Just Another Beastmen Story

Part 26

As the final round was about to begin, the tension in the arena was suddenly shattered by a commotion rising behind the settled families. The sound of women screaming and beastmen brawling reverberated across the stands.

"I'm here to participate!" a voice boomed, causing the crowd to part in confusion.

All eyes turned toward a group of seven snake beastmen making their way forward. Each of them was half-transformed, their lower torsos replaced by long, thick tails, while their upper halves retained a human-like appearance. Their leader, a teal-scaled beastman with shoulder-length hair and piercing green eyes, slithered confidently at the front. His body, adorned with iridescent scales, shimmered under the fading sun. Iliana couldn't help but notice how similar their scales were to hers—except theirs extended to their shoulders, a feature she hadn't seen before.

The crowd fell into a hush as they watched the snake beastmen approach the arena, their presence casting an uneasy pall over the spectators. Snake beastmen were recluses—rarely seen, and certainly never involved in public events like this one.

Leo, the village leader, swiftly moved to intercept them. His body language was tense, radiating authority as he blocked their advance. "What are you doing here?" Leo's voice was sharp, demanding an explanation as the crowd shifted nervously.

Iliana strained to hear, her heart pounding with unease. She couldn't make out the words at first, but then saw the snake beastman's leader point directly at her.

"I am here to take back one of our own!" the teal snake beastman declared, his voice loud and clear as his finger remained aimed at Iliana.

Iliana's stomach twisted in knots, her mind racing. One of their own? She barely had time to process it before Leo's booming voice rang out again.

"No! Get out! This was resolved years ago, with your elder!" Leo shouted, his tone commanding and final.

The weight of his words hit Iliana like a punch to the gut. Resolved? What had been resolved years ago? And why were they here for her? Memories from her past life flashed before her, but they offered no comfort—only more confusion. Do they know something about me? Who I really am? She couldn't just sit there and let this unfold without understanding what was happening.

Without hesitation, Iliana stood up from her seat, determination setting in her features. She needed answers. As she made her way toward the escalating altercation, the girls followed behind her, clearly intrigued and eager to witness whatever drama was unfolding. Iliana felt their presence but didn't acknowledge it; her mind was laser-focused on the snake beastmen and what they wanted from her.

With each step, her heart beat faster, uncertainty gripping her thoughts.

The snake beastman kept his eyes locked on Iliana as she stepped forward, while Leo's rising anger flared in his eyes. The tension crackled between them, ready to ignite at any moment.

"Iliana, don't come any closer!" Leo growled, stepping into the snake beastman's path. The snake hesitated, slithering back instinctively, but then, realizing how weak it made him look in front of his comrades, he bared his fangs and rose higher, towering over Leo.

"I don't care about whatever you and that old fart discussed before. She is one of ours, and I was promised a Life-Bringer if I came to participate," the snake hissed, his tone dripping with annoyance.

"Promised?" Leo roared, his voice echoing across the arena. "We have a peace treaty with your clan, and you know very well that you are not welcome here. Who have you been talking to? You coming here will cause a war, do you realize that?"