Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

"Soaring Bird City has successfully survived the dark beast tides; its city walls and fortresses have been built up."

"It's the first stop on the way to the territories of ogres, giants, and blood elves, and also the very first gathering place for the massive flow of resources and wealth entering the kingdom."

"That big piece of cake should include a share for the Rose Knight Regiment."

In the study of Rose Manor, three people were gathered around a desk—seated or standing. One was Garrett, another was Lambert, and there was also an elderly man dressed in an elegant steward's uniform.

Princess Ava took the envelope Torin had sent and first passed it to the seated elderly man, before handing it over to Garrett and Lambert.

"How would Your Highness like to proceed?" the steward-like elder asked, looking up at Ava after reading the letter. His clouded eyes contained a sense of worldly calm. He spoke slowly, neither arrogant nor servile.

"That's a slice of cake, and it's also a source of wealth. I don't want to give it up!"

"The Rose Knight Regiment wants to continue to grow, but with our current industries alone, that's impossible."

"So we must open up new sources of revenue and new industries."

"Soaring Bird City is our chance."

"Besides, in name, I also have a claim to Soaring Bird City."

Ava lifted the letter Torin had penned, showing it to the three. Since Torin had once sworn loyalty to her, Ava had every reason to be involved in Soaring Bird City. When she finished speaking, the atmosphere in the study fell silent for a moment.

"Soaring Bird City is indeed a prize, and it's our opportunity to expand," the elder agreed. Right now, Soaring Bird City offered countless possibilities.

"However, the nobility in this kingdom will never give us too large a share."

"Even if they can't block us in the other racial territories, they will exploit and oppress us through every means once we return to the human kingdom."

"Our only advantage is to work directly with the royal family for domestic distribution."

The elder did not oppose the idea of the Rose Knight Regiment splitting the benefits in Soaring Bird City—after all, that was a good thing. But he was quick to point out the most vital hazard.

"Your Highness, we do have one more advantage," the elderly man said, fixing his gaze on Ava without blinking.

Frowning, Ava followed the old man's eyes to her own abdomen. The child she carried was the offspring of that giant king. This was Ava's greatest advantage. By that alone, she could obtain tremendous benefits and conveniences from the Stoneheart Horde.

"No, I don't want any involvement with him. I don't even want him to know the child exists."

Ava refused the elder's suggestion, despite it being the path to maximum gain.

"If that's the case, for the Rose Knight Regiment to settle into Soaring Bird City, we need to send a trusted individual there to ensure our interests remain protected."

The elder seemed to have anticipated Ava's reaction long ago. He proposed a second plan the moment he saw Ava relax her furrowed brow.

"This way, Your Highness will also be responding to Baron Torin."

"And later, when we divide up the benefits from Soaring Bird City, we'll be taking them openly and legitimately."

The elder raised his head and glanced at Garrett and Lambert, who were both standing nearby. They were knights, and they were trustworthy.

"As for who should go to Soaring Bird City, I recommend Sir Lambert."

"Sir Lambert is a knight and also a noble; he knows how to deal with the nobility."

There was no doubt this was high praise from the elder. Lambert responded by bowing slightly in a knightly salute, expressing his gratitude. In terms of both strength and status, Lambert truly was the most suitable choice.

"Your Highness, before that, you should write to His Majesty and Prince Theodore for their opinions."

"After all, His Majesty the King and His Highness the Prince are your closest family."

Ava nodded. She understood the elder's meaning. Seeking the King's and the Prince's counsel was like taking out double insurance for her own faction.

"Sir Lambert, are you willing to travel to Soaring Bird City?"

Ava turned to pose a serious question to Lambert.

"It is my honor to serve Your Highness," Lambert replied.

…

Valkorath Realm, the western battlefield.

This was the area under Alexander's command, though at present, he had left the Valkorath Realm. His faction had been holed up inside the city all this time, paying no attention to the fungal creatures outside the walls.

Orion found it puzzling. The city Alexander had built was ordinary.

Other than its walls and arrow towers looking imposing, the rest of it could only be described as plain. Yet beneath that plainness lay a strange sense of incongruity that Orion couldn't quite pin down.

In short, although Orion saw the city's inhabitants as seemingly average, they also seemed anything but. With a quick shake of his head, Orion stepped away, body flashing like lightning as he sped beyond the city walls.

As he left the city, Orion took a moment to glance at the messages on the Survivor's Platform. He noticed Kraken had sent him a note:

"Would you mind sharing what kind of gear the Deputy Commander gifted you?"

It wasn't an unreasonable request. Kraken had previously been Orion's rival, and if the positions were reversed, Orion figured he might ask the same question.

"Of course," Orion replied, agreeing to Kraken's request. He sent over the attributes of the Lightning Cloak.

"It even comes with a forbidden-level spell. That's incredible!"

Orion could easily imagine Kraken's surprise and shock upon seeing this item. If Orion himself hadn't already obtained the Titan Emblem, he would surely have been overjoyed as well.

"By the way, how are your injuries?" Orion asked, recalling how Kraken had been wounded in the broodmother evolution incident.

"No problem. Though the wounds are severe, I can still heal and regenerate. It's just slow," Kraken replied.

The second stage of the broodmother evolution flashed through Orion's mind. He quickly formed a preliminary idea of Kraken's combat capabilities and tactics.

"Most of the fungal creatures up north have moved into the ocean. You can send your subordinates to clear out that area first."

After updating Kraken on the bigger picture, Orion closed the Survivor's Platform and refocused his thoughts as he set off toward the distant slime molds layer.

…

Titanion Realm, Stoneheart City.

Delilah sat on the third floor of the mysterious tavern, gazing at the bustling streets with her eyes half narrowed.

Watching the various nonhuman races pass by in their different garments, each with unique expressions, gave Delilah a whole new appreciation for excitement and prosperity.