Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1396 Investments in Blood

For beings at the Demigod tier, ordinary riches counted for nothing. No amount of gold could sway a deity. Among these supreme hunters, the real value lay in influence—debts of favor, oaths sealed in blood, and unbreakable bonds of devotion.

"One last point," the Deputy Commander continued, changing the subject. "To the partners of the Champions Alliance, we'll extend the rank of Honorary Assembly Member. They'll receive the Black Obsidian Badge."

He raised a hand to stop any inquiries. "This emblem provides sanctuary rights. It's our vow of safeguarding."

A clever strategy indeed. It strengthened their subtle influence inside and out. The Deputy Commander had obviously mapped this out well in advance of the gathering.

"What resources do we require to kick off the Platinum Authority?" Orion inquired.

Being a Demigod, setting up the Platinum Authority held no direct sway over him. When aid was needed, he just summoned his allies. Yet Orion grasped the wider view. The Authority would offer a vital support for the common fighters, and as the Deputy Commander noted, putting in funds early would secure a stake in the core systems down the line.

This was like venture capital across the stars, and Orion always sought to broaden his investments.

"Substantial," Edward stated directly. "Manpower and funds are essential. From you in particular, Orion... we require a Broodmother. The Authority demands a steady supply of disposable soldiers—mere fodder for the front lines. Your bio-forges offer the ideal fix."

Orion agreed without delay. "Done."

"On top of that, you can all deploy units from your forces here. The Platinum Authority will act as a forge of battle. It's the ideal setting to temper top-tier warriors via endless fights."

Orion's curiosity sharpened. Here was the true hook. The Stoneheart Horde was fated to dominate the multiverse, facing endless twists on warfare. Rotating his troops through the Platinum Authority would refine their strategies and toughen his warriors.

"Who's in charge?" Alexander questioned, his tone slicing the hopeful mood. "Any group pooling such vast assets draws in vermin. Rot is bound to creep in."

"The Speakers will take turns handling supervision," the Deputy Commander responded, ready for the doubt. "In a Speaker's watch, should the Authority face damages from poor handling or theft, the penalty hits that Speaker's share straight away."

"And should the rot run deep..."

He left the words hanging. No need to spell it out. If the core members of the Champions Alliance began pilfering their shared wealth, the whole setup merited destruction.

"When does it begin?"

"Shortly. But not this day."

The scale proved too immense for a quick wrap-up. Time was needed to gather their forces.

Emerald Dream Realm — City of Sophia

The settlement bore a new name just lately. Once a modest stronghold of the Stoneheart Horde, Orion had officially granted it to Sophia. A present—maybe amends, or just thanks for nurturing Kaelen.

Though still part of the Emerald Dream Realm, the city had shifted to another landmass, granting the Dark Butterfly Clan a clean slate in lands full of potential.

"I'm placing this domain under your care," Orion declared, positioned on the terrace gazing over the budding outpost. "This serves as the haven for the Dark Butterfly Clan. Your choices on growth and rule—those rest with you alone. I won't meddle."

He spun to regard her, his face grave. "That said, with your bond to the Stoneheart Horde, I anticipate your blending in. Avoid pulling away."

He halted, his tone easing a bit. "Eventually, I'll come back for you. You and Kaelen will join me at the stronghold. It's time you encountered Lilith."

Sophia inclined her head. Color touched her face—not a maiden's shy tint, but the layered, cautious feeling of an adult woman confronting a tangled path ahead. To many males, such an expression would spell irresistible allure.

Orion refrained from savoring it, though. His fading child demanded rescue.

Kaelen lingered in deep slumber. Each lost moment risked the youth's very spirit.

"For now," Orion stated. He scooped up Kaelen's limp body with ease.

In a flash of speed, he disappeared from the City of Sophia. Sophia stayed on the terrace, eyes fixed on the spot he'd occupied, her mind adrift well after the breeze carried off his trace.

Divine Kingdom — Stratum of Asura

"All hail the Father!"

"Glory to the Father!"

Upon Orion's arrival in the Stoneheart Temple, the top sentinels knelt low, their faces pressed to the ground in wild devotion.

"Devote yourselves to cultivation," Orion ordered, marching onward without pause.

He bore Kaelen far into the inner chamber. In his Divine Kingdom, spans of space bent to will, not law. One stride carried him beyond voids, landing at once atop the realm's towering central spire.

He placed Kaelen down with care. Lifting his arm, Orion gathered the golden blood—the core force Kaelen had yielded before—reforming it into a floating orb of fluid over his hand.

"Silly child," Orion whispered, a deep breath slipping out. "Surrender isn't child's play."

Orion understood the toll. In his climb to dominance, he'd seldom turned to Blood Sacrifice. On two occasions, it had demanded an Avatar as tribute. Had Kaelen given this offering to any power but his sire, the lad's promise would stand ruined forever.

Orion directed the golden blood past Kaelen's lips. As it stemmed from his own vital force, the youth's form welcomed it eagerly, drawing back the strength sans any clash.

Orion held still, pondering what followed. He delved into nothingness and pulled forth the clump of pure Faith Energy that Kaelen had devoured post-victory over Emeric.

With intent, Orion purified the wild force, purging the flaws prior to embedding it at Kaelen's brow, shoving it firmly into his mind's depths.

These were the fruits of conquest. Kaelen had slain an enemy leagues beyond his level; this might was his due. It would build the base for his coming rise.

"This peak, this ocean... born of my body and soul," Orion breathed to the resting youth. "Take in all you can manage. The outcome beyond that falls to you."

Kaelen's lashes twitched as though heeding the words, yet sleep held him fast. Orion remained at his vigil, a quiet guardian over his offspring, until dusk started to fall. At last, he rose and departed the Stoneheart Temple.