Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

If Soraya didn't know Orion was her man, she might've struggled to keep her composure—because she could feel the primal fear this giant instilled in her.

As a broodmother, her senses were razor-sharp, and Orion's presence beside her constantly radiated a danger that felt like standing on the edge of an abyss.

"You've successfully broken through. Looks like it's time to redefine the Stoneheart Horde's Warden!"

Orion pulled Soraya into his embrace, letting her rest against his broad arm.

"Redefine?"

Soraya's face lit up with a smile. Reaching Legendary level thrilled her more than anyone—it was something she'd never even dared to dream of before.

"Yeah. Don't you think an Alpha-level Warden lacks any real intimidation?"

Orion had noticed this issue long ago and had been itching to shake things up.

When he first created the Warden role, it was meant to position the horde's strongest subordinates.

But ever since Orion hit Legendary level himself, the Warden title had become more name than substance—its holders' strength and status barely distinguished them from the council elders.

The title had essentially lost its weight.

Now, with Soraya's breakthrough to Legendary level, Orion was ready to revive the Warden position and elevate it above the four senior elders.

"Starting with you, the minimum strength requirement for a Stoneheart Horde Warden is now Legendary level."

"Congrats—you're officially our High Warden!"

The High Warden ranked above the four senior elders, and Soraya loved the title.

In truth, as the second Legendary-level powerhouse in the Stoneheart Horde, everyone knew her status was unique from here on out.

Not only was Soraya Orion's woman, but she was also a Legendary-level warrior with a lord's title. Aside from Lilith, no one could keep her in check.

"Orion, I love the sound of High Warden."

Soraya flipped over, straddling Orion as she spoke, shedding her clothes piece by piece.

She decided to use her body to thank Orion for all his help.

...

The next morning, Orion stepped out of the palace and issued the order to relocate the troops to Moonveil Plains.

His subordinates received the command and instantly understood: the Stoneheart Horde was about to build a city in the Valkorath Realm.

The bloodline warriors erupted in cheers, bustling about as they packed their gear and supplies.

Naturally, Orion also sent a message to Lich Vexis, who emerged from the undead tower.

"Lord Orion, when do we set out?"

"Tomorrow at dawn!"

"Please let my master know so he can adjust the defense lines in time."

Orion nodded. Even without Vexis's reminder, he'd planned to contact Arthas.

"Lord Orion, I'll go prepare as well. The trip to Moonveil Plains might be a long one—we'll need some supplies."

Orion waved Vexis off to handle it freely, then returned to the palace and settled onto his throne.

Sinking his mind into the Survivor's Platform, Orion reached out to Arthas directly.

"It's time. I'm moving to Moonveil Plains tomorrow."

"Should I hold Cryptopolis against an attack first?"

Arthas replied quickly, his tone tinged with excitement.

"No need—I've already sent my people to take over the defense."

"While things are stable in our region, get started on building those city walls."

"When you start construction, mention it to the Deputy Commander. Ask him for a magical formation blueprint. Regular walls won't hold off slime mold mutants or slime mold layers."

Orion's curiosity piqued, and he asked outright.

"A magical formation blueprint?"

Arthas patiently explained.

"It's a blueprint that adds a magical defensive barrier to your city. Its main job is to fend off enemies from underground."

"It can also handle aerial and surface attacks, but that'll drain its energy fast."

With Arthas's explanation, it clicked for Orion.

Some slime mold layers burrowed underground. If his city couldn't defend against subsurface attacks, it'd be little more than a decoration.

"Thanks for the heads-up!"

"No problem. When you're building, don't forget to have your broodmother keep hatching those small scorpions. We'll need her help with what's coming."

"Don't worry, it won't slow us down!"

Soraya's next task was a heavy one. Both the Stoneheart Horde and Arthas had been banking on her breakthrough.

"I'll have my people send you some life essence soon. We need to speed up those small scorpions' growth."

"This…"

"Don't turn it down. The more scorpions, the better. I'll need you to send a ton of them to the front lines as cannon fodder later."

"Alright, got it!"

"Oh, and take Cryptopolis's skeleton warriors and other undead with you. Use them as labor to speed up construction."

Orion had no complaints about Arthas's arrangements—they were spot-on.

"If you're short on building materials, don't sit on it. Just ask me."

Orion was touched. Sure, this kind of care partly stemmed from their alliance and came with expectations, but Arthas had gone above and beyond.

If Orion were in his shoes, he doubted he could've done more.

"Bro, I've got a question I'd like your take on."

Orion shifted gears, quietly tucking Arthas's kindness into his heart.

"Shoot!"

Orion paused, then laid out what he'd noticed.

"Yesterday, when Soraya hit Legendary level, I felt our contract loosen up. What's that about?"

"What kind of contract did you sign?"

"An equal contract!"

Arthas went quiet for a while before responding.

"If you get the chance, switch that equal contract to a slave contract."

Orion fell silent, unsure how to reply.

Just then, Arthas sent another message.

"Let me put it this way: in this world, no contract is set in stone or unchangeable."

"A contract's like a rope, with both parties holding an end."

"It's a tug-of-war—whoever's stronger pulls the contract their way."

Arthas's take on contracts was a revelation to Orion.

This perspective sparked a burning curiosity in him to hear more.

"Take a slave contract, for example. If you're the master, you're holding the long end of the rope, while the slave's stuck with the short stub."

"In a contract, it's damn near impossible for the short end to overpower the long one."

"Of course, it's not like slaves have zero shot at turning the tables on their master—it's just a long shot."

Orion frowned, deep in thought. His understanding of contracts sharpened.

And Arthas wasn't done yet.