As usual, their King did not have any reaction. His eyes remained closed, his breathing calm and steady.

His expression was as tranquil as still water. It was as if he was sleeping, not concerned with the precarious situation of his people.

The terrifying silence surrounding him only made his presence feel even more imposing.

Not even the mounting crisis could disturb his composure.

But the elders knew better.

None of them believed their King was actually asleep.

Their King was monitoring everywhere and he could see and hear what was happening in the chamber.

Nothing escaped his perception.

"I agree with the Old Elder. We need to find out what is going on. Since even our army might have fallen into this mysterious situation, we must find a way to deal with it and save them," an Elder said in an urgent tone.

His voice echoed throughout the chamber.

His anxious expression reflected the concern shared by everyone present.

Many nodded in agreement.

But another elder said cautiously, "How are we going to find out what is going on in the desert?"

His words immediately caused everyone to become thoughtful again.

He slowly continued.

"How are we sure it is not the very desert that is devouring our men? This has never happened before. I think we must be cautious."

Everything occurring now completely exceeded their understanding.

Hmm?

Listening to this, many couldn’t help but think for a moment and nod. If the desert itself had changed, then recklessly sending more warriors would only increase their losses.

The chamber gradually became quiet once more. All the elders no longer believed the humans were behind this.

Something capable of swallowing an entire army without leaving behind even a single report.

"So what should we do?" another Elder asked.

His voice carried obvious helplessness.

"I suggest we ask the Ancient One."

Huh!

Instantly, the chamber descended into deadly silence when they heard the words "Ancient One." Several elders immediately raised their heads.

Many had conflicted expressions on their faces.

Some appeared tempted.

Others frowned deeply.

The Ancient One was not an ordinary existence among the Scorpion Men. It was the Ancient One for a reason.

"I don’t think we should disturb the Ancient One for now," the Old Elder shook his head.

His voice remained calm.

However, his tone carried unquestionable firmness. "The Ancient One should only be consulted when absolutely necessary."

"At this moment, we still don’t know what is going on in the desert."

"I suggest we send another force to find out what is going on. They do not need to fight the enemy or whatever is holding back our army."

"They just need to find out what is going on."

"They shouldn’t have any problem with this."

Silence lingered for several moments before several elders slowly nodded. Compared to sending another army, this suggestion seemed far more reasonable.

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

Many elders nodded, agreeing with the Old Elder’s suggestion..

"For safety, I suggest we specify how far they can go deep into the desert. Since we don’t know where the danger lies, we should take it step by step."

The cautious elder slowly swept his gaze across the chamber.

"Don’t you all agree?" the cautious elder suggested.

His words immediately resonated with several elders.

Many silently nodded. They did not wish to repeat the same mistake.

"That’s right. We should take it step by step," the Old Elder agreed with a nod.

His face remained calm but deep inside, he shared the same uneasiness as everyone else.

No one truly knew what awaited them beyond the city walls.

Half an hour later, the Scorpion City gate was opened and ten Palace Guards rode their mounts, racing deep into the desert.

They shouted, their voice laced with urgency as they urged their mount to run faster. Under their urge, the Greater Dune Scorpion charged deeper into the desert, raising a cloud of dust.

Standing on the city wall, the Guard Captain looked at the Palace Guards with a solemn expression.

His eyes silently followed the departing figures.

Soon...

Their silhouettes became smaller and smaller until they gradually disappeared beyond the endless crimson dunes.

"Why do I feel something is terribly wrong with our army?" he whispered.

His voice was barely audible beneath the desert wind. He had served as Guard Captain for many years. Never had he experienced such an unsettling feeling.

He had heard rumors about the strange human called Grim Reaper. Those rumors had spread throughout the city.

But just like every Scorpion Man, he did not think of him as anything. Before the Scorpion clan, humans were nothing but a lesser species.

So to speak.

But now, the situation was moving in a direction that had never happened before.

Previously, when their army was sent out, in less than an hour, reports of their victory would have circulated throughout the city.

Everything had always followed the same pattern.

But now, they have yet to hear any good news.

Not even bad news.

Nothing.

Only silence.

That alone spoke volumes about what was going on. And now, the King’s special Palace Guards had been dispatched.

That single decision was enough to make countless people uneasy.

’What is going on?’

A foreboding feeling rose in his heart. He subconsciously tightened his grip around the stone wall.

His gaze remained fixed on the endless desert.

He could still remember the confident tone of that human called Solenne. Her unwavering confidence had left a deep impression on him.

’Is it possible what she said is true?’

His heartbeat unconsciously accelerated.

’The Grim Reaper is our worst nightmare?’

For a brief moment, doubt surfaced within his heart. But then, he snorted and shook his head.

’That’s impossible. The King and the Council of Elders might be planning something beyond our understanding.’

He reasoned, trying to suppress his growing uneasiness.

Even so...

The foreboding feeling lingering deep within his heart refused to disappear as he silently continued staring toward the endless crimson desert stretching far beyond the horizon.