Chapter 1

### Crystal Cluster Scorpion

In the upper part of the Valley of Ancient Souls, on the crystal nest cliffs that form the valley, lives a monster known as the Crystal Cluster Scorpion. According to surviving historical records, during the early days of human civilization, these creatures were found in other locations as well, but now they are only found in the crystal nest cliffs.

### Key Features

The most distinctive feature of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion is its crystalline body. Essentially, everything except the minimal organs and a thin membrane-like skin that forms the skeletal structure is made of crystal. Due to its unique diet, even if it loses 60% of its body tissue, it can almost perfectly regenerate as long as its digestive and vital organs remain intact.

The crystals that make up the body of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion are reconstructed from multiple crystals within its body, forming a single substance. The longer an individual has lived, the higher the hardness and magical energy storage capacity of its crystals. The crystals from particularly long-lived individuals are used in the shields passed down through generations of the kingdom's knight commanders, which still retain their magical energy from that time, demonstrating the extraordinary quality of these crystals.

### Diet

The Crystal Cluster Scorpion is a rare "self-sufficient omnivore" among monsters. It primarily feeds on minerals, especially crystals and gemstones, but its diet also includes the remains of its kind and its own excrement. The excrement of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion consists of low-quality crystal fragments that lack magical energy. Over time, these fragments absorb magical energy from the atmosphere, though they are of lower quality (still highly valued in trade).

The crystals that form the outer shell of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion grow due to the absorption of atmospheric magical energy, in addition to the crystals it consumes. This means that as long as there is one initial crystal, the species can continue to produce crystals indefinitely. Evidence from the discovery of gemstones in the crystal nest cliffs suggests that the area was originally a forest, which was transformed over time by the continuous growth of crystals.

However, the Crystal Cluster Scorpion does not consume all minerals. It instinctively recognizes and avoids minerals that are harmful or indigestible, spitting them out and collecting them in one place. These structures are called "Treasure Crystal Towers" and have been sought after by many explorers, but most have been killed or left in near-death conditions by the Crystal Cluster Scorpions.

### Defensive Instincts and Collective Defense

The Crystal Cluster Scorpion is notable for its extreme defensive instincts and the collective defense actions of the entire species. According to one theory, the Crystal Cluster Scorpion is highly adept at sensing vibrations conducted through crystals, and when one individual detects an intruder, it emits a special sound wave that is received by nearby individuals through the crystals, causing them to rush to the source in a chain reaction. This process does not overlap, so if five individuals detect an intruder, dozens more will quickly arrive to eliminate it.

Most importantly, the Crystal Cluster Scorpions will not stop their defense efforts even if 90% of the individuals present are lost. Their method of eliminating intruders involves surrounding them from all sides and crushing them, continuing their assault even if some individuals are killed by the impact. This relentless aggression suggests a deep-seated fear or memory, possibly a traumatic experience that is ingrained in the species' collective memory, such as being severely injured by a monster of human size or smaller.

### Individual Combat Abilities

While the collective attack method of the Crystal Cluster Scorpions is a crushing assault from all directions, an individual Crystal Cluster Scorpion is still a formidable opponent. A single Crystal Cluster Scorpion can slaughter even a clumsy dragon, which is why the crystal nest cliffs are designated as a restricted area. There is a recorded incident where a group of seventy explorers, including the top ten swordsmen of a once-existent sword school, were wiped out by a single golden Crystal Cluster Scorpion. However, the existence of a golden Crystal Cluster Scorpion is still a matter of debate, as the crystals of any individual are typically transparent and white.

The combat abilities of a single Crystal Cluster Scorpion are on par with those of dragons, the apex predators of the biological world. The "Wyverns with unnaturally severed body parts" found at the bottom of the valley are believed to have been the result of a one-on-one battle with a Crystal Cluster Scorpion. The pincers of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion are primarily used to cut and transport crystals to its mouth, making them thick and powerful. The sight of a Crystal Cluster Scorpion crunching on a crystal it has cleanly severed can be endearing, but getting too close would result in your bones being shattered instead of the crystal.

The crystals covering the body of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion are praised by the kingdom's weapon and armor craftsmen as the "most abhorred and the ultimate test for all blacksmiths" and the "most beautiful and the ultimate natural armor for all armor craftsmen." The hardness of these crystals cannot be scratched by ordinary steel, and their high magical resistance, which grows with the absorption of magical energy, makes even the most skilled magicians struggle to break a fragment.

To counter such an unparalleled material, one must use something of equal quality, as the saying "hard scorpion's impact" suggests. The easiest way to obtain the outer shell crystals of a Crystal Cluster Scorpion is to collect the fragments scattered from the collision of two individuals, though even this is a rare feat.

The most dangerous part of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion, hidden by its relentless charge, is its stinger. The stinger is used not only for sweeping attacks and thrusts but also for "injection." The substance injected by the Crystal Cluster Scorpion is not poison but digestive fluid. As a complete mineral eater, the Crystal Cluster Scorpion cannot consume anything other than crystals. Its digestive system is unique, converting ingested materials into substances similar to its own body tissue. This is the secret behind the dramatic transformation of the cliff environment and the true trump card of the Crystal Cluster Scorpion, hidden behind its physical danger.

If the Crystal Cluster Scorpion must consume something other than crystals, it will use its stinger to inject digestive fluid, which rapidly permeates the target, converting a human-sized body into a crystal in about one to two minutes. However, the injection of digestive fluid is primarily for securing food, and it is rarely used in combat.

### Variations

#### Golden Crystal Solitary Scorpion

Occasionally, a Crystal Cluster Scorpion will develop a preference for a specific mineral, leading to a specialized diet. Theoretically, if a Crystal Cluster Scorpion continues to consume a specific mineral, its body could be replaced by that mineral. However, this is difficult in the crystal nest cliffs, and most specialized individuals die of starvation. Rarely, individuals that prefer to consume the crystals of their own kind will emerge, leading to a more combat-specialized form after prolonged battles.

There are unverified reports of golden Crystal Cluster Scorpions, but their existence has not been confirmed. Even if one were encountered, surviving the crystal nest cliffs is a significant challenge.

#### Crystal Elder Scorpion

The ultimate form of a typical Crystal Cluster Scorpion is the Crystal Elder Scorpion. After a long life of consuming and growing crystals, its body becomes almost entirely crystalline and enormous. One notable feature is its ability to nurture newly born Crystal Cluster Scorpion larvae on its back.

The outer shell of the Crystal Elder Scorpion is of extremely high purity and promotes the formation of the basic outer shell in other Crystal Cluster Scorpions. It provides the larvae with a means of self-defense by allowing them to consume its own crystals. The Crystal Elder Scorpion remains almost stationary until its death, but it will move to address threats to the entire community. When it does, it can carry not only larvae but also other Crystal Cluster Scorpions, resembling an aircraft carrier. The movement of a Crystal Elder Scorpion can cause the entire Valley of Ancient Souls to tremble.

Remarkably, there are two Crystal Elder Scorpions, one on each cliff of the valley.

### Hypothetical Scenario

If a specialized Crystal Cluster Scorpion were placed in an environment where it could continuously consume its preferred mineral, its body would transform into a completely different form.