The power structure in the Jilong Highlands can be roughly divided into three tiers.
The top-floor Victoria Tavern, the Demon Eye, and the Steam Church are all guarded by Epic- level powerhouses.
Those forces with Legendary figures presiding over them belong to the upper echelons.
Gustavo's chosen Storm Claw belong to a lower-middle-level force. Their strongest member is a Ninth-Rank Transcendent who possesses some Storm Giant bloodline and is quite powerful. In his estimation, they should be roughly equal in strength to the Earth Flame Python.
In the somewhat simple hall, a small giant sat in the highest seat, his upper body bare. His skin was bluish-green, covered with purple patterns, and occasionally flashes of lightning appeared. His eyes were as fiery and domineering as two small suns.
"You want to join Storm Claw?" Raymon leaned forward, casting a large shadow. His gaze lingered on the Elia puppet for a moment, but quickly moved away.
"That's right. We come from the Duchy of Cain in the Far North Wasteland. The family we served was wiped out by Grand Duke Koslo, and we were hunted down and forced to leave the north. After many twists and turns, we arrived at the Jilong Highlands."
The Lennar puppet flapped its wings and began to explain its origins.
"With so many factions in Jilong Highlands, why did you join Storm Claw?" Raymon asked intently.
He was very puzzled by this question, as the three members of the Black Spider Squad in front of him were all High-Rank Transcendent experts.
Although the mount seemed dull and foolish, he sensed that its life force was very active and powerful, and its strength should have reached High-Rank Transcendent.
These are the four High-Rank Transcendent.
With the strength of this squad, they could easily join a faction with a Legendary at its helm, so why did they choose Storm Claw?
Raymon was filled with doubt. If the Black Spider Squad's explanation did not satisfy him, even if their addition would greatly enhance Storm Claw's strength, Raymon would never accept them.
Lennar's eyes flickered slightly, and he hurriedly explained, "Chief, you may not know this, but we previously killed Grand Duke Koslo's own son. The Grand Duke hates us to the core. If we join Legendary faction, it will be too conspicuous, and we will easily be discovered by the Grand Duke's spies."
"That's why our Black Spider Squad chose to join Storm Claw."
Lennar's intention was actually quite simple: Storm Claw is weak, has a small target size, and is easy to hide, which is why he included it.
Upon hearing this, Raymon was not angry at all; on the contrary, many of his doubts were dispelled, since the explanation was logically sound.
"Since that's the case, I'll agree to your temporary inclusion. But let me make it clear beforehand: if I find out that you've deceived me and are trying to harm our Storm Claw, hmph!" Raymon's eyes widened in anger, and the power of the storm instantly covered the entire hall, displaying overwhelming power, befitting a Tier Nine expert.
Gustavo estimated that this guy's combat power level was likely over 800 Dale, and Thunderstorm was good at offense and speed. If he were to fight him, it was another matter whether he could escape.
"Of course we wouldn't dare deceive the chief. The chief can send people to the North to investigate. What we've said is absolutely true," Lennar said confidently.
Seeing this, Raymon's expression softened. The Black Spider Squad seemed quite confident; they probably weren't lying to him.
However, just to be on the safe side, it would be best to investigate further.
"Okay, that's good. You can go and rest for now. I'll send someone to bring you food and water, as well as some rules about Storm Claw." Raymon waved his hand, and the Black Spider Squad slowly retreated.
After they left, a tall, burly dragonman with dark red scales covering his body walked in.
"Harry, how much of what these guys are saying do you think is true?" Raymon turned to look at his right-hand men.
"I never believe anything people say; I only look at their actions," Harry said in a deep, resonant voice, like the beating of a drum.
Raymon nodded slightly. "Judging by actions, not intentions, hmm, I understand. Go and send someone to keep an eye on the Black Spider Squad. Observe them for a while."
Harry nodded and strode out of the stone hall.
Raymon thought for a moment, then took out a crystal-like communicator produced on the Planet Guta and dialed a number.
"Check the intelligence on the Black Spider Squad."
A voice, neither clearly male nor female, came from the other end of the phone, "Send the information over."
Raymon did as instructed.
It will take about a month and a half.
"Why did it take so long?" Raymon exclaimed, his eyes wide.
"Recently, the organization has been besieged by several major forces, putting it in a difficult situation and making intelligence gathering quite challenging."
"Okay, hurry up."
Raymon hung up the phone.
Meanwhile, the Black Spider Squad, led by members of Storm Claw, settled in a three-story stone building.
Gustavo didn't cause any trouble; he quietly stayed in his room to improve his strength and study the "Complete Compendium of Top-Tier Poisons." The Elia puppet and the ratman puppet kept him company, while the Fairy Puppet went out to make friends.
After observing for a few days, Raymon assigned a simple task to the Black Spider Squad.
The task was completed smoothly.
For the next month, the Black Spider Squad diligently carried out various missions, obeying Raymon's orders 100% and proving exceptionally effective, gradually eroding Raymon's vigilance.
However, strange things have been happening frequently inside Storm Claw during this period.
When Nelson, Tier Seven Mage, was conducting an experiment, he accidentally mixed up the material ratios, resulting in a massive explosion that destroyed the laboratory and seriously injured him.
Bill, Tier Seven warrior, lost control of his strength while sparring with another Tier Seven knight, and stabbed his companion through the chest with his sword. Fortunately, he was rescued in time, and the Tier Seven knight's vitality was strong enough to prevent a tragedy.
Such incidents were numerous, with more than a dozen occurring in a single month, each more bizarre than the last, causing widespread panic and confusion as people wondered why Storm Claw had suddenly become so unlucky.