Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1351 Insect life

As the turmoil began, Edwin took charge of the Golden Apple Chamber of Commerce’s security forces. With professional speed, they established a defensive ring, encasing Roderic's carriage within a barricade of enchanted steel.

Once the final beast ceased its struggling, Edwin approached the carriage to report to the Marquess. A look of clear relief was visible on his features.

To a seasoned merchant, any event that wasn't a full-scale beast tide didn't qualify as a true disaster.

"What is the body count?" Roderic demanded, his tone strained.

Edwin paused, his grin fading slightly. "My Lord?"

"How many casualties? Were any protectors struck by venom? Is our freight still secure?" Roderic leaned toward him, his gaze shifting nervously. "And has anyone identified those creatures?"

Edwin was momentarily speechless by the sudden interrogation.

From his perspective, this was a minor skirmish—simply a cost of doing business. Yet, the Marquess acted as though they had narrowly avoided total destruction. The desperation in Roderic's eyes hinted that this was about more than just financial losses.

"I... I shall confirm those specifics at once, My Lord," Edwin replied, regaining his professional mask.

He knew better than to question the nobleman. Bowing, he stepped away from the carriage with a racing mind. Perhaps the data Roderic wanted would shed light on the man's strange paranoia.

Stoneheart City, The Palace

Within a grand study typically used for Lilith’s statecraft, the atmosphere was heavy with tension and the scent of perfume.

"I cannot pinpoint the change," Soraya murmured, pressing close to Lilith and hooking her arm with a display of sisterly warmth. "But I feel it. The very air of the Titanion Realm has shifted... something is making my blood pulse."

"It is a fragrance!" Lorelia added from Lilith's other side. The smaller Broodmother was audibly sniffing the air, much like a predator tracking its prey.

Orion had summoned both Broodmothers back to the capital. He had felt the transition in the world's fundamental laws—a change that specifically empowered insectoid races—and he intended for the Stoneheart Horde to seize this advantage.

"The density is currently low," Soraya noted, analyzing the sensation. "It might strengthen the lower-level swarms, but for those at the Hero rank or higher, the effect is negligible."

She turned her attention toward Orion. Since learning he had reached the Demigod stage, she had hardly looked away from him. Her gaze held a mixture of deep veneration and blatant desire. Had Lilith and Lorelia been absent, she likely would have made a move already.

"Master, this environmental change in the Titanion Realm is dull," Lorelia grumbled, pouting. "It isn't nearly as strong as the evolution surge we experience in the Emerald Dream Realm."

"This is only the beginning," Orion told them both. They were only noticing the surface effects, oblivious to the dark truth beneath. "The Titanion Realm is merging with another dimension. I suspect this invading world is ruled by insect life."

He paused to let the gravity of his words sink in. "The fundamental laws of magic and physics in our realm are being rewritten every second. That scent you notice? It will only intensify."

This was the reason for their summons. For insect-based factions, this invasion represented a potential goldmine of power.

"Wait! Master, does this mean war?" Lorelia bounced with excitement, her eyes shining. "Is this new world massive? Is it powerful? Is it a bug world?"

She struck her palms together. "That sounds perfect for me! I want to be like Soraya. I want to wield a Domain Authority as well!"

Lorelia had gained a taste for power during the conflict between the Emerald Dream and Silverwood Realms, gathering resources and evolving swiftly. Now, she craved the next tier. She desired to become an Arch Lord. Seeing Soraya rule the Godforsaken Land with a piece of the Desert's Authority had sparked a deep, honest envy in her.

With Lorelia, there were no hidden motives. She simply wanted what others had.

"The full war won't happen instantly," Orion explained, studying the situation. "The fusion of laws takes time. However, do not be fooled: our opponent will be formidable."

He walked to the window, gazing out across the capital. "Prior to my ascension, the Titanion Realm already had three recognized Demigods. The enemy began this invasion knowing exactly what our highest combat power was."

He turned back, his face grim. "They are certain they can consume three Demigods and their legions. That makes them a grave threat."

Silence filled the room. Even Lorelia went still.

While Lilith, Soraya, and Lorelia were mighty, they remained at the peak of the Legend rank. The chasm between them and a Demigod was vast. The concept of an enemy that hunted Demigods was terrifying.

"I have been tracking the insect populations in our lands," Orion went on. "The enemy is cunning. They are utilizing this atmospheric shift to weaken us from the inside before a single soldier arrives. The laws now favor the insects. Their sudden evolution will destroy the balance between local powers."

"By the time the primary invasion force lands, our world will be crippled by internal chaos."

Lilith stepped forward, breaking the quiet. "Using Orion's knowledge and reports from the Sentinel Corps, we have developed a predictive model."

She passed a file to Soraya. Lorelia didn't bother to read it; though intelligent, she was lazy and preferred to simply be told what to destroy.

"My sister's lands in the Golden Pearl are a vital monitoring zone," Lilith remarked, giving a rare compliment to ease Soraya's earlier behavior. "The Scorpion Tribes there have been very helpful with our research."

Soraya grinned as she flipped through the pages.

"We anticipate the insect mutation will occur in five specific phases," Lilith stated, her voice cold and analytical.

"Phase One: Atmospheric Alteration. The environment changes to favor insect biology."

"Phase Two: Mass Evolution. Every species is affected, but insects will experience a 'Great Leap' in their biological potential."

"Phase Three: Hive Cohesion." Lilith paused, her expression darkening. "You might not see it yet, but insect plagues are breaking out across the land. In the dark, we are seeing sentient Insectoids rise from mindless swarms."

"If we are not vigilant," Lilith cautioned, "entire biomes will go extinct before the actual war even starts."