Global Survival: I Have Endless Skeletons-Chapter 160: The Shatter Sky

"Have you ever heard of the Shatter Sky?" Taren asked in a low, grave voice.

"Shatter Sky?"

It was the first time Thoren had heard such a name. He frowned in confusion, his brows knitting together.

He had always believed that the Uncharted Territory was the deadliest region on the first floor of the Abyss.

In his mind, nothing could surpass its brutality. Yet now, judging by Taren’s tone, it seemed he might have been mistaken.

Seeing the confusion on Thoren’s face, Taren was not surprised.

Very few people knew of the Shatter Sky. Even among high level awakeners, its name was rarely spoken.

Taren himself had only learned of it because the former leader of the Knight Order had passed down detailed knowledge of the first floor of the Abyss to him before his ascension.

It was a legacy entrusted to the next commander, information too dangerous to circulate freely.

Otherwise, Taren would have remained in the dark like everyone else.

"The Shatter Sky," Taren continued grimly, "is the most dangerous zone on the first floor. It houses some of the most terrifying existences known to mankind."

His voice grew heavier with each word.

"From what I’ve learned, you won’t find creatures below Level 18 in the Shatter Sky. The most common beasts there are Level 20."

Silence followed his statement.

As Taren described the place, Thoren could already imagine the environment in his mind, an expanse filled with powerful monsters, every step accompanied by lethal danger.

Yet instead of fear, excitement surged through him.

His heart began to pound, not with dread, but with anticipation.

He had thought he would need to hunt countless mid-tier creatures to gradually increase his strength.

That process would have taken time, time he did not wish to waste.

But now...

A far more direct path lay before him.

Unaware of Thoren’s thoughts, Taren continued, "Another reason the Shatter Sky is so dangerous is that once you enter, you cannot leave."

Thoren’s gaze sharpened slightly.

"It’s a one-way journey," Taren said solemnly.

"Hm?"

Darius, who had been listening intently, frowned. A place swarming with Level 20 creatures was already terrifying.

The fact that there was no way out made it even worse.

"I don’t think that’s a good idea," Darius said, unable to hold back his concern. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"I agree," Taren nodded.

However, his eyes remained fixed on Thoren. "But you should make your decision after I explain everything."

Taren valued powerful awakeners.

Humanity needed strength, especially with the dangers of the Abyss looming over them. But he did not wish to see talent wasted recklessly.

His intention was simple; present the truth and let Thoren decide.

After witnessing what Thoren had accomplished, Taren understood that following the conventional path of steady growth would only slow him down.

That was why he had even brought up the Shatter Sky in the first place.

Thoren gave a small nod, signaling for him to continue.

"Because of its extremely high mortality rate, information about the Shatter Sky was sealed. Only a select few know of its existence," Taren explained.

"Without absolute strength, awakeners are strongly advised not to venture into it." His gaze narrowed slightly. "And you, my friend, possess the strength required to step into the Shatter Sky."

"As for its exact location, I don’t know," he admitted honestly. "All I was told is that it lies deep within the Uncharted Territory."

Having revealed everything he knew, Taren exhaled slowly and waited for Thoren’s decision.

Thoren did not hesitate.

"I’m going."

Both Taren and Darius sighed at the same time.

They had expected that answer.

"Very well." Taren smiled faintly. "Best of luck to you. Take care of yourself. The next time we meet, I hope you will have cleared the first floor."

"That’s a certainty," Thoren replied.

The two shook hands once more, their grips firm and steady.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the members of the Knight Order departed from the frostbitten tundra, their figures gradually disappearing into the distance.

The fierce wind howled across the barren land, carrying with it the chill of the Abyss.

Thoren inhaled deeply.

Now he had a clear goal.

"Before I leave, I should inspect their hideout," he muttered to himself.

He walked toward the undead Iron Roar Komodo and climbed onto its back with practiced ease.

Thud. Thud.

With heavy, resonant steps, the undead beast descended into the massive fissure in the earth. Its claws dug into the icy walls as it moved downward in long strides.

A few seconds later, they reached the lowest part of the fissure.

Thoren dismounted and surveyed his surroundings.

An empty cavern lay ahead.

He stepped inside.

The moment he crossed the threshold; a thick stench of blood assaulted his senses.

It lingered heavily in the air, clinging to the walls and floor like an invisible stain.

From the main cavern, several smaller rooms branched off in different directions.

Thoren entered them one by one.

What he found made his expression darken.

Dried blood splattered across the stone walls.

Barrels filled with congealed blood were stacked in corners.

Piles of human skeletons formed small, grotesque mounds.

The atrocities committed by the Slave Trade Guild were laid bare before him.

When he stepped into Fenric’s laboratory, he could not help but draw in a sharp breath.

Rows upon rows of glass jars lined the shelves, each containing preserved human organs suspended in murky liquid.

In various corners of the room stood massive cauldrons, their surfaces stained black from repeated use.

On the experimentation tables lay the withered remains of humans and beasts alike, bodies twisted and deformed beyond recognition.

The depravity of it all made Thoren’s chest tighten.

For a moment, a flicker of cold fury ignited within him.

Even as a necromancer, someone who walked the line between life and death, he felt disgust at the crude and inhumane methods displayed here.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to continue searching.

However, after nearly ten minutes of careful inspection, he found nothing of real value.

Only emptiness.

It was then that realization struck him.

When he had encountered the members of the Slave Trade Guild earlier, they must have already been preparing to abandon their hideout. Anything truly important had likely been placed in their inventory.

Shaking his head, Thoren exited the cave.

"In that case, there’s no reason to leave this place standing."

He gave a silent command.

The undead Iron Roar Komodo stepped forward. With a thunderous roar, it slammed its massive claws into the cavern walls.

Boom!

Cracks spread rapidly through the rock.

Another strike followed.

Boom!

The ceiling began to collapse, stones and debris crashing down. Within moments, the entrance caved in entirely, sealing the horrors inside forever.

Satisfied, Thoren mounted the undead beast once more.

They ascended out of the fissure and returned to the surface.

The frigid wind blew against his face, stirring his silver hair. Snow swirled across the tundra in restless waves.

Thoren stared into the depths of the frostbitten land for a long moment.

"I’ll need to take another path," he murmured.

Whoosh!

The undead Iron Roar Komodo dashed forward, its heavy steps kicking up clouds of snow as it surged toward the distant horizon.

His next destination...the Shatter Sky.

*****

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