and she had yet to find a way to leave this Otherworld.
Thus, the Hero did not act rashly but stayed by the side of the still-recovering Gleaming Scale Serpent, continuing to observe the situation.
[The Hero's stakeout (Perception+60, 90—immediate activation of Sacrifice, 150+ regards the opponent as Magic Creatures)]
D100+60=d100(96)+60=156
[Sand Lizardfolk Leader's Perception]
D100+58=d100(33)+58=91
[Hero's stakeout Critical Success! First attack is automatically successful]
"You three, stay here to clean up the spoils, I will lead the others to give chase."
The Sand Lizardfolk Leader commanded.
The rest of the Sand Lizardfolk responded in unison, previous doubts already drowned by greed and the intent to kill, the ferocious glow in their red pupils clearly indicated that this was not their first time doing such a thing.
The Hero kept silent, maintaining the form of a little red bird, still as a plush toy, squatting motionless on the ground, quietly observing the Sand Lizardfolk's actions.
The Sand Lizardfolk Leader seemed to sense something, he glanced down at the only two living creatures in the loot.
A serpent with black scales and colorful patches, and a small golden-red bird with bright colors.
The serpent was still unconscious, whereas the bird was not even as big as her own fist.
Both were species not seen on the Highland before, though unfamiliar with the creatures, by their flashy appearance, one could tell they must be extremely expensive pets.
I wonder how much these two little fellows can be sold for?
"Indeed, a daughter from a wealthy family, bringing such pets to this dangerous Highland," the Sand Lizardfolk Leader's mouth cracked into a crooked smile.
She surely has many more valuable things on her...
No longer concerned with the serpent and bird, now deemed possessions in the bag, the Sand Lizardfolk extended his tongue, greed and killing intent interweaving in his red pupils, making his sword-holding hand shake slightly.
After calming the excitement in his heart, the Sand Lizardfolk Leader squatted down, plunging his hands with sharp nails into the soil, and with an ancient cadence, began the fluctuating chant.
[Sand Lizardfolk's Spell Chant (Intelligence+21)]
D100+21=d100(10)+21=31
[Hero activates Skill: Extrasensory Sensation (Perception+60, Intelligence d68)]
D100+60+d68=d100(77)+60+d68(36)=173
[Memory judgment successful, Hero's memory is higher than Sand Lizardfolk's Spell Chant *5, no more learning judgment needed]
[Hero learns the Spell Chant to communicate with the Earth Devouring Snail]
The Sand Lizardfolk Leader's Spell Chant was simple and crude, with no complex chanting techniques, simply weaving Magic Power into the rhythm.
The Hero's ears perked up, and she memorized every single word by heart.
As the chanting continued, a unique vibration spread from the Sand Lizardfolk Leader's hands, reaching deep into the earth beneath their feet.
And as the vibration spread, the earth seemed to respond to his Spell, releasing a peculiar magic power, slowly beginning to turn, forming a large vortex.
The other Sand Lizardfolk stood on the vortex, gathering around their leader, their eyes flashing with excitement and savagery.
After about ten seconds, the Spell Chant concluded, and the earth's vortex suddenly erupted violently, like a tornado swallowing up the Sand Lizardfolk,
accompanied by a dull sound, the figures of the Sand Lizardfolk vanished, and the earth returned to normal, only dust scattering in all directions.
Seeing this, the Hero shook herself, dusting off the dirt from her body.
So this was how she had been swallowed up...
After silently reciting the Spell Chant she just memorized, the Hero's gaze turned towards the three remaining Sand Lizardfolk.
They were excitedly rummaging through her luggage, tossing worthless clothes everywhere, with their mouths filled with vulgar language, completely immersed in the thrill of robbery.
Seeing this, the Hero's eyes grew colder, and the last hint of hesitation in her heart dissipated.
There are good people like the Snow Woman sister among the Demon Species, and crazies like the Sect Followers among Humankind.
It seems that whether it be Demons or Humans, when driven by desire and indulging recklessly, they are no different from Goblins.
[The Hero's next actions——]
2. First take the Finger Claw and Chainmail, find somewhere to transform back
9. Bone-Attaching Flame
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure