socalfunplaces Chapter 341: The Grim Reaper Who is Going to Sell Water.
Chapter 341: The Grim Reaper Who is Going to Sell Water.
He knew he had far more enemies than the Slave Trade Guild alone.
What about Cressida?
What about the mysterious force supporting her from the shadows?
He did not even know whether he would eventually encounter the Silver Crest Guild again.
Just thinking about all his enemies made him release a weary sigh.
"I cannot remain passive any longer," he muttered quietly.
A sharp glint flashed across his deep blue eyes.
"I need leverage."
The more he considered the situation carefully, the firmer his thoughts became.
He was standing completely exposed beneath the open sky, while his enemies remained hidden within the darkness.
If he relied solely upon himself to uncover every secret surrounding his enemies, he would spend countless months wandering in circles.
However, if he utilized both the influence of the Crimson Arc Guild and his own growing reputation, everything would become much easier.
He could have others gather information on his behalf.
Then he could slowly uncover the truth behind those targeting him.
His steps suddenly stopped.
He stared silently into the distance.
The endless sea of dark crimson dunes stared back at him.
Suddenly, a thought struck his mind.
The idea appeared so abruptly that he almost laughed aloud.
A slow knowing smile gradually appeared upon his face.
Without hesitation, he turned around and headed deeper into the town.
His steps were firm and swift.
Although his expression remained calm and composed, his heart was pounding heavily with anticipation.
Instead of returning to his inn along the central street, he headed directly toward the western district.
Several minutes later, he arrived before the Crimson Arc Guild headquarters.
His mere presence caused many guild members to stop whatever they were doing.
Respect filled their eyes immediately.
On the training grounds, Orric stood with blood leaking from the corner of his lips. The moment he noticed Thoren’s arrival, his eyes widened slightly.
Across from him, Kiera halted her movement immediately. Her massive axe rested casually upon her shoulder while she stared at the silver haired young man.
"Why is Master Thoren here?" one guild member asked quietly.
That title had become extremely common throughout the guild. After witnessing Thoren’s performance during the beast tide, very few people dared address him by name directly.
To them, such behavior felt disrespectful.
Therefore, they naturally began referring to him as Master Thoren.
"Do you honestly believe ordinary people can understand the thoughts of someone that powerful?" Kiera asked while shaking her head.
She lowered her massive axe onto the ground. She loved battle more than almost anything else.
She lived for combat.
Every challenge excited her.
Every dangerous opponent filled her with anticipation.
However, what she witnessed during the beast tide remained beyond her comprehension. That level of power should not belong to any human awakener.
Yet a young man younger than most guild members wielded such strength effortlessly. More importantly, the way he carried himself created an indescribable impression.
Nothing seemed capable of shaking him.
Nothing seemed capable of moving him.
It was almost as though he stood above everyone else entirely.
While they fought desperately with their lives hanging by a thread, Thoren stood atop the walls looking calm and spotless.
Meanwhile, his undead servants carved through the battlefield with overwhelming momentum.
Slowly, Kiera turned toward Orric.
A teasing smile appeared upon her face.
"I bet your muddled head never expected the person you brought back would be this powerful."
Her smile widened slightly.
"If you had known beforehand, you would never have dared order him to stop that thief."
Listening to her words, Orric could not help chuckling helplessly.
She was absolutely correct.
If he had known how powerful Thoren truly was, he would never have dared give such instructions.
Even if someone offered him ten extra lives, he still would not have possessed that courage.
"Hahaha! Do not tell me you are scared already," Kiera laughed loudly.
She completely ignored whatever image she was supposed to maintain as a lady. Soon, the other guild members joined her laughter.
The tense atmosphere created by Thoren’s presence gradually disappeared.
Meanwhile, the cause of their discussion sat comfortably inside the guild master’s office.
Seated across from him, Solenne looked considerably healthier than she had three days ago.
Most of her injuries had already healed. The pale complexion caused by blood loss had disappeared completely.
The vitality had returned to her face.
"So, what brings you here today?" she asked with a playful smile. "Do you need another drinking buddy?"
Thoren immediately rolled his eyes. He never expected the respected guild master of the Crimson Arc Guild to be such a shameless alcoholic.
If he had not firmly sent her away three days ago, she would have consumed every of his precious wine.
Ignoring her question completely, he went directly to the reason his visit.
"I need the largest store located along the central street."
"Hmm?"
The casual expression upon Solenne’s face disappeared instantly. She straightened her back and stared at him seriously.
"Why do you need it?" she asked curiously.
"Just as you explained previously, the Scorpion Beastmen and the Slave Trade Guild control almost everything throughout the Crimson Dune." His voice remained calm and steady.
"That is going to change."
Solenne raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you plan on accomplishing that?"
Her curiosity increased significantly.
Thoren leaned slightly forward. A confident smile appeared upon his face.
"I will start by selling water and daily necessities."
Silence.
For several seconds, Solenne simply stared at him. Then her eyes widened dramatically.
"What?" She thought she had misheard him completely.
Among all the plans she expected to hear from the Grim Reaper, opening a store was certainly not one of them.
"You want to challenge the Slave Trade Guild using a store? Selling water?" she asked cautiously.
"Not just a store selling water."
Thoren shook his head calmly.
"A foundation."
His eyes shone brightly with determination.
"The Slave Trade Guild controls people because they control resources."
"They sell necessities that desperate people cannot live without."
"They exploit weakness and desperation."
His smile slowly widened.
"If I provide those same necessities cheaper and in greater quantities, what do you think will happen?"