Chapter 101: Growing Bond.

“Thank you for your help,” Thoren said, his voice carrying genuine gratitude.

“It’s nothing,” Arin replied, waving a hand dismissively. “Taking down the Slave Trade Guild is a huge contribution, something no one will ever forget.”

He leaned back slightly and smiled knowingly. “So don’t thank me for such a small favor. Besides, it’s not as if you couldn’t have managed this on your own.”

Thoren did not deny it.

With his power and reputation, he could easily have leveraged fear, influence, or sheer force to obtain whatever information he wanted in the town.

People would have scrambled to comply, eager to stay on his good side.

However, such an approach would have been inefficient and troublesome. It would leave traces, raise alarms, and draw unnecessary attention.

Using Arin’s guild connections to quietly accelerate the process had been the correct choice.

Efficient.

Clean.

“I assume you’ll be going after the remnants of the Slave Trade Guild next, right?” Arin asked, his tone turning serious.

Thoren nodded slowly. “Yes. I believe they must know something about my missing sister.”

Through the Federation Police archives, he had learned that his sister had disappeared three months after arriving in the Abyss.

There were no battle records, no death confirmations, no rescue attempts, nothing.

She and the members of her party had simply vanished.

As if they had been swallowed whole.

That alone was deeply unsettling.

The Abyss was dangerous, yes, but disappearances without any trace were rare. Even corpses usually left behind equipment, bloodstains, or shattered terrain.

This silence felt deliberate.

Because of that, Thoren knew one thing with absolute certainty.

He could not rest until he uncovered the truth.

“That’s probably for the best,” Arin said, unsurprised. “I would have followed you to search for her myself, but I can’t leave the guild. More importantly…” He paused, then smiled wryly.

“I’d probably just slow you down.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’ve already done more than enough,” Thoren replied.

He folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against the chair. “Just make sure you stay careful.”

“Hahaha!” Arin laughed heartily. “Relax. As long as you’re still in the Abyss and with the reputation of my guild. I don’t believe anyone would dare attack us. And if they do…” His eyes gleamed.

“We’ll welcome them.”

Arin was a Level 15 Swordsman with several powerful skills under his belt. Beyond that, his guild housed many elite awakeners who had survived countless life and death battles.

Against most threats, they were more than capable of defending themselves.

Aside from monsters like Thoren who could command limitless undead servants, very few individuals could challenge them without suffering severe consequences.

Thoren nodded, offering no argument.

“When are you leaving for the uncharted territory?” Arin asked.

“Tomorrow,” Thoren answered without hesitation. “I can’t delay it. Their spies have most likely already sent a message.”

“Then be careful,” Arin said as he rose to his feet. “When you return, I’ll take you to the Rusty Barrel. We’ll have a proper drink.”

Thoren chuckled. “I’ll hold you to that.”

They stood, and Thoren personally saw Arin out of the inn.

The sky had darkened completely by then. Lanterns illuminated the bustling streets, casting warm golden light over the street. Laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the scent of cooked meat and alcohol.

Thoren paused at the doorway and looked up at the night sky.

Dark clouds drifted slowly overhead.

When he had entered the Abyss, he had expected danger but not this.

His original goal had been simple… find his sister and earn enough money to clear his parents’ debts.

He had never imagined becoming entangled in twisted conspiracies, blood sacrifices, and hidden power struggles.

Things had spiraled far beyond what he had anticipated.

He exhaled softly and returned inside the inn.

“You’re leaving for the uncharted territory tomorrow?” Ophelia asked suddenly, poking her head out from behind the counter.

Thoren nodded in response.

“Then why don’t we go together?” she asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling. “Our party is planning to explore the uncharted territory as well.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Thoren said calmly, shaking his head. “Fidelia is the strongest among you, and even that isn’t enough to safely explore the uncharted territory.”

“Hmph! What do you know?” Ophelia scoffed, placing her hands on her waist. “Are you looking down on our team?”

“Our party is strong,” she insisted. “We can take down Level 14 beasts without any difficulty.”

Before Thoren could respond, Fidelia emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray piled high with food. The rich, savory aroma instantly filled the room, causing Thoren to swallow unconsciously.

Who would have thought that such an exceptional cook was also a Level 13 Blade Dancer?

“I prepared your favorite,” Fidelia said gently, a light smile on her face. “Please eat while it’s still warm.”

“Thank you,” Thoren replied sincerely.

“Tch. Stingy boy,” Ophelia muttered. “Big sister cooks you the most delicious meal, and you still won’t let us follow you to the uncharted territory.”

“Stop acting like a child,” Fidelia scolded lightly. “Do you think the uncharted territory is like any other zone we’ve explored?”

She shook her head. Even though their party planned to venture near the uncharted territory, they only intended to explore the outer boundary. They had no intention of going deeper.

Unless a party was composed entirely of elite, high-level awakeners, venturing deep into uncharted territory was nothing more than gambling with one’s life.

In many cases, a skilled solo awakener had a better chance of survival.

“Do you really want to go?” Thoren asked, lifting his head.

“Yes,” Fidelia answered honestly. “But only to explore the boundary.”

“Then that’s fine,” Thoren said after a brief pause. “Your party can tag along.”

Both Ophelia and Fidelia froze.

“Are you sure?” Fidelia asked carefully. “You don’t have to agree just because I cook for you. I don’t want us to become a burden.”

“It’s nothing,” Thoren replied. “The real danger begins deeper inside the uncharted territory. You’ll be safe at the boundary.”

She studied his face for a moment, then nodded. “Thank you.”

While they continued their discussion, none of them noticed the subtle shift in the atmosphere outside.

The lantern light dimmed unnaturally.

Shadows stretched longer than they should have.

And an unnatural darkness began to descend over the town, silent, heavy, and watching.

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