Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1410 Return of the Old Guard

Dirtclaw nursed a deep grudge. From the moment Orion commanded the extermination of Insectoids inside their territories, he and Gustalon—the other Warden of Blackstone City—had chosen to alternate their duties.

Gustalon took charge of the opening assault. Moving with the speed of a raging tempest, he swept through the northern badlands so completely that the Insectoids were almost entirely eradicated from the area.

When Dirtclaw's opportunity arrived, it amounted to little more than a routine inspection. No enemies remained to eliminate.

"Check the area south of the Thunderwood," Gustalon advised, his tone steady like the center of a whirlwind. "The moisture there is thick. They multiply quickly amid the decay. Though I cleared it before, they've probably come back already."

He indicated likely trouble spots on the chart. The two of them remained trapped at the same impasse—top-tier Legends, struggling to break through to Archlord status. For fighters of their level, crushing minor pests served only as light exercise.

"The Great Shift draws near," Gustalon whispered, gazing at the overcast heavens. "The landscape is transforming. The world's rules are reshaping, and mana levels are surging. Conflict looms on the horizon."

Gustalon sensed the unseen flows in the atmosphere. The vast sea of elements grew endlessly. This transformation would soon reshape the entire terrain of the realm. And in the midst of that turmoil, maybe his personal barriers would at last crumble.

"Do you catch it as well? That scent of blood and soot?"

"Heh."

Dirtclaw smirked, a deep growl echoing in his throat. He understood Gustalon held no fear. Far from it—his battle brother craved the clash. Both were born from strife, tempered in the blaze of endless battles.

"Truth be told, I don't understand it," Dirtclaw pondered, rubbing his jaw. "What gives this foreign realm the nerve to assault the Titanion Realm? Didn't they survey us first? Are they blind to the towering shadow of the Giant King? Attacking other domains... that's our role."

Gustalon lifted his shoulders. "I can't explain the insane. But here's what I know: their mistake becomes our gain. Orion's triumph requires growth. And for us? We crave more territory. We hunger for greater supplies."

Dirtclaw tilted his head skyward and bellowed with laughter—a bold, resounding roar that bounced against the ravine sides.

"Brother, you talk my talk!"

"Hahaha..."

His mirth halted abruptly as motion drew his attention. From the passage connected to the subterranean teleportation circle, known shapes started to appear.

"I'd know that cackle from miles away. It resembles a wounded hyena's wail," a thunderous voice declared. "It has to be our honored Warden Dirtclaw."

Dirtclaw squinted, then his smile stretched even broader across his features.

"By the Giant King! Behold who arrives!"

"The Archelder! Our mighty Pathfinder!"

"And the Prophet... my cherished Commander!"

"Thundar, you ancient brute!"

Discarding any formality of position, Dirtclaw marched ahead, pulling his longtime allies into hearty hugs one after another.

"I figured as much. With the inter-realm array activated, you'd all rush back. The era of glory for the Stoneheart Horde has truly arrived."

He gripped forearms with Onyx, the comrade who had rescued him countless times beyond number.

"Brothers," Dirtclaw proclaimed to the assembly. "We stand at the edge of true power. Yet a fresh trial awaits us. Will you give all for the Horde?"

His words carried no hidden meaning. This band—Onyx, Rendall, Earthshaker, Thundar, Dace, Ursa—consisted of seasoned fighters halted at the pinnacle of Chieftain rank. They had returned to rise or perish in the attempt.

"Elder Dirtclaw," Dace inquired, his voice grave. "You've become a Hell-Drake Hound at last. Such a powerful, elite bloodline. Are you really prepared to forsake it for the Stoneheart Titan path?"

This came not from doubt, but real worry. Dace recalled the fierce struggles Dirtclaw endured to reach this stage.

"You're missing the essence, Dace," Dirtclaw answered, his grin steady. "We all recognize my true self. I battled fiercely for this shape, rising from the grave through sheer grit. But face facts—my limits are reached. My innate gifts won't push me farther along this path."

This was pure candor. Unlike Gustalon, an essence being supported by the Horde's vast reserves where advancement seemed assured, Dirtclaw faced a dead end.

"Yet today? Today brings fresh momentum. I trust that through our resolve and determination, we'll enter a higher realm."

The old hands agreed with nods. Orion's rise to Demigod and his forging of the Stoneheart Titan bloodline had flung wide a gateway they believed forever locked. It offered renewal, a new beginning.

"On the topic of passing time," Dirtclaw shifted gears. "Gustalon and I must meet our purge targets. Want to tag along? We'll sweep the lands. Summon your Winter Wolves, your Raptors, your Flame-Tigers... even the dragons if you've got 'em."

The allure struck hard and fast. During their absence, many had claimed remarkable beasts as steeds. Coming home without displaying them would feel like outright theft.

"We charge forth!"

"I'm with you!"

"Onward!"

Blackstone City, perched in the icy north, buzzed with energy.

Thanks to the Horde's veteran returnees, the place evoked memories of Orion's early conquests—wild, boisterous, and overflowing with life.

Maybe due to this gathering, Orion and Lilith relocated the full royal family to Blackstone City, settling into the Horde Hall.

Custom called for a massive bonfire feast to honor warriors' homecoming. Under Orion's direct order, the city erupted in eager setup. Even southern elders in verdant lands hurried to beam northward.

In the Stoneheart Horde, feast rules stayed straightforward: the initial ale horn and best roast portions went to the Mightiest.

That pointed to the Demigod, Orion in person, making an appearance.

Awareness of this sparked clansfolk everywhere to use every trick to arrive in Blackstone City.

For recent Horde joiners, Blackstone seemed merely a frontier post; they saw Stoneheart City as the real heart. But the elders grasped the reality.

Blackstone City formed the foundation. The forge.

While these dark fortifications endured, the Stoneheart Horde would remain unbreakable.