Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

The appearance of the Storm Vulture made everything clear to Orion.

The beast tide had been driven north by the Thunderhawk, and now Lord Gareth had sent the Storm Vulture to push the tide back south. It was a clever strategy, no doubt.

However, something about the situation still felt off to Orion.

Lord Gareth's response to the beast tide seemed delayed. By all accounts, she should have been prepared for the tide before it even began. This reverse driving of the beasts should have been initiated days earlier.

"Chieftain, it seems Lord Gareth has intervened," Prophet Onyx remarked.

Orion didn't respond immediately. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on the Storm Vulture.

For a brief moment, Orion felt the Storm Vulture's eyes on him, as if it were studying him. But the beast made no aggressive moves and continued herding the beast tide southward.

After a long pause, Orion turned to Elder of Combat.

"Thundar, take a team and hunt the beasts. This is a prime opportunity to gather more food for the winter. Don't let it slip by."

Thundar's eyes lit up at the command. He nodded eagerly and immediately began rallying the hunting teams for a large-scale hunt.

"You two can go as well, but be careful," Orion said, glancing at Lilith and Lysinthia, who were clearly eager to join the hunt. They needed to feed their Twilight Viper and Spider Queen, and hunting was the best way to provide for them.

Lilith cheered, planting a kiss on Orion's neck before grabbing Lysinthia and rushing to join the hunting party.

In moments, only Prophet Onyx remained by Orion's side.

"Prophet, with the beast tide resolved, it looks like we can move forward with our plans to finish the wall ahead of schedule."

Orion's mood was noticeably lighter. The appearance of the Storm Vulture had caused the beast tide to retreat early, sparing Moonshadow Valley from further damage. The wall's foundation had been preserved.

"Rest assured, Chieftain. I will ensure the wall is completed before winter arrives."

Orion watched as his people charged into the beast tide, hunting with fervor. He pointed to several corners of the wall's foundation.

"If we have enough time, let's build a few towers at these points."

"We can install large crossbows on them to help defend against flying beasts."

Prophet Onyx nodded, agreeing to the plan.

---

Thunderwood Forest, Thunderhawk City.

Crash!

"Damn it! Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?"

"Why have I lost my connection with LightningTalon?"

Reynard was an Alpha-level knight who commanded an Alpha-level flying beast, the Thunderhawk LightningTalon.

It was thanks to LightningTalon that Reynard had been able to defeat Clymene and kill the giant elders who had come to her aid.

Now, Reynard was furious—and terrified.

In his frustration, he smashed his bone goblet into pieces.

Moments later, a young woman with a seductive figure entered the castle hall, drawn by the sound of breaking glass.

The girl affectionately wrapped her arm around Reynard's and asked softly, "Brother, what's wrong?"

"Sister, I've lost my connection with LightningTalon!"

"I don't know if it's flown too far away, or if…"

Reynard trailed off, unwilling to voice the worst possibility. If LightningTalon had been killed, his strength would be severely diminished.

"Don't worry, brother. LightningTalon has probably just flown too far, which is why you've lost the connection."

"LightningTalon is driving the beast tide. As long as it doesn't fly too low, it won't be in any danger."

"And besides, the only threat near our territory is Lord Gareth's Storm Vulture. LightningTalon is faster than the Storm Vulture, so nothing will happen."

Reynard's sister, Rowena, tried to comfort him, and her words seemed to ease his anxiety.

She was right. In the sky, aside from the Storm Vulture, nothing could threaten LightningTalon.

And Reynard had already instructed LightningTalon to avoid flying too close to the north, to stay away from Lord Gareth's territory.

"By the way, how is your progress with the other Thunderhawk?"

Rowena sighed. "That Thunderhawk is stubborn. It still refuses to form a contract with me."

Reynard and Rowena were part of a rare race known as the Skybond. The Skybond had a natural affinity for communicating with Thunderhawks and a high chance of forming contracts with them, becoming powerful sky knights.

"Be patient. You need to show it your goodwill, but also demonstrate your strength and potential."

"When you communicate with the Thunderhawk, open your heart. Treat it like family, like a partner."

Reynard continued to share his experience with his sister, hoping that by doing so, he could calm his own restless heart.

---

Back in the Black Forest, the beast tide had fully retreated south.

Orion seized the opportunity, leading his people to hunt the fleeing beasts, securing a massive amount of food for the horde.

For the Stoneheart Horde, they now had more than enough food to last through the winter.

For Orion, he had collected a significant number of mid- and high-grade crystal cores.

The classification of crystal cores was simple: F- and E-grade cores were considered low-grade, D- and C-grade were mid-grade, and B-grade and above were high-grade.

Of course, S-grade and higher were considered rare treasures.

This beast tide had been a collective effort for the Stoneheart Horde. Although they had lost a few bloodline warriors, the horde was about to welcome a new generation of warriors.

"Chieftain, the Bloodline Awakening Pool is fully stocked with sacrifices and blood. The pool is filled to the brim!"

The report came from Elder of Combat Thundar, who had taken over the responsibility of managing the Bloodline Awakening Pool while Elder Rendall was in seclusion for training.

"Excellent. Prepare a list of all the giants who meet the conditions for awakening. Tomorrow, we will begin the Bloodline Awakening Ceremony!"

"This time, the awakening trial will be safer than before, so we are completely opening up the application process. Anyone who is at least ten years old, regardless of gender, can participate."

Thundar was visibly excited. This meant that the giant tribe would soon have a large number of new bloodline warriors.

Moreover, with the inclusion of women in the awakening, Thundar's own daughters would have the chance to awaken their bloodlines, which was a thrilling prospect.

Compared to previous bloodline awakening trials, the current Bloodline Awakening Pool is much gentler, but still carries risks.

Therefore, Orion did not mandate participation in the bloodline awakening; everything is voluntary. Thundar will respect those tribe members who dare to participate in the awakening, but those who cannot endure the trial will not receive sympathy.

In Thundar's eyes, those who failed were simply wastes, draining the tribe's resources.

In this world, filled with danger and opportunity, giants who couldn't become bloodline warriors had no claim to honor.

"Chieftain, should we include those of advanced age in the ceremony as well?"

Orion paused for a moment, then nodded.

"Include them. As long as they meet the conditions for awakening, give everyone a chance, whether they are elderly or women. But for safety's sake, everything should be voluntary; do not force anyone."

"Understood!"

---

Three days later, Orion stood outside a cave with a group of giants, anxiously waiting.

For the first time, Orion understood the anxiety his sister Clymene must have felt during such moments.

Waiting was always difficult, especially when it involved loved ones.

This time, nearly 500 giants had entered the Bloodline Awakening Pool to awaken their bloodlines.

Among them was a young giant named Fergus, whom Orion had a special interest in.

Fergus had lost his parents to dark beasts during a harsh winter, becoming an orphan.

Clymene had taken pity on Fergus and adopted him as her foster son.

Now, at just ten years old, Fergus was among those waiting to awaken their bloodline.

"Fergus, you better succeed. Don't let my sister down."

Orion silently prayed for Fergus, hoping he would successfully awaken his bloodline.

If Fergus became a bloodline warrior, Orion would personally train him, fulfilling a promise to Clymene and giving himself some peace of mind.

"Chieftain, this waiting is agonizing!"

"But every time I see one of our people pass the bloodline awakening trial, I feel a sense of pride."

Thundar, who had once been the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, was no stranger to this kind of waiting.

Many of Thundar's descendants were participating in this awakening, and he was just as nervous and anxious as Orion.

"Don't worry. I believe this time we'll have more bloodline warriors than ever before."

Thundar nodded in agreement.

"If only the Bloodline Awakening Pool could evolve again. Then most of our people would be able to awaken, and the process would be even safer."

Thundar sighed, voicing a thought that had also crossed Orion's mind.

But Orion knew that there were no other giant tribes in the surrounding area, so the Bloodline Awakening Pool in the cave wouldn't evolve anytime soon.

Just as Orion and Thundar were feeling a bit down, the horde suddenly erupted in cheers.

Orion and Thundar looked up to see the first group of giants emerging from the cave, greeted by the excited cries of their families.

Orion's eyes brightened with hope.

As time passed, Orion's smile grew wider. After half an hour, he spotted a familiar figure.

"Fergus, over here!" Explore more at empire

Orion stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Fergus's shoulders and giving him a firm pat on the back.

"Well done, Fergus. You didn't let my sister down!"

Fergus smiled shyly, clearly excited but also a bit embarrassed by the attention.

"Come on, let's head back to Moonshadow Valley. I'll help you set up your own tent."

Orion, still holding Fergus's shoulder, nodded to Thundar before leading Fergus down the mountain.

---

After spending an hour helping Fergus set up his tent, Orion made his way to Elder Volthun's tent.

The Alpha-level Thunderhawk they had killed hadn't dropped a Survivor's Chest, but Orion had taken the hooked beak of the Thunderhawk and brought it to Volthun.

"Chieftain, you're here!"

Volthun, in addition to being a shaman, was the horde's best blacksmith. He proudly handed Orion a finely crafted curved blade.

"Chieftain, look at my craftsmanship. This is my finest work!"

Orion took the blade and gave it a few test swings. It felt perfect in his hand.

"I can see that your skills have improved."

Volthun beamed with pride. He had been working on the Thunderhawk's beak and claws for some time, and his skills had indeed grown.

Just as Orion was about to leave Volthun's tent, a sudden surge of Alpha-level pressure erupted from within Moonshadow Valley, accompanied by a triumphant roar.

Orion's eyes lit up, and he quickly stepped outside, looking toward Elder Rendall's tent.

"Hahaha… I did it!"

Rendall burst out of his tent, electricity crackling around his body.

Orion could see it clearly—Rendall had awakened lightning abilities upon advancing to Alpha-level.

"Great Chieftain, I've succeeded!"

Rendall approached Orion, his excitement tempered by his respectful demeanor.

Orion smiled, fully understanding Rendall's intentions.

Though Rendall was straightforward and bold, he wasn't foolish.

By showing such respect to Orion, even after advancing to Alpha-level, Rendall was reinforcing Orion's authority and solidifying his position as chieftain.

Orion laughed and clapped Rendall on the back as they walked together.

"A few days ago, I had Lilith brew a batch of black rye beer. I've been saving it for this celebration!"

Rendall laughed heartily, allowing Orion to lead him.

---

Back in the chieftain's tent, Orion made a decision. Rendall's advancement was a major event for the horde, a cause for celebration.

"Send word to the horde: light the bonfires, and let there be unlimited food and drink. We'll celebrate for three days and nights!"

"Dace, gather the council members. Tell them that Elder Rendall has advanced to Alpha-level, and I'm inviting them to share in the black rye beer!"

Dace quickly ran off to deliver the message.

Within half an hour, all the council members, except for Earthshaker, who was out hunting, had gathered.

The hero-level elders looked at Rendall, who sat to Orion's left, with pride and admiration in their eyes.

Prophet Onyx, Thundar, and Delilah in particular gazed at Rendall as if they were looking at their own future.

Of the three, Prophet Onyx was the most excited. He knew that he was the next in line to advance to Alpha-level.

At this moment, Onyx no longer saw Orion's grand vision as a mere dream. It was a reality that could be achieved.

Rendall's advancement, coming so soon after the beast tide, felt like a divine blessing, a sign that the Stoneheart Horde was destined for greatness.