Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1406 Three Archetypes

Previously on Titan King: Ascension of the Giant...
Delilah pushed her limits in the Foundry Citadel, devouring a hoard of Banshee Crystals to bridge the gap to Archlord rank and secure her role under Orion in the Sixth Layer. The spectral wails of her absorption drew the attention of Xalathar and Vex atop the Four-Directional Tower, where Vex explained the succubus's grueling training while reflecting on their own stalled progress toward greater power, prompting Xalathar to take flight for a territorial patrol. In the Ashenheart Domain of Minor Hell, Orion and his fellow Demigods awoke to the Deputy Commander's announcement of the refined Platinum Tri-Drake Effigy, a secret technique born from the Rite of the Three Idols, distributed among them with embedded safeguards against betrayal.

Notably, even with its title, the Platinum Tri-Drake Effigy avoided summoning a terrifying three-headed beast.

Rather, this method molded itself to the practitioner's heritage, providing three unique prototype shapes: Man, Spirit, or Divinity.

To give an example, should Orion or his relatives employ the technique, the "Man" form would emerge—a towering figure of legendary stature. Should Arthas and his death knights deploy it, the "Spirit" form would arise, enveloped in ghostly aura. The "Divinity" form, however, stayed exclusive to entities forged from raw elemental might or sacred essence.

While the shapes varied, the serpentine draconic might surging through each one stayed unchanging.

"This is brilliant," Alexander commented, his killer's gaze sparkling as he unfurled the parchment. "The Platinum Tri-Drake Effigy isn't just for Lords; it is perfectly suited for Archlords as well. An Archlord could pair this construct with their own avatar to create a perfect decoy. They could trick an enemy into believing their Body of Faith had been destroyed, baiting them into a fatal overextension. It adds a whole new layer of deception."

Serving as the Hall Master of the Blade Hall, Alexander quickly grasped the strategic edge. His followers depended on accuracy and ruse; this hidden art would dramatically boost their kill missions and endurance.

"It's an extra trump card, plain and simple," Leonidas rumbled, giving a nod of agreement. "This raises the combat floor for the Champions Alliance across the board."

Everyone else concurred. Armed with this art, the Legend-rank fighters in the Stoneheart Horde would gain a safeguard strong enough to match an Archlord's assault. It marked a huge advance in their warfare strength.

"Additionally, preparations for the Platinum Authority have officially begun," the Deputy Commander declared, changing the subject. "Move your required resources and personnel to the Valkorath Realm immediately. The headquarters will be established in the central region, under my temporary supervision."

He halted, allowing the gravity of his following statement to sink in. "Once the foundation is laid, the Commander will personally lead us in our first collective operation. We need a war to fill the Authority's coffers."

The chamber's vibe switched right away from focused to charged with energy.

Orion, Arthas, Leonidas, and Alexander shared looks, a fierce thrill flowing among them. By mentioning "the Commander," the Deputy Commander meant the ultimate avatar perched on Blade's Edge Peak. And if the Commander approved a plundering raid to stock the Authority's funds, the objective promised to be grand.

"Hah! Deputy Commander," Leonidas thundered, bending ahead. "Care to give us a hint? Which unfortunate world are we invading?"

"I honestly don't know," the Deputy Commander answered, shaking his head. "But since the Commander is leading the charge, you can bet it is a world rich in resources. Prepare yourselves. When the time comes, you will need to project a Demigod phantom to join the expedition."

He shot a pointed look at Arthas. The ruler of the undead faced more demands than others, yet this call demanded his attention.

"I will be ready," Arthas croaked.

Titanion Realm, The Golden Pearl.

Overhead, a sharp, unclouded blue sky extended across a vast sea of golden sands. Who could imagine that under these blazing dunes hid a vast, splendid subterranean fortress?

"Rise."

Soraya occupied her throne, exuding a majestic, natural poise. In front of her, more than twenty Sand Scorpions—both fighters and clerics—knelt, all shifted to human guise.

Back then, this scene would have been unthinkable. At the Scorpion Tribe's height, just Soraya, the High Priestess, and maybe a couple more could shift to human form. Yet nowadays, as the realm's laws evolved and supplies poured in from the Stoneheart Horde, abilities flourished over the wasteland.

Soraya and High Priestess Selenis gazed at their followers with deep satisfaction. Each additional scorpion in human shape signified a bolster to their lineage and a rise in their influence inside the Horde.

"My Queen," High Priestess Selenis advanced, her gaze glowing with devotion. "Strange crystals have appeared outside the Sand Nest. Are these the legendary Divinity Shards spoken of in our ancient texts?"

"They are indeed Divinity Shards," Soraya affirmed, her face still pensive. "But they are immature. Mere precursors."

Divinity Shards emerging signaled a huge portent—they hinted the Scorpion Tribe teetered on producing a Demigod. It ought to spark joy. Still, Soraya sensed a spark of bewilderment. As Queen, she hadn't climbed to Archlord rank. Why would the Sand Nest yield Demigod-level materials?

The sole reason lay in the fragment of Desert's Authority she held. It hastened the land's own transformation. These shards didn't limit to the Golden Pearl; they sprouted all over her Sea of Sand, refining daily.

Right as she mulled over the consequences, Orion's words resounded in her thoughts.

"High Priestess," Soraya rose suddenly. "I leave the nest in your care. Keep a close watch on the young ones. Report any anomalies immediately."

Ignoring any reply, she ripped a teleportation scroll apart and disappeared from the hall.

Stoneheart City, The Citadel.

As Soraya appeared in the council room, Orion and Lilith had already arrived. Orion motioned to a seat next to his throne.

"I called you both here for three reasons," Orion started, his voice grave.

Lilith and Soraya bent closer. A straight call from their overlord often foretold big changes ahead.

"First," Orion stated, "we are ending the restrictions on the mass-produced transformative weapons. Open the armories to the entire Tribe. Tell Harbek to kick the Bureau of Weapons into overdrive. I want those forges running day and night."

He went on, "Furthermore, establish a new merit system specifically for culling the insectoid threat. Make it easier for the people to earn credits and exchange them for these weapons."

Facing an assault from another realm in under ten years, Orion pushed hard against time. Boosting his folk's typical fighting strength was essential, and the enchanted guns and morphing arms from the Godforsaken Land offered the quickest path.

Lilith inclined her head, jotting the directives on a sheet.

"Second," Orion announced, snapping his wrist. Two golden scrolls appeared, drifting to the ladies. "This is a Divine Art: the Rite of Fatebound Offering. It is a technique for forging a weapon that shares a spiritual link with its wielder."

His stare fixed on them. "I intend to make this the signature technique of the Stoneheart Titans."

"Spread this technique throughout the Tribe immediately," Orion ordered. "The cross-realm teleportation array is nearly complete. When the gates open, I need the Stoneheart Horde to field an army of true Titans, armed and ready."

At the height of his might, Orion required no oversight of details. He just charted the course.

"Understood," Lilith replied, taking the scroll. "I will recall the Elder to assist me. We will see it done."

She hesitated, eyeing the golden scroll with a touch of yearning. "Orion... are we permitted to learn this as well?"

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