Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1357 Follow the future

Lambert wavered, his heart heavy. For him, nobility was more than just a title; it was a legacy that demanded sacrifice. His clan had sacrificed everything to relocate here, tethering their very existence to the foundations of Soaring Bird City.

They would either thrive as one or perish together.

However, Ava’s stance was absolute. The city had no choice but to relocate.

"Staying is not an option," Ava remarked, a slow shake of her head emphasizing her point. The message delivered from King Harold was chillingly blunt. "When the inter-dimensional war erupts, every power will retreat. They will pull back their forces to create a tight defensive perimeter around their own capitals."

"You understand our position. Soaring Bird City sits on the very edge of the Human Kingdom. Once the invasion begins, the frontier will be the first territory abandoned to protect the core."

"I am truly sorry," Ava whispered, a trace of a bitter smile on her face. "But given our current military strength, holding this position alone is a fantasy."

The reality was clearer to her than to anyone else. The meteoric rise of Soaring Bird City hadn't been built on its own foundation, but rather on the borrowed influence of two legends: King Harold, who supported her, and the Giant King—now a Demigod—who stood behind her son, Kronos.

She had soared on the winds of their status. Now, that gale was fading.

"My Lady, if my counsel is truly what you seek," Godfrey’s voice sliced through the oppressive quiet, "then my suggestion is straightforward: Relocate to the Stoneheart Horde."

"And you must do so without delay."

Garrett, Lambert, and Klythia snapped their heads up in shock. While they were trapped in a cycle of doubt, Godfrey—the outsider—had spoken with piercing certainty.

Every eye in the room locked onto him. Godfrey remained poised, showing neither arrogance nor subservience, but a calm confidence that demanded the room’s attention.

"Sir Knight," Ava said, her voice turning gentle. "Your reputation for wisdom and courage is known across both the Human Kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde. Please, share your thoughts freely."

Godfrey met Ava’s eyes before looking toward the other knights. A bond existed between them, a shared martial code that allowed for blunt honesty.

"My Lady, you have to follow where the future leads."

The future?

The members of the council looked at one another, confused.

"The future of Soaring Bird City is Prince Kronos," Godfrey declared. "Does anyone here disagree?"

Nods of agreement went around the table, Ava included. The fact was undeniable. The lineage and raw talent of Kronos were the city's most valuable treasures.

"And the future of Prince Kronos is tied to the Stoneheart Horde. Do you agree with that as well?"

Without pausing for a reply, Godfrey pushed forward, his tone growing sharper. "Do you truly believe the Human Kingdom is capable of accepting the Prince?"

The question seemed to drain the air from the room. He had pointed directly at the truth that everyone else was too afraid to acknowledge.

"Despite his royal blood, he will never be one of them. The best he can hope for is to be tolerated because they fear the Giant King."

This was a painful truth only Ava had the right to feel. Her own status within the Stoneheart hierarchy was precarious—she held no formal title and had no official marriage. She was the mother of a Prince, yet she existed in a social vacuum.

"Consequently," Godfrey summarized, "the Prince’s destiny lies with the Horde. And if his destiny is there, then we belong there beside him."

"According to the reports, the Prince has already made a name for himself during the northern conflicts near Blackstone City. He has gained genuine authority and respect within the Tribe’s martial ranks."

Lambert’s gaze sharpened. He picked up on the subtle change in Godfrey’s choice of words. When discussing the city, he had used "you," but when referring to Kronos, he used "we."

The mercenary’s allegiance was already pledged to the Prince.

"My Lady, the Prince has already decided to join the Horde. Why are we stalling?"

"Are you waiting for him to arrive in person to collect you? Do you want him to drag you there, only to fuel more rumors within the Tribe about his ‘dependent’ human mother?"

Suddenly, Godfrey went still.

He had let his tongue slip. Driven by his own intensity, he had crossed the boundary into forbidden territory.

"Forgive me, My Lady. I meant no disrespect."

He snapped into a stiff salute, spun around, and exited the palace with long strides, never looking back. He had delivered his message. The decision was now theirs.

"My Lady," Klythia said as she moved forward, her hand resting firmly on her giant shield. "I find myself in agreement with Godfrey."

"The Prince represents our future. We follow him. Our loyalty is that simple."

"However," she added, her brow knitting together, "what becomes of the people? If we depart, what is the fate of the citizens of Soaring Bird City?"

This was the dilemma that truly tormented them. Serving a lord was their path, but the duty to defend the helpless was the very marrow of their Cultivation and knighthood.

"We cannot simply abandon them to their deaths," Klythia spoke softly. "If we do that, we no longer deserve the title of knights."

Ava let out a long, trembling sigh. The burden she carried felt heavy enough to shatter her bones.

"Give me time to think."

***

Blood Elf Territory

In contrast to the frantic escape of the Golden Apple Chamber of Commerce, the caravan of the Blood Elves traveled with an air of effortless elegance.

While they were not immune to the plague of insects, the Blood Elves possessed a secret, ancient herbal blend that served as a potent repellent. Any attacks they faced were infrequent and easily dealt with.

Three figures sat in luxury inside a carriage decorated with glowing arcane runes.

There was one adult, Princess Delphine—sister to Elf King Rommath—and two children: Prince Elyndar and Princess Ariselle.

"Auntie Delphine, how much longer until we reach Stoneheart City?" Ariselle inquired, her face pressed against the window. "I’ve heard Marina City is stunning too! With Sea Race traders and strange treasures... I really want to visit!"

This caravan, protected by a cohort of elite guards, was also seeking refuge within the Stoneheart Horde. But to the youngsters, the journey felt like an exciting trip.

Princess Ariselle was the focal point of a grand political scheme—she was the intended bride for the Giant Prince, Pallas.

The Blood Elf high command had already orchestrated this move through Lycanor and Lilith. Once Ariselle reached Stoneheart City and was accepted by the Horde, the engagement would be made public. Whether a wedding would actually occur was a problem for the future.

For the moment, Elyndar and Ariselle were oblivious. They believed this was merely a diplomatic visit to see Elder Lycanor.

Ariselle’s lack of guile was her greatest strength. Delphine looked at her niece with a mix of love and pity. That perfect innocence was exactly what would win over the Stoneheart Elders.

Delphine’s own spirit was troubled. Her engagement to Prince Theodore was settled, but with the coming war, her wedding date had been lost in a sea of uncertainty.

For a woman waiting to be a bride, such an indefinite delay was a slow torture.

"Auntie," Elyndar asked, looking up from his parchment. "Is the Stoneheart Horde truly as grand as people claim? Is it larger than the City of Blessings? Are there really that many citizens?"