Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1348 Ascension and Ashes

Hulk: "That rolls off the tongue a little too easily, don't you think?"

In the past, Aerin typically reserved the title of "Godfather" for their private messages. Orion was caught off guard when she used it so openly in the group chat after all these years. It appeared she no longer cared about the opinions of those around them.

Aerin: "Hehe... I have to stick close to the Godfather if I want to keep eating well!"

At that moment, Caesar and Tangere entered the conversation, likely drawn by the flurry of notification pings.

Caesar: "Big Boss! You've finally woken up. Just so you're aware, I'm already in the middle of preparing for my Legendary level ascension!"

Skipping any unnecessary pleasantries, Caesar jumped straight into reporting his recent progress.

Throughout the previous decade, his territory within the Silverwood Realm had seen massive growth. The trade routes and alliances he had forged with Aerin and Tangere had become a powerful economic engine, providing him with a continuous supply of Faith Energy.

Hulk: "Good work. I'm waiting to hear the good news."

Orion understood the subtext of Caesar's message: I am increasing my strength so I can be of use to you once again.

For any high-level operations, reaching the Legendary Rank was the minimum entry fee. Tangere had been able to secure massive rewards during the southern campaign against the Cult of Four simply because his stats allowed him to participate. Meanwhile, Caesar and Aerin had been forced to watch from the sidelines, stuck at the Alpha-level.

Tangere: "Big Boss... did you manage to ascend to Demigod?"

Tangere was far more observant than the boisterous Caesar or the playful Aerin. He had immediately detected a shift in Orion's aura. Even his choice of greeting—"Big Boss"—was delivered with a new level of profound deference.

The question hit the chat like a sudden EMP. The entire channel fell into a dead silence.

Hulk: "You guessed it."

A smirk played on Orion’s lips. Hiding it was pointless. Since he had already reached the peak of the mountain, he might as well enjoy the view.

Aerin: "OH HELL YEAH! GODFATHER IS A BEAST!"

Aerin: "Congratulations, Godfather!"

Aerin reacted faster than anyone. Having been by his side the longest, she always believed he was destined for the summit, though she hadn't expected him to speedrun the process so quickly.

Caesar: "Big Boss, you are literally my idol."

While Caesar was shocked, his own ambition tempered the feeling. He wasn't just impressed; he was completely fired up.

However, Tangere went completely silent.

Silverwood Realm, Venomfen Swamp

Tangere had abruptly logged out.

Orion's confirmation had struck him like a physical impact, causing his mental state to destabilize so violently that he lost his connection to the Survivor's Platform.

Deep within the swamp, perched upon the highest spire of his floating Mage Tower, Tangere stood motionless, peering into the thick mist.

"Demigod... a Demigod..." he muttered, the words feeling heavy and strange in his mouth. "He actually achieved it."

The initial shock soon transformed into a tremor that began in his hands before spreading through his entire body. It wasn't caused by fear, but by pure euphoria.

He possessed a direct connection to a Demigod—a being capable of reshaping reality itself. And they were on friendly terms.

I must protect this relationship, Tangere thought, his gaze burning with intense resolve. No matter the cost.

***

[Survivor's Platform]

Scarecrow: "Uh, guys? Are we telling fairy tales now?"

Scarecrow had just logged in to find the chat in a state of explosion. He asked the question out of genuine disbelief rather than malice.

He had only attained the Legendary Rank a decade ago and was still working to stabilize his power. Now, he was being told his former client had ascended to godhood? It sounded like a ridiculous joke.

Aerin: "Brother Scarecrow, your death-substitution artifacts are useful, but if you doubt my Godfather, you're doubting me. And that means war."

Orion didn't even need to respond. Aerin had already taken on the role of his enforcer.

Caesar: "Scarecrow, you haven't witnessed the Big Boss in action."

Caesar: "I've seen him flip the heavens and change the path of the rain. It isn't just combat; it’s a natural disaster."

Caesar: "Arch Lords? He sneezes and they simply disintegrate."

The memories of the power Caesar had witnessed still haunted his dreams. It was the primary motivation behind his desperate training.

Scarecrow: "You're serious?"

No one replied. The silence provided all the confirmation he needed.

Orion, however, had already moved on. A notification from Aina had drawn his attention away from the group's celebration.

Tower Defense World: Kindling Platform #3318

The platform had expanded significantly, growing much larger than its original size.

Commanders like Aina had become quite powerful. Their personal combat fortresses and summoned guardian beasts pushed the safe zone's boundaries further into the Void, claiming more territory.

But today, the defensive walls were abandoned.

Aina, the fierce combat prodigy who lived for battle, was huddled in a small tent at the platform's center. She sat with her face buried in her knees, weeping in silence.

"Throwing a pity party?" Orion's voice sliced through the darkness. "That doesn't seem like your style."

The tent flap was pushed aside. Orion, using an avatar dressed in basic leather armor, squeezed into the small space.

He didn't offer any comfort. Instead, he reached for a bag of snacks Aina had bought from the system store and began to eat.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

For a full thirty minutes, the only sound inside the tent was Orion methodically finishing off her snack supply.

When the last of the food was gone, the chewing stopped. Finally, Aina looked up.

Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. Yet beneath the sorrow, Orion recognized a deep, soul-crushing loneliness. She had the look of someone who had lost their only anchor to the world.

"Mister..." her voice was weak and cracked with pain. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Let's hear it," Orion replied with a burp, leaning back. He didn't commit to a yes or a no.

"Help me destroy Eldoria. Kill every human there."

Though tears still ran down the young girl's face, her words were filled with pure venom.

Orion's eyes narrowed. "Eldoria. That's your home world, isn't it?"

"Yes," she spat. "But the only thing connecting me to it is gone."

She looked him directly in the eye, her gaze radiating a hatred so freezing it felt cold.

"I hate them. I want them wiped out. But I lack the power." She took a trembling breath. "But you have it, Mister. I know you do."