Global Survival: I Have Endless Skeletons-Chapter 203: The Starfall Trading Company.

With the heir of the Windborne Family stepping forward, many of the families who had hoped to obtain precious potions and rare materials from Thoren were forced to retreat.

Most notably, the heiress and the heir of the two most powerful Awakener families in Suncrest City quickly realized what had just happened.

They had been outplayed.

While they had been carefully maintaining appearances, following etiquette, exchanging pleasantries, and waiting for the appropriate moment, Corven had already seized the initiative.

He had broken the unspoken rules.

And in doing so, he had taken the lead.

Though they tried to maintain their composure, the truth was clear. Their opportunity had slipped through their fingers.

Left with no better option, they gradually excused themselves and departed the estate, each one masking their disappointment behind polite smiles.

However, they all left with a valuable lesson.

Thoren did not care for social etiquette.

Flattery did not work on him.

And most importantly... beauty trap was useless against him.

—

Seated inside a quiet, well-furnished room, Corven and Thoren faced each other across a polished table.

The noise of the earlier gathering had long faded, leaving behind a tense but focused atmosphere.

"Master Thoren, thank you for choosing to partner with my family," Corven said respectfully, his posture straight and his tone sincere.

"It’s nothing," Thoren replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Since you’re direct, I’ll be direct as well."

His expression turned serious.

"I want to establish a trading company for my family before I return to the Abyss. How can your family make that possible?"

Corven immediately straightened further, his expression sharpening with focus.

"Master Thoren, you don’t need to worry about that," he said confidently. "My family owns properties in prime locations across the city. You may choose any one that suits your needs."

He continued without hesitation.

"As for recruitment, we can also assist in hiring competent workers who will help your family manage the trading hall efficiently."

Thoren said nothing for a moment. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Corven, carefully observing every detail, his tone, his posture, his confidence.

There was no deception.

Corven’s pride and confidence were genuine, deeply ingrained in him.

"Very well," Thoren said with a slight nod, clearly satisfied. "Let’s begin immediately."

Whoosh!

Before Corven could react, two potions appeared on the table out of thin air.

"These are two Low Iron-Grade Healing Potions," Thoren said calmly, his eyes locked on Corven. "I believe this is sufficient motivation for you to start working."

"A—Ah... yes," Corven stammered slightly, snapping out of his daze. "It’s more than enough."

He reached out to take the potions, but his hands trembled slightly.

He knew exactly how valuable they were.

Healing potions could not be refined on the surface. The only way to obtain them was through Awakeners returning from the Abyss.

Because of this, each potion was extremely rare and highly sought after.

Many families would spend a fortune just to acquire a single one.

And now...

Two had been handed to him so casually.

His breathing quickened as he carefully uncorked one of the bottles and inhaled its scent. Instantly, he could feel the potent healing properties contained within.

His eyes widened.

Quickly, he sealed it again, holding both potions with the utmost care, as though afraid they might shatter at any moment.

With such resources in his hands, he knew he could not afford to waste this opportunity.

He rose to his feet abruptly, his expression firm.

"Master Thoren, I will begin immediately," Corven said seriously. "Give me two hours...no, one hour, and everything will be ready."

His eyes burned with determination and excitement.

"Good," Thoren replied calmly. "I hope you won’t disappoint me."

"I wouldn’t dare," Corven said, shaking his head. "Please wait for good news."

With that, he turned and hurried out of the room.

He could barely contain his excitement. The moment he stepped outside, his pace quickened further.

He needed to inform his family immediately.

—

Inside his car, Corven pulled out his communicator and contacted his father.

"Son, how did it go?" his father’s voice came through from the other end. "Were you able to obtain anything from him?"

"Yes, Father," Corven replied, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. "Father, you won’t believe this...he gave me two Low Iron-Grade Healing Potions!"

"What?!" his father shouted in disbelief.

Even a single potion was enough to significantly increase their family’s influence.

But two?

The sheer weight of it was staggering.

Back at the Windborne estate, Corven’s father shot to his feet, his heart pounding with excitement.

"Quick, what did he ask for in return?" he demanded.

"He wants us to set up a trading hall for his family."

"...That’s all?"

"Yes."

"That’s simple," his father said firmly. "It will be done within an hour."

"That’s what I promised him."

"Good. You truly are my son," his father said, pride evident in his voice. "Now return home immediately. We cannot let the other families find out about this."

"Yes, Father."

Back at the Starfall Estate, Thoren stood by the window, watching Corven’s car disappear into the distance.

Did Thoren understand the true value of those potions?

Of course he did.

But Thoren did not care.

Time was not on his side.

His return to the Abyss was fast approaching, and he needed to ensure that his family would be secure without ever having to fear returning to the slums.

Creak!

The door opened, and his parents stepped into the room.

"Son, why did you choose only him?" Serene asked.

Ardyn also looked at him, curious.

"Nothing special," Thoren replied calmly. "They all wanted the same thing. Choosing any one of them would have led to the same outcome."

Hearing this, his parents nodded in understanding.

They were still new to this world of wealth and power. Everything felt unfamiliar, even overwhelming at times.

The brief interaction with the Awakener families had already shown them just how different this world was.

However, Thoren did not rush them to adapt.

With time, they would learn.

Everything would fall into place.

"Do you think his family can accomplish what you want?" Ardyn asked.

"We’ll find out in an hour," Thoren replied.

Time passed slowly.

The air seemed to grow heavier with each passing minute.

As the hour approached, Thoren’s communicator suddenly vibrated.

"Master Thoren, everything has been set," Corven’s voice came through. "You can come and inspect it now."

"Very well," Thoren replied before ending the call.

He turned to his parents.

"It’s done," he said. "Let’s go and see."

His parents exchanged a glance before rising to their feet, anticipation and curiosity evident in their expressions.