Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

"The underworld has Clymene holding the fort, along with Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona—six Alpha-level Skeletal Knights assisting her. High-end combat power is sufficient for now."

"As for low-end forces, those tens of thousands of skeleton warriors can hold the line, and Lorelia's small spiders are already on their way to reinforce them. That shouldn't be an issue."

"What's worth worrying about is whether the person on the other side of the teleportation array will show up in person."

"If it's just a will projection arriving, it's not a crisis—it's an opportunity."

"…"

Orion muttered to himself atop his throne, analyzing the situation in Blackstone City and the underworld.

After reaching his conclusions, his eyes slowly closed again.

On the Survivor's Platform, Orion reached out to Deputy Commander Edward, giving him a rough rundown of the situation.

Just to be safe, Orion requested teleportation scrolls from Edward.

But he made a point to stress that he didn't want his request to disrupt the current stability in Valkorath Realm.

"Don't worry, this is an easy fix for you."

"As long as it's not a large-scale teleportation scroll, it won't cause much trouble."

"When the time comes, I can send just you back. Teleporting one person is a breeze for me."

Orion was pleasantly surprised by Edward's response.

If it was only him returning, he could relieve Blackstone City without throwing Valkorath Realm's situation into chaos.

On his throne, Orion opened his eyes, a weight lifting from his shoulders.

A relaxed expression spread across his face.

"There are so many resources waiting for me to claim in Valkorath Realm. I'd rather not go back unless I have to."

"This time, let Clymene, Lilith, Rendall, and Lorelia feel the heat. They can't always live under my protection."

"Especially Lorelia—compared to Soraya, she's got a long way to go!"

With his mind made up, Orion felt a sense of clarity wash over him.

---

In Titanion Realm, the Blood Elf's City of Blessings.

Compared to Stoneheart City's frantic preparations and Blackstone City's precarious state, the City of Blessings seemed downright composed.

At that moment, Fergus and Tarn stood atop the city walls, gazing out with deep reverence for Orion.

No matter how hard they tried, Fergus and Tarn couldn't fathom just how powerful Orion must be—to lead his people from the north all the way to this majestic city, carving out a massive chunk of territory from the behemoth that was the Blood Elves, claiming Stoneheart City, and securing such a vast foothold in the south.

"The walls of this city are incredibly sturdy. No wonder the Blood Elves aren't afraid of the dark beast tides."

Fergus let out a sigh, gaining a new appreciation for the southern powerhouse.

"No need to envy the blood elves. It won't be long before our Stoneheart Horde is on their level."

Tarn spoke up, still young, still brash.

Fergus shook his head, at a loss for how to rein in his impulsive younger brother.

"The Blood Elves may be strong, but our Stoneheart Horde isn't weak either."

The gruff, booming voice came from Brakthul, Gronthar's equally hotheaded younger brother—a troll.

Gronthar had broken through in the Dragon Nest among the dragon clan and passed the Alpha-level resources he'd earned to Brakthul.

Brakthul hadn't let him down, ascending to Alpha-level in one go.

This time, Brakthul had accompanied Fergus and Tarn to Blood Elf territory as the strongest member of the envoy sent to the City of Blessings.

As for Fergus and Tarn, they were here representing Orion to attend the elven king's inauguration ceremony.

Orion didn't have time to visit the City of Blessings himself, so the task of representing the Stoneheart Horde at the ceremony naturally fell to Fergus and Tarn.

With their elders tied to Orion's parents by blood, sending them to the City of Blessings was a show of respect and goodwill from the Stoneheart Horde to the Blood Elves.

Of course, Fergus and Tarn had another mission, assigned by Elder of Stewardship Delilah: to establish a Stoneheart Horde diplomatic office in the City of Blessings.

After the elven king's inauguration, they didn't rush back to Blackstone City. Instead, they stayed on as diplomats for the Stoneheart Horde.

It seemed Delilah had intended this as a chance to toughen them up.

Per the agreement between the Stoneheart Horde and the Blood Elves, Fergus and Tarn were obligated to assist in fending off dark creatures.

That's why the two brothers now stood atop the City of Blessings' walls.

"The Stoneheart Horde really isn't weak!"

A sultry, captivating voice sounded behind Fergus, Tarn, and Brakthul. The trio turned to see Blood Elf Lycanor striding toward them.

"Especially your lord—his strength is top-tier on this continent."

"Back then, he fought me right outside the City of Blessings. I know how formidable he is."

For some reason, whenever someone praised Orion's might, Fergus, Tarn, and Brakthul felt a surge of pride.

"Greetings, Lady Lycanor!"

Fergus reacted quickest, hurriedly bowing to her.

Lycanor was a Legendary-level powerhouse. Even without projecting her aura, her presence alone was enough to make Fergus and Tarn feel small.

"Greetings, Lady Lycanor!"

"Greetings, Lady Lycanor!"

Thankfully, Tarn and Brakthul weren't slow on the uptake, quickly following Fergus's lead with their own bows.

"You're guests of our Blood Elves—there's no need to risk yourselves on the walls."

Seeing their salutes, Lycanor softened the subtle pressure of her aura.

"Per our races' treaty and alliance, this is our duty."

"Giants never back down, and we never shy from a fight!"

Lycanor studied Fergus for a moment. She knew the temperament of giants—most were brash and fierce.

Yet Fergus's steadiness reminded her of Orion's own demeanor.

"If that's the case, I won't stop you."

"If you need help, feel free to come to me anytime."

With that, Lycanor brushed past them, continuing her patrol along the wall.

Fergus, Tarn, and Brakthul exchanged glances, each seeing the wariness in the others' eyes.

A Legendary-level powerhouse speaking to them so calmly had put them under immense pressure.

"It's hard to imagine Orion actually fought someone that powerful!"

Brakthul let out a sigh. As an Alpha-level being, he understood the gap between them and a Legendary-level figure better than Fergus or Tarn.

Fergus gazed at Lycanor's retreating figure, frowning in thought as he pondered the meaning behind her words.

"One day, I'll be that strong too!"

Tarn drew the massive sword slung across his back, pointing it skyward. The young giant's boldness shone through, brimming with vigor and ambition.