Chapter 6: Scales of the swamps

The morning arrived like any other—soft rays of sunlight filtering through the canopy, the crisp air tinged with the scent of damp earth. Jin sat beneath the towering Great Tree, running a whetstone along the edge of his iron sword with slow, practiced strokes. The rhythmic scrape of metal against stone blended into the natural chorus of rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

His supplies were packed—Moonshade poultice, rope, water pouch—everything he needed for another journey into the unknown.

“I guess I'll go north this time,” he murmured. “Let’s see what’s beyond the fern grove.”

With a final check of his gear, he set off, his boots crunching softly against the undergrowth as he ventured deeper into the wilderness.

The north-way is pretty same as the south during first hour of venturing, while there're a few Horned Rabbit and Deer’s here and there.

- "It was a bit of a nice trolling in the forest of another world" - Jin thought to himself.

Just then, the air starting to grew thick with humidity, and the ground softened beneath his steps

- "Also....It seems I have found a swam or at least something like it" - Jin muttered.

Pockets of sulfur bubbled, sending up wisps of steam cried of poison surrounding air. The towering mangroves cast long shadows over murky waters.

Jin paused, activating “Far Sight”. Silhouettes moved within the mist—tall figures with thick tails and reptilian snouts. Lizardmen.

A trio of them patrolled the swamp, their emerald scales gleaming under the hazy light. Hastily, Jin tried to crouch down to avoid confront so he could observe them more, yet a sound echoed abandon all his effort:

“Softskin! Kill for swamp!” one hissed before lunging.

The trio's yellow eyes locked onto Jin as they raised their weapons—crude yet deadly bone-forged spears. Jin reacted instantly. “Glacial Lance” formed in his hand; ice spiraling outward as he launched it toward the closest Lizardman. The spear of ice struck true, freezing its legs in place. Without hesitation, Jin threw a dagger at the second attacker’s throat. The third Lizardman snarled, raising a clawed hand—only for Jin to sidestep and slash through its exposed side with his sword.

Silence fell. The bodies slumped into the mud.

Jin exhaled, wiping his blade clean:

- “They’re strong and sturdy, but they also have weaknesses.”

A little further ahead, a group of Lizardmen were hunting, their movements precise, calculated. They waded through the swamp, their hardened scales shimmering like a heat haze. This time, Jin crouched to the nearest bushes - just enough so he can easily observe these creatures while avoiding them. As he watched the groups, his Appraisal (EX) activated:

[Mana Armor – A layer of thin mana covering one's body to enhance its defense.

Defense + 30% for 10 minutes

Efficiency: 89%.]

“Interesting… they can harden their skin using mana. So that's why it was so hard.”

He considered his options, but before he could move, his foot landed on something brittle—

Snap.

A bone trap.

Lizardmen heads snapped toward him. A chorus of hisses echoed through the mist.

Jin cursed. “Damn it.”

Jin ran deeper into the swamp, casting Explosion behind him. The detonation sent mud and water skyward, disrupting the pursuing Lizardmen. He sprinted through tangled roots and knee-deep water, launching Glacial Lances whenever they got too close. Despite their speed and terrain advantage, the relentless attacks slowed them down.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

After what felt like an eternity, the sounds of pursuit faded. Jin stopped, panting. He had lost them.

Then, he saw it.

A village—or something close to it. Stilted huts rose above the water, woven bridges connecting them. Strange totems stood guard, their carvings depicting dragons and warriors.

Before he could retreat, a low growl froze him in place.

Guards.

The nearest Lizardmen warriors leveled their spears. Jin raised his hands, but they didn’t attack. Instead, they exchanged glances before one barked a command. He was led toward the largest hut, past curious gazes and whispers.

Inside, a towering Lizardman sat upon a stone-carved throne. Eight feet tall, his emerald scales bore deep battle scars. A fossilized dragon-club rested beside him. His yellow eyes studied Jin with neither hostility nor fear.

“Softskin… fights well.” His voice was deep, resonant. “Lyrderu Numchi… Chieftain.”

Jin remained silent, waiting.

Lyrderu leaned forward. “You kill my kin. Swamp law—trespassers die.”

Jin clenched his fists. “They attacked first.”

The Chieftain considered this before rising to his full height. “Lyrderu challenge Strong One. Sacred duel. Fight… or die.”

There was no room for negotiation.

Jin exhaled, rolling his shoulders. “Fine. I accept.”

Lyrderu grinned, revealing rows of sharp teeth.

The duel began.

Lyrderu moved with surprising agility for his size, his Hardened Skin deflecting Jin’s Blazing Shot. The flames rolled harmlessly off the chieftain’s scales. Jin abandoned magic—this would have to be settled physically.

They clashed, exchanging brutal strikes. Lyrderu’s dragon-club swung in wide arcs, each blow sending shockwaves through the ground. Jin evaded, countering with precision, redirecting the attacks using Aikido.

A sudden feint caught Jin off guard. The club slammed into his side, sending him skidding through the mud. Pain flared, but he forced himself up.

Breathing hard, he adapted. Instead of blocking, he let Lyrderu’s momentum work against him. Using Martial Art (SSS), he twisted around the chieftain, delivering a well-placed strike to the jaw.

Lyrderu staggered.

Then, he laughed.

The onlooking Lizardmen hissed in confusion, but the chieftain raised a clawed hand.

“Strong One… fights with mind, not just strength. Lyrderu yield.”

Jin straightened, watching as the Lizardmen murmured among themselves. Lyrderu turned to them.

“Lyrderu go with Strong One. Learn… teach.”

Jin exhaled. This might be an unexpected alliance.

As dusk settled over the swamp, Jin and Lyrderu made their way back to his base. The towering Lizardman moved with practiced ease, his keen eyes spotting details Jin had overlooked. More than once, he pointed out clusters of toxic herbs and rare plants, their uses described in short, guttural phrases. Jin listened intently, absorbing the knowledge.

[Title Acquired: Veteran Gatherer]

[Effect: Able to identify rare herbs, increase gathering efficiency, and enhance herb preservation skills.]

Once they arrived, Jin wasted no time. His plan to craft armor from Lizardmen scales had been brewing since their first encounter. Now, with Lyrderu’s assistance, it would become a reality.

Using Earth Magic, Jin molded a breastplate’s base. With Fire Magic, he fused the resilient scales onto it, layering them for maximum durability. Lyrderu, watching with interest, stepped forward. With expert precision, he carved bone rivets, ensuring the armor retained flexibility without sacrificing protection.

The final products:

* Swampscale Cuirass – A sturdy breastplate, its surface carrying a faint glow, as if retaining traces of the Dragon God’s mana.

* Bogstrider Boots – Crafted for silent movement through wetlands, granting exceptional traction and agility.

System Notifications:

[New Title: Scale-Shaper] – Crafting efficiency +10% when using monster materials.

[Skill Up: Mana Concentration → Lv. 2] – Faster MP recovery.

As Jin inspected his newly crafted gear, his Status Screen flickered. For a brief moment, a mysterious “????” title flashed—then vanished. Jin frowned, unsure what to make of it.

Lyrderu, observing the reaction, let out a low rumble. “Dragon God sleeps… but dreams of Strong One.”

Jin’s grip tightened around the cuirass. Something is coming to him...sooner or later.

Status Name Lyrderu Numshi Gender Male Age 45 Race Lizardman Level 53 Title Chieftain of Numshi Tribe Spear Master Status Healthy HP 10025 MP 4000 Strength 138 Agility 132 Dexterity 130 Endurance 139 Vitality 84 Magic Power 66 Perception 74 Skills Survival Instinct Thrust Hardening Fist War Cry Earthquake Night Vision Traits Raging Tail Poison Claws Poison Spits