Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

"Konak, spare me the sarcasm," Yriel snapped, his voice sharp. "If you'd been attacked by two demigods, I doubt you'd be in any better shape."

Konak's grating laugh was thick with schadenfreude, a naked display of mockery that set Yriel's teeth on edge. If the bastard hadn't agreed to help him crush the invaders and retake his Black Tower, Yriel wouldn't be caught dead here.

"The spatial anchor inscribed in my Black Tower was erased," Yriel seethed, his frustration boiling over. "No one knows what happened there. You, of all people, should know how many resources the Cult of Four pours into building a single tower." He had come to Konak and paid a steep price, not just to reclaim his territory, but to forge an alliance against Arthas and Alexander. The memory of his last encounter with them was a bitter pill, a potent mix of anger and humiliation.

"My friend," Konak oozed, his tone dripping with false sympathy. "Sometimes mockery is a form of kindness. A little something to fuel your drive. And look, I see it in your eyes now—a fire, an unyielding will to fight. That's a good thing, is it not?"

He let out another grating chuckle, though it was more restrained this time. Heh heh…

Yriel ignored him, placing a hand to his forehead and closing his eyes. "Where the Four Gods walk, glory follows! With honor in my heart and clarity in my mind, I beseech the Four to hear my plea. Grant us strength, heed our united voice, and help us reclaim our Black Tower! May the holy names of the Four echo across all realms of The New Age!"

It was both a prayer and a political maneuver. By invoking the Four Gods, Yriel was formally requesting Konak's aid, a gesture of sincerity meant to bind them to a common cause. Of course, he knew Konak would fleece him for everything he was worth behind closed doors.

Hearing the oath, Konak fell silent. He rose from his throne and mirrored Yriel's gesture. "May the holy names of the Four be known across all realms of The New Age!" he intoned. "For you, Yriel, and for the glory of the Four, I have already abandoned my campaign against Staghelm City, setting aside immense personal gain." He spread his hands magnanimously. "I have raised the banner of our gods above my own interests. I hope this is satisfactory."

Yriel scoffed internally. He knew from the Witch that Staghelm City was a fortress. The demigod hidden within it was a formidable opponent; it would take several more beings of their level to even think about wearing her down. Her true form was a Moonwell, located at the very heart of the city. Konak thought he could take it with a mere demigod phantom? What a fucking joke. Even Konak's true self would have struggled to conquer that city.

But Konak was now an ally, and such thoughts were best left unsaid.

"The glory of the Four is with you, Konak," Yriel said instead.

"Indeed," Konak replied, his expression one of utter sincerity. "So, when do we march north?"

"Not yet. Give me some time. My demonic legions suffered heavy losses in the assault on Staghelm City. I need to regroup."

***

Titanion Realm, Marina City.

The city was a marvel, built directly into the cliffs of the Ironveil Escarpment. A series of man-made canals served as its arteries, connecting the Stoneheart Horde's inland territories with the open waters of the Trident Sea. The main castle and the city's core structures clung to the cliff-face, with the inner and outer districts radiating outwards from that central point.

Marina stood on a high balcony, overlooking her new domain. The view was breathtaking.

"How does it compare to Stoneheart City?"

Orion's voice came from behind her. He appeared at her side, slipping an arm around her waist.

"It's more alive," she said, leaning back against him. "This is more my speed. Even the breeze tastes like the ocean."

Orion smiled. He knew exactly what she meant. Thanks to the canals, Marina City had become a melting pot, drawing in races from all over who were looking to make a living. A permanent delegation from the Sea Race also resided here, causing the population to swell and giving the port a constant, energetic buzz.

"See that triangular patch of land at the mouth of the canal?" he asked.

"Mhm."

"That's the trade district we run with the Sea-Drake race. We get a sixty-forty split on all profits. We take sixty."

"The Sea-Drakes get that big a cut?" Marina asked, surprised. The land, the canal, and the surrounding waters all belonged to the Stoneheart Horde. Forty percent seemed overly generous.

"It's part of our agreement," Orion explained. "They guarantee that all sea goods from the territories they control only come through this port. It's a monopoly. For that, forty percent of the profits isn't too much to give up."

Understanding dawned on her. This wasn't just a partnership; it was a shared monopoly. That explained the generous split.

"This city is vital to the horde," Orion continued, his tone growing more serious. "It's always been garrisoned by a Legendary-level lord. The last one was reassigned to the front lines for the North-South War and hasn't returned yet. With you in charge, I think the Sea Race who've settled here will feel a stronger sense of belonging."

Marina noted the shift in his tone. This was the leader of the Horde, explaining the strategic weight of his gift.

"Don't worry," she said, her head resting on his shoulder. "This is my fiefdom now. No one, Sea Race or otherwise, will be causing trouble here on my watch."

She understood the weight of his gesture. Giving her this city was a profound sign of his trust, but it was also something more.

"You see those arrow towers on the walls? And the Mage Towers scattered through the city?"

"Yeah."

Orion pointed to the spires rising at various points across the skyline. "The city still lacks a large-scale defensive formation. We need to defend against threats from the sky and the sea. My original plan was to wait until our little Elara was old enough to handle the project."

"But with you here," he went on, "we can give Marina City its own aquatic defense formation much sooner."

The port's strategic value was undeniable. In any major war, this link between the land and the sea would be a prime target. A powerful defensive ward wasn't just an option; it was a necessity.

"I get it," Marina said, her voice firm. "Leave it to me. As soon as I conquer Aenari Island for you, I'll get started on it."

Orion nodded, his gaze softening as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. Marina savored the simple, affectionate gesture, half-closing her eyes as she looked out towards the horizon, a slow smile spreading across her lips.

After a long moment, Orion pulled back and reached into his pouch, retrieving three shell-like Nests and placing them in her hands.

"What are these…?"

"One Deepsea Razorgill Nest, one Specter Mahi Nest, and one Blacksea Carapacer Nest."