Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

Drakmar and Thundar both had a bright gleam in their eyes, fixed on the five Starveil Giants—Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane—as they stood in clear amazement.

Likewise, Drakthul and the others glanced back at Rendall and Thundar with curiosity. Apart from Orion, Rendall and Thundar were the most powerful giants the five of them had encountered so far.

Before that, Drakthul and his companions had assumed the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants were in decline, seeing as they hadn't witnessed a single Alpha-level powerhouse in Orion's company. The strongest giants they had seen were four guards and Ursa. However, from Drakthul's perspective, those few were nowhere near enough to compare in strength.

"These are Arch Elder Rendall and Elder Thundar of the Stoneheart Horde. Please get acquainted," Orion said to Drakthul, Marnok, and the others. "And here we have Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane from the Starveil Giant clan. They are our companions and serve as Wardens of the Horde."

To introduce them in turn, Orion gestured between Rendall and Thundar, and Drakthul and his group. Both sides greeted each other in the giants' customary manner: fists clenched and pounding on their chests.

"Now, let's talk about the tasks I set out before I left."

Orion's expression sharpened, and his tone grew more serious.

"My lord," Delilah began in a calm, enchanting voice, "the outer walls of Stoneheart City, initially planned to be 100 feet high, are already complete. Recently, we've been reinforcing the foundations in preparation for the next stage to reach 300 feet. As for the old city district, reconstruction is in full swing. Most of the buildings that failed to meet our standards have been demolished and are being rebuilt."

All chatter and idle gestures ceased at once. Delilah alone continued to speak, her beguiling tones echoing through the hall. Orion closed his eyes slightly and extended his senses over Stoneheart City. He nodded, indicating for Delilah to go on.

"Under the leadership of Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane, our people have swept through the original territory of the giants and reestablished order. My lord, your glory now shines across every corner of the giants' domain."

As Delilah spoke, Drakthul and the other four dropped to their knees before Orion, bowing low in worship. Orion raised his hand, and a surge of transcendent power lifted them back to their feet.

"Excellent. The tasks I assigned you have been accomplished."

Shifting his gaze, Orion looked to Gustalon, who stood toward the back.

"How about yours, Gustalon?"

A gust of wind whipped about, delivering a map right into Orion's hand. He studied it carefully, finding it highly detailed. It not only showed the terrain but also marked the local races and many of the beasts living there. When he finished, Orion slid the map to Delilah.

"Go and make several engraved copies for distribution. The Sentinel Corps will expand upon it."

Delilah nodded, accepting the new task.

Orion looked around at everyone: Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor, Rendall, and Thundar—proud representatives from Stoneheart City.

Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane from the Starveil Giants—each of them more fervent than before.

And Ryker, Gustalon, and Arden, who had submitted to Orion and now appeared equally enthusiastic. Altogether, not counting mounts, there were fifteen Alpha-level powerhouses.

Observing their ranks, Orion felt a surge of satisfaction; under his leadership, the Stoneheart Horde was steadily forging its path to prosperity.

"Next, we'll reestablish order in that small portion of territory the Blood Elves relinquished to our south."

He looked toward Ryker, Gustalon, and Arden.

"You three will handle this mission. Gustalon, you're in charge. Within one month, rid that territory of any threats. If someone refuses to submit, eliminate them."

Gustalon slid smoothly into the middle of the hall, receiving his orders.

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"Rendall, Thundar, Drakthul, Marnok, Grulbane—you five will take the remaining spider troops and cannon fodder to sweep the Beastmen and Orc territory. Arch Elder, you'll be in command, with Drakthul as your second. You have three months to complete the mission."

Once Orion finished speaking, the named five stepped forward and gave their assent. Orion had chosen these groupings so that Arch Elder Rendall and Drakthul's group would quickly get accustomed to working together and deepen the Starveil Giants' integration into the Horde.

Finally, he turned his gaze to a few others.

"Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor—pack up and lead your personal guards. I'll see to sending you back to Blackstone City. Rockwell, you'll return to guard the underground fissure and work alongside Lilith to oversee Blackstone City. Slagor, Earthshaker, once you're back, head out to Thunderwood Forest and station yourselves at Thunderpeak Mountain with Lysinthia."

Because Arch Elder Rendall and Thundar would be leaving, Blackstone City was about to lose much of its high-end power, and the return of those three would give Lilith greater freedom to maneuver.

"Go make your preparations; I'll await your reports here in Stoneheart City."

Half a day later, the council meeting concluded, and the hall fell quiet, leaving only Orion and Delilah behind.

Delilah approached the throne and curled into Orion's lap like a cat.

"How is my sister Lilith doing?"

"Mm," Orion hummed softly without opening his eyes. He stroked Delilah's butt without elaborating.

"The scorpion tribe's territory lies in the southeast, in the desert about 100 miles away. Shall we summon Soraya back?"

Orion remained silent, a clear refusal.@@novelbin@@

"In your absence, Stoneheart City received three separate delegations." Delilah shifted in Orion's arms, finding a comfortable spot before continuing. "The Blood Elves sent an envoy, inviting us to attend a southern lords' coalition gathering."

At the words "coalition gathering," Orion's eyes snapped open.

"Tell me more."

Delilah lifted her head and saw he was half-dozing again. She rested against his chest and spoke in a low voice.

"They want the southern lords to band together to fend off invasions from the north. Meanwhile, those who join the alliance will share free trade among themselves and agree not to invade one another."

Orion suddenly posed a question:

"If it's a southern coalition, why send the Blood Elves to invite us? Normally, a human or draconic host would be more logical."

Delilah shook her head, indicating she was also in the dark about what might be happening behind the scenes. Seeing Orion remain silent, she went on softly.

"A human kingdom also sent an envoy, seeking the return of their princess."

Orion reopened his eyes and looked down at Delilah.

"If they want her, they'll need to make it worth our while."

Delilah laughed, giving Orion's cock a playful pat.

"We haven't held any formal talks yet. But with your instruction, I know exactly what to do."