Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1359 The Ever-Burning Oath

"A century has passed since I first discovered this location."

"I was an insignificant figure back then, lacking the raw power required to fight for dominance in this realm. My only option was to station an avatar within the shadows, quietly siphoning off meager amounts of Soul Power."

Orion maintained his silence, absorbing every word. He knew that the chronicles of the powerful often contained hidden wisdom.

"Once I achieved the rank of Arch Lord, I managed to claim a portion of this land, establishing myself as a minor warlord," Arthas went on, his words resonating against the jagged volcanic walls. "My influence expanded further upon reaching the Demigod stage. At last, I possessed a seat at the table."

"Then, roughly fifteen years prior, the ruling Lord of Hell overseeing this specific domain ascended to a higher plane of existence. The throne was left vacant."

Arthas came to a halt and turned toward the group, the gravity of his scheme thick in the sulfur-laden air.

"That coincided exactly with the moment I obtained the World Dragon Egg from you."

"A truly reckless ambition took root in my mind."

"With the assistance of the Deputy Commander, I took the egg—after completing the necessary preparations—and smuggled it directly into the heart of the Ever-Burning Volcano."

Orion’s pupils shrank as he instantly grasped the ultimate goal.

"Precisely," Arthas remarked, noting Orion's realization. "My intent is for the egg to soak in the Essence Laws of this plane. I want the hatching to occur within the volcano itself. When that dragon finally emerges, it won't be a mere creature. It will be born as the legitimate Lord of Hell."

The Lord of Hell. It wasn't just a simple title; it represented a Divine Throne.

This meant that from the very second of its birth, the dragon would exist as a Fourth-Stage Demigod.

The sheer scale of this ambition was breathtaking—a heist of universal proportions.

"However, such paths are never easy," Arthas admitted with a sigh.

"The power vacuum created by the former Lord has not gone unnoticed. Every mediocre Demigod with a shred of ego is currently trying to seize the Ever-Burning Volcano."

Arthas fixed his gaze intensely on Orion.

"You must realize the weight of the commitment you are making. We have defended this position for more than a decade, facing relentless assaults from Demigod-level scavengers."

"Because I altered the incubation to tether the dragon to this specific world, the hatching process has slowed. We are preparing for a siege that could last a thousand years."

A millennium. Standing guard over a World Dragon Egg to guarantee a Fourth-Stage Demigod ally and absolute dominion over a Hell dimension.

The potential return on investment was staggering.

Yet, the price was a thousand years of endless warfare against the most dangerous predators in the multiverse.

Orion exhaled slowly. He looked over at the Deputy Commander, Alexander, and Leonidas before glancing toward the darkness where his elite guards stood ready.

The situation was transparent. Everyone, the Commander included, was fully committed to Arthas’s high-stakes gamble.

His allies had stationed their Demigod Phantoms here with no plans to retreat. They were prepared to fall defending this ground. They had kept Orion in the dark only to spare him the burden.

"Brother," Orion spoke, his tone steady and purposeful. "I brought along a deck of cards. We can pass the time with Texas Hold’em when we aren't busy slaughtering enemies."

By meeting Arthas’s eyes, he signaled his unwavering decision to stay.

"Leonidas," Orion said, turning toward the soot-covered warrior. "You should start thinking of some hobbies. We have a thousand years to burn. How else will we manage the boredom?"

A flicker of emotion broke through Arthas’s usually stoic expression, but Orion had already shifted the focus to Leonidas to ease the tension.

"Don't sweat it," Leonidas said with a smirk, his white teeth gleaming through the grime on his face. "I've already started a project."

"With your help, I finally have the manpower to crack the greatest scientific puzzle in the multiverse: figuring out how to make men get pregnant. We have to find a way to populate this wasteland, after all."

"..."

The humor was bleak and incredibly dry. No one laughed, yet the suffocating tension finally dissipated.

Titanion Realm, Stoneheart City

Resting upon the throne of his fortress, Orion’s primary body opened its eyes. A momentary ripple of gravity flickered in his gaze before fading away.

Arthas had managed to organize a plot of this magnitude without a single leak.

A wave of guilt washed over Orion; he felt he had been inattentive.

For years, across the [Emerald Dream Realm] and the [Silverwood Realm], the focus had always been on his own conflicts and drama. His friends had always stood by him—offering support, protection, and strength.

They clearly faced their own trials, yet they rarely sought his aid.

The only significant help Orion had provided was assisting the Deputy Commander in claiming a small territory within a Godforsaken Land.

Arthas, Leonidas, Alexander... they gave everything and asked for nothing in return.

"It is time I settled my debts," Orion murmured.

He felt a sense of fulfillment. After years of receiving help, he had finally attained the strength required to be the one providing it.

However, he was no fool. The conflict within the [Ashenheart Domain] would be a brutal war of attrition.

Maintaining a hold on the [Ever-Burning Volcano] for ten centuries would require a relentless supply of Divine Power to sustain his Phantom there.

The drain on his resources would be immense.

He currently drew resources from the [Titanion Realm], [Emerald Dream Realm], [Silverwood Realm], and the [Valkorath Realm]. Additionally, three Godforsaken Lands and a massive territory in the Abyss’s sixth layer were generating Faith Energy for him.

"It isn't enough," Orion whispered, performing the mental math. "It’s nowhere near what is needed."

More territory was required.

Supporting Arthas in securing the [World Dragon] was more than a gesture of friendship; it was the ultimate tactical move.

Success would grant Orion a Fourth-Stage Demigod protector. That was the level of influence the Commander held with Kaidric—the kind of power that could halt entire wars with a single word.

"I need to accelerate the invasion of Eldoria," Orion resolved, his eyes sharpening.

"Who is best suited to lead the vanguard?"

Stoneheart City, The Silent Goblet

Since its inception, The Silent Goblet had served as the primary information hub in Stoneheart City. It was also the premier spot to encounter the city’s most influential figures.

The tavern was perpetually busy, but business had surged even more of late.

The ground floor was overflowing with patrons, and the second floor was just as crowded. Even the restricted third floor, meant only for those of Legendary rank, held a fair number of guests sipping on premium spirits.

"You've got a fine office here," a newcomer remarked, taking a seat across from the famous Bard, Cloudsong.

The two men exchanged a look of comfortable friendship.

"I have no complaints," Cloudsong replied with a grin, swirling his drink. "The speed at which this city prospers is almost frightening. I truly love this place; it feels alive. And the audience here is wonderful—so many people eager for a new tale."

"But beyond that," Cloudsong continued, his voice filling with respect, "I have deep admiration for the Lord of the Stoneheart Horde. His foresight and intellect... he is the real deal."

This wasn't mere sycophancy. Cloudsong genuinely believed in him.

Within the walls of The Silent Goblet, every tale Cloudsong spun spread across the lands, turning into legends that inspired ambitious youths everywhere.

"That much is obvious," the stranger noted, lifting his glass. "I heard you telling a story downstairs about wiping out an insect infestation."

"If I were the ruler of this city," the stranger added with a smirk, "I'd be thanking you for the excellent public relations."