Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

With Prophet Onyx successfully ascending to Alpha-level, the elders of the Stoneheart Horde seemed to be filled with a newfound energy, as if they had been injected with adrenaline. They faced the dark creatures with unparalleled enthusiasm.

Many Hero-level warriors saw hope in this, while others within the horde began scheming for their own advantage. After all, with the growing number of members, there were bound to be all kinds of people with different motives.

What hadn't changed, however, was the relentless snowfall and the ongoing dark beast tides.

Another month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Orion consumed a significant amount of dark source crystals. Unfortunately, only the Hero-level and above dark source crystals provided him with any noticeable improvement. The rest had little to no effect.

Despite this, the accumulation of dark source crystals still led to considerable growth for Orion.

His current stats were as follows:

- Strength: 2253/5000 (+4706)n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

- Agility: 2110/5000 (+246)

- Intelligence: 1925/5000 (+200)

- Constitution: 2524/5000 (+200)

- Resistance: 20% (against all negative states)

- Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan)

Aside from Intelligence, which hadn't yet surpassed 2000, Orion's Strength, Agility, and Constitution had all exceeded 2000.

However, his Resistance and Bloodline Purity remained unchanged. Orion hadn't yet found a way to improve these attributes, so for now, he could only leave them as they were.

---

In the chieftain's tent, Orion held Lilith in his arms, her body covered in sweat as she lay against him. He asked her softly, "Are you disappointed that we didn't encounter another Alpha-level dark creature this winter?"

Lilith, her eyes filled with seductive charm, playfully bit Orion's nipple. "A little disappointed, yes. But if it doesn't happen this year, I'll wait until next year."

"After all, the next Alpha-level resource is mine. It's not going anywhere," she added with a confident smile.

Orion tightened his embrace around Lilith. He appreciated her understanding and her steady nature.

"Spring is coming soon. I plan to leave you in charge of Moonshadow Valley while I'm away," Orion said.

Lilith froze for a moment, her arms around Orion stiffening slightly.

"I'll be taking Rendall and Onyx with me," Orion continued. "But I'll leave Lysinthia, Thundar, and Earthshaker behind to assist you."

"Remember, my expectation is that nothing goes wrong."

Orion's hand gripped Lilith's breast as he kissed her deeply, only releasing her when she was on the verge of suffocation.

"My Lilith, show everyone your abilities. Prove that you can manage the horde, that you're worthy of being my wife, and that you deserve the Alpha-level resources."

"And, of course, prove to me that you're capable," Orion added, his tone direct and without pretense.

Seeing the understanding in Lilith's eyes, Orion knew she had grasped the importance of the situation.

He then turned to Lysinthia, who had been pleasuring him with her mouth, and pulled her into his arms as well.

"You too. If you want something, earn it with your abilities," he said.

---

Seven days later.

Orion had just fallen asleep when the noise outside his tent woke him up.

"Dace, what's going on?" Orion called out.

Outside the tent, Dace, who was on guard duty, responded excitedly, "Chieftain, it's raining! Spring rain!"

Orion's eyes widened for a moment before he collapsed back onto the furs, resuming his sleep.

"It's coming," he muttered to himself.

Yes, it was coming.

---

Three days after the spring rain, the skies above Moonshadow Valley were once again filled with the sight of the Storm Vulture.

"By the order of Lord Gareth, Orion Stoneheart of the Black Forest is summoned to gather his forces in the south in three days to participate in the Myriad Races Invasion. Refusal is not an option!"

"By the order of Lord Gareth, Orion Stoneheart of the Black Forest is summoned to gather his forces in the south in three days to participate in the Myriad Races Invasion. Refusal is not an option!"

The message was almost identical to the one they had received the previous year. Many of the giants frowned upon hearing it.

Last year, after receiving this order, they had lost Clymene.

As a result, the giants' gazes toward the Storm Vulture were anything but friendly.

Orion, Rendall, and Prophet Onyx all stepped out of their tents, looking up at the Storm Vulture and the messenger, Arden, who rode upon its back.

"Go back and tell Lord Gareth that I will be there on time," Orion said, his voice cold as he stared at Arden and his Storm Vulture.

Arden frowned. He could sense that Orion had grown stronger.

However, Arden didn't believe that Orion was strong enough to challenge an Alpha-level flying beast like the Storm Vulture.

In Arden's mind, Orion was being disrespectful.

A smirk appeared on Arden's face as he communicated with the Storm Vulture, and together, they released a wave of pressure, intending to intimidate Orion.

But as soon as Arden's pressure was released, three powerful Alpha-level auras surged up from below, meeting his challenge head-on without hesitation.

"Three Alpha-level warriors? How is that possible?" Arden exclaimed in shock. For a moment, he thought Moonshadow Valley might be the territory of some powerful lord.

At that moment, Orion's voice rang out from below, laced with a hint of mockery and menace.

"Messenger, last year, an Alpha-level Thunderhawk was killed here in Moonshadow Valley. Its meat was quite delicious. Would you like to try some?"

Orion's words caused Arden's pupils to shrink to pinpoints.

It was both a threat and a warning.

Arden shook his head vigorously, muttering to himself, "Impossible... It's impossible... He must be lying, trying to scare me!"

"How could it be? The Thunderhawk is incredibly fast, even my Storm Vulture can't catch up to it. It's impossible!"

However, when Arden saw what Orion was holding, his entire body froze in shock.

Orion was holding a small curved knife, casually trimming his nails. Occasionally, arcs of electricity flickered across the blade, giving it an otherworldly appearance.

"That's... the aura of the Thunderhawk..."

"This..."

Arden was left speechless. He stared at Orion for a long moment before finally turning his Storm Vulture around and flying off to deliver the message elsewhere.

As the Storm Vulture disappeared into the distance, the council members gathered around Orion.

Without wasting any time, Orion issued his orders.

"Summon the council for an emergency meeting. Anyone who fails to attend without a valid reason will be expelled from the council!"

---

Half an hour later, all the council members had gathered, including Orion's wife, Lilith, and Lysinthia.

"Everyone, for the past months, we've been preparing for the Myriad Races Invasion. The time has come for us to march beyond the Black Forest and conquer new lands."

"Soon, I will announce the list of those who will accompany me on this expedition. You will have two days to say your goodbyes to your families."

"Additionally, those who are coming with me will be able to collect a set of bone armor and survival supplies from the warehouse."

"..."