Global Survival: I Have Endless Skeletons

Chapter 320: Five Clans of the Crimson Dune

The guild master stared at him for a second longer before muttering softly, "For what it is worth, you have the right to be arrogant."

If she had accomplished even half of what Thoren had done, her pride would have soared beyond reason.

She would have spread her fame across both the first and second floors while gathering countless subordinates beneath her banner.

The Abyss was dangerous enough already, and many awakeners desperately searched for powerful individuals they could rely on.

With such terrifying strength, many people would willingly kneel and pledge their loyalty to him without hesitation.

Yet, Thoren had done none of that.

After calming her emotions, she straightened her back slowly. Her previous arrogance and pride had completely vanished.

She might have been the guild master of one of the five strongest guilds, but before Thoren, she felt no sense of superiority whatsoever.

If Thoren could destroy the Slave Trade Guild and stand against countless powerful enemies, what was stopping him from destroying her guild as well?

Her strength?

She scoffed inwardly at the thought.

It had taken the monster before her less than two weeks to ascend to the second floor.

Now, in less than another two weeks, he had already reached the Inner Region.

For ordinary awakeners, such a journey usually required three to six months of suffering and survival.

Yet, this young man had crossed the Bleeding Desert as if it were nothing more than a casual stroll.

The more she thought about it, the more shocked she became.

At first, she had doubted the intelligence reports regarding Thoren’s talent. However, now that he sat directly before her, she realized those reports had greatly underestimated him.

The terrifying young man before her was even more monstrous than the rumors suggested.

"You can call me Solenne," she said slowly while taking a deep breath. "Now then, why did you decide to see me?"

"Nothing too serious," Thoren replied calmly. "I simply hoped your guild could help me with one or two matters."

"As long as it remains within our capabilities, of course we will help you," Solenne answered smoothly. "Having someone like you as an ally is a privilege we would never take lightly."

Thoren stared at her silently for a moment. He immediately understood the political game she was trying to play, but he simply did not care enough to point it out.

"First, do you know of any Carapace Clan that possesses extensive knowledge regarding this world’s ancient history?" he asked directly.

Hmm?

Solenne’s brows slowly knitted into a deep frown.

"Thoren, I believe you only recently arrived in the Inner Region, correct?" she asked carefully.

"Yes," he answered with a nod. "Is that a problem?"

"Not exactly a problem," she replied slowly. "However, it is important enough that you should understand a few things first."

Thoren remained silent while waiting patiently for her explanation.

"The Crimson Dune, also known as the Inner Region, is home to the Carapace Clans," she began seriously.

"The Carapace Clans are divided into five major groups. There is the Mantis Clan, the Horned Lizard Clan, the Dung Beetle Clan, the Sandroach Clan, and finally, the Scorpion Clan."

"Out of all five clans, the Mantis Clan is considered the easiest to interact with. They are not excessively bloodthirsty and rarely attack without reason."

"As for the other four clans..."

Her voice trailed off briefly, but Thoren already understood her meaning perfectly.

"Among those four clans, the most cunning and brutal of them all is the Scorpion Clan," she continued in a much colder tone.

"They are battle hardened, merciless, and highly intelligent. More importantly, they deeply hate humans."

She exhaled slowly through her nose before continuing.

"Although the other clans can still be negotiated with to some extent, the Scorpion Clan is completely different."

"No human has ever successfully dealt with them peacefully."

"Every single person who tried was killed without exception."

"The Scorpion Clan controls the largest territory within the Crimson Dune, and strangely enough, the desert itself seems to favor them."

"According to rumors, their territory contains underground water sources, and they even grow vegetables within their settlements."

Thoren listened quietly without interrupting her.

However, Solenne’s expression only grew heavier. "But that is not the frightening part," she continued grimly.

"The truly terrifying thing is their intelligence network."

"They possess records and fragments of ancient history that no other race possesses."

"Almost every awakener trial is connected to them because many awakening trials require knowledge hidden within Scorpion Clan territory."

"They control information better than anyone else."

"Because of this, countless humans have disappeared after entering their lands."

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she stared directly at Thoren. "I know you are powerful. There is absolutely no doubt about that."

"However, against the Scorpion Clan, brute force alone may not be enough."

"You might need to change your approach entirely."

Hmm?

Thoren slowly creased his brow while sinking into deep thought.

The room gradually fell silent.

Outside the single window, the distant sounds of training and metal clashing echoed faintly throughout the guild headquarters.

Yet, inside the room, the atmosphere remained strangely heavy.

After several seconds, Thoren finally spoke again. "So, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Solenne leaned back slowly in her chair before answering carefully.

"I am saying that the Scorpion Clan is unlike the enemies you have faced before."

"The Jackal Beastmen relied mostly on brute strength and intimidation."

"The Slave Trade Guild depended heavily on corruption, fear, and hidden influence."

"But the Scorpion Clan is patient."

"They observe silently."

"They gather information."

"And once they decide someone is dangerous, they erase that person completely."

Her tone became noticeably colder.

"Not through reckless combat."

"But through calculated methods."

"Poison."

"Ambushes."

"Manipulation."

"Isolation."

"They will slowly corner their target until escape becomes impossible."

For a moment, Thoren remained completely expressionless. Then suddenly, a faint smile slowly appeared on his face.

Instead of concern or fear, anticipation flashed within his blue eyes. Seeing that expression, Solenne’s heart tightened slightly.

She had expected caution from him and perhaps even hesitation. Instead, the young man before her almost looked excited.

"You seem disappointed," Thoren commented lightly.

"What?" Solenne asked while narrowing her eyes slightly.