Chapter 546: Returning to the Horn Lizard Town
The undead Greater Dune Scorpion moved across the endless desert at a frightening speed.
After several hours of traveling, the familiar outline of Horn Lizard Town finally appeared in the distance.
Thoren narrowed his eyes slightly.
The town had changed considerably since he had last left.
Slowly, he approached the busy gates without having the intention of stopping.
But the moment the guards at the entrance recognized him, their expressions changed.
"Wait..."
"That is..."
"The Grim Reaper!"
The undead Greater Dune Scorpion continued majestically. Previously, everyone looked down on undead beasts.
They were the curse of every realm but under the might and influence of Thoren, it had become a symbol of status and respect.
One of the guards swallowed hard.
"He’s back."
Instantly, the news spread like wildfire.
Before Thoren had even reached the gate, the information had already begun spreading throughout the town.
"The Grim Reaper is back!"
"What?!"
"When?"
"Right now!"
"He just arrived at the gate!"
Instantly, people began rushing toward the streets.
Even those who had never seen Thoren before hurried toward the main street simply because they wanted to see the infamous Grim Reaper.
The most terrifying figure on the second floor, known by all.
Inside one of the largest taverns in Horn Lizard Town, the atmosphere was even livelier as news of Thoren’s return spread from table to table.
Dozens of awakeners discussing him while drinking their rum, their voices filled with excitement.
"The Grim Reaper is really back?"
"I saw his undead mount with my own eyes."
One man slammed his mug against the table.
"Five thousand gold coins is expensive, but I will gladly pay it."
"Same here."
"I’ve spent three years trapped on this floor. Five thousand gold coins is nothing compared to finally having a chance to return home."
Another awakener leaned forward with anticipation.
"I wonder how long the ticket system will remain open."
"Why are you asking that?"
"Because if everyone starts entering the Scorpion City, the competition for the ancient records will become intense."
The table immediately fell silent.
"You worry too much. Do you think it is easy to make five thousand gold coins?" An awakener said, shaking his head.
"I can bet with anyone, in the next three months, apart from the top guild, others will still be scrambling to make the tickets fees."
Listening to him, everyone inside the tavern couldn’t help but nod in agreement. That was indeed the truth, five thousand gold coins was not easy to earn.
Still that did not lessen their enthusiasm about their future. As long as there was a path to progress, everything became secondary.
For the first time in years, many awakeners who had almost given up on completing their trials could once again see a path forward.
Meanwhile, inside the newly established headquarters of the Crimson Arc Guild.
Thoren sat across from Solenne inside her office, a cup of wine resting casually between his fingers as the woman across from him stared at him with an increasingly strange expression.
Solenne had been watching him for nearly a minute. Finally, she narrowed her eyes.
"Why do I feel you’re somewhat different?"
A flash of curiosity appeared on her face as she carefully studied him from head to toe.
She could not explain it.
Nothing about his appearance had changed significantly.
His silver hair still fell naturally over his shoulders while his deep blue eyes remained calm.
His expression was still as indifferent as ever. Yet something about his presence was completely different.
Stronger.
Heavier.
More oppressive.
Solenne slowly leaned back in her chair. "Merely sitting across you gave me goosebumps."
Her tone became serious.
"I feel like I’m sitting before a colossal beast ready to devour me."
Listening to her, Thoren only smiles as he swirls the wine for a moment before he takes another sip. He dropped his wine cup and stared at him.
"That’s because I’ve already completed my trial." He said casually.
Solenne froze instantly and her pupils contracted sharply. For a brief moment, she genuinely forgot to breathe.
Her lips parted slightly as she stared at him, and the hand resting on her chair slowly tightened until her fingers pressed against the wooden surface.
"You..." Her voice came out barely above a whisper.
Thoren calmly picked up the cup.
Solenne continued staring at him as though she had suddenly heard something impossible.
She knew Thoren was strong.
She knew he was powerful enough to accomplish things that ordinary awakeners could not even imagine.
The beast tide, facing the Scorpion Clan army, killing the Horn Lizard King and the Scorpion King was a feat impossible to achieve by ordinary means.
But completing his trial was an entirely different matter. Yet Thoren had somehow managed to accomplish it.
He had reached the highest level and he had completed his trial.
Slowly, she exhaled through her nose and a genuine smile appeared on her face.
"Congratulations."
Her voice was softer than before.
"I knew you could do it." She meant every word.
There was no jealousy in her eyes.
Only genuine happiness.
She had watched Thoren walk through countless dangers, and she knew how much he had fought to reach this point.
Still, inwardly, the shock had yet to disappear. She had always known he was extraordinary but she had never expected him to reach the end so quickly.
Thoren took another sip of wine without speaking. As for Solenne, she watched him silently for several seconds as if trying to see through him but failed.
Suddenly, her expression changed, the smile on her face disappeared. Her fingers trembled and her heart skipped a beat.
"Is this your goodbye?" Her voice trembled slightly.
The question was simple but the atmosphere inside the office suddenly became strangely heavy.
Thoren’s hand stopped halfway toward his lips.
He looked at her.
For the first time since entering the office, Solenne avoided his gaze, her eyes shifting toward the window as though she suddenly found the scenery outside far more interesting.