Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1412 Spider and the Hawk

"The people here are cut from a different cloth," Kronos declared, his tone carrying an unusual weight for a youth of his years. "They are harder. Unyielding. Their blood runs hot."

That insight stemmed from his own hard-earned lessons. Kronos had passed his formative years serving in the military; every clansman he'd stood shoulder-to-shoulder with in battle bore that identical sharp resilience.

"I don't get it," Princess Lola replied, tilting her head in confusion. The subtle distinction escaped the Sea-Drake princess entirely.

Kronos gave a casual shrug, his serious demeanor fading as he advanced to guide the way. "Don't worry about it. Follow me. I know where to get the best grub, and I know exactly where to find the best view in the city."

The layout of Blackstone City was familiar territory to him. He'd spilled his blood on these very streets in the past.

"Yay! Let's go, let's go!"

Not long after Kronos and Lola blended into the throng of people, a fresh band of arrivals appeared on the teleportation platform.

"Hah... so that's what warping feels like?" Bloodear, the Gnoll mercenary, muttered while shaking his head hard, his lengthy ears flapping wildly. "I didn't even puke. The bards lie about the dizziness."

"It's all thanks to the Commander," Stoutgut the Dwarf grumbled, his beard twitching as he gawked at the scene around them with wide eyes. "If not for his war record, scum like us wouldn't be allowed within ten feet of a teleportation array."

Tales of Blackstone City had filled Stoutgut's ears throughout his lifetime. Had he seized the opportunity back then, he could have ended up laboring in the Bureau of Weapons beside Elder Harbek today.

"It's not just the Commander's record," Brundar the Giant boomed, swelling his chest with pride. "It's his contribution to the Horde. They keep ledgers of these things. That's why we get the VIP treatment."

The mercenaries had resolved to journey here the instant word of the festival reached them. Crowds always meant opportunities for jobs.

"Bwahaha! Look over there!" Stoutgut jabbed a rough finger at a neighborhood shrouded in dense, dark fumes. "That's the smell of coal and flux! That's where my kin are!"

For any Dwarf, that harsh haze carried a fragrance more delightful than the finest scent. It evoked the warmth of home.

"Let's move," Brundar commanded, stepping up to lead. "I don't know the layout, so I need to ask around. We need intel on the Bagbirds."

As a Giant, Brundar instinctively took on the scout's duty. His plan was to treat his comrades to some fun while collecting vital details.

"This Bagbird mission is key," Godfrey, their Commander, murmured softly. "We're not just filling a contract; we need to stockpile some Bagbird pouches for the company."

He glanced at his team. "Enjoy the festival for a few days. Rest up. We head into the wilds soon."

Godfrey concealed his excitement masterfully, yet he shared the others' fascination with Blackstone City. This marked his initial visit. Upon hearing reports of the rare Bagbirds—mystical creatures famed for their dimension-holding pouches—sighted nearby, he'd swiftly covered the steep cost of teleportation without a second thought.

Though Blackstone City sprawled enormously, to certain figures, it amounted to merely a tiny corner of an expansive domain.

"Ah... this is the life," Lorelia breathed out contentedly.

While travelers jammed the roadways below, Lorelia had already retreated to her sanctuary long ago.

Perched high atop the sheer cliffs of Moonshadow Valley, the Spider Queen leaned her chitinous form against the rocky walls. She soaked up the sun's rays, idly observing the bustling city far beneath her through drowsy, narrowed gazes.

Her view took in the plumes of smoke curling from rooftops, the ceaseless flow of humanity, the frightened beast-blood steeds darting chaotically along the paths, and the grand outline of the Horde Hall.

This realm had once fallen under her watchful defense. And it would remain under her eternal vigilance.

Thump!

As Lorelia began to slip toward slumber, a sharp eagle's screech tore through the atmosphere. An enormous, bug-like beast tumbled from above, hurtling straight at her.

Lorelia's eyes flew wide. A spark of avarice gleamed in her cluster of orbs.

With a swift gesture, she launched a sturdy strand of silk that caught the plummeting quarry in flight, yanking it close with a slick thwip.

Soon enough, a colossal Thunderhawk swooped in and touched down on the fortifications.

"Lorelia! A greeting from Rayden," the bird cawed, ruffling his plumage proudly. "Do you like the gift?"

It was indeed Rayden. Ever since stepping away from active duty, the Thunderhawk had indulged in royal comforts, freely patrolling the Stoneheart heavens without fearing any foes. He'd devoted his days to pursuing every female bird across the lands.

Similar to fellow retirees, Rayden lingered at the pinnacle of Chieftain rank, forever barred from ascending to Legendary status. Yet ambition eluded him. He reveled in the security of his supreme patron.

Following the Abyssal Dragon Xalathar's departure to the Abyss, Rayden eagerly aligned himself with Lorelia. As fellow companions of Orion, they held a close connection. Their strengths might vary, but their standing remained on par.

"Satisfied. Very satisfied," Lorelia chittered through her jaws, examining the fallen body. "But I heard Dirtclaw wiped out the bugs in the north. Where did you find this giant cricket?"

Employing a Thunderhawk as her servant brought Lorelia immense pleasure. From time to time, she even coerced him into carrying her aloft for rides.

"Caught it way down south!" Rayden boasted. "Heavy bastard, too."

Beyond the Thunderwood Forest to the south. Far past the Stoneheart frontiers.

Lorelia's brow furrowed, and she fixed Rayden with a stern look.

"Rayden, don't cause trouble for the Master," she warned sharply. "His territory is big enough for you to play in. If you get caught outside the borders, don't expect me to come save your feathery hide."

Caution defined Lorelia's essence. She disapproved of Rayden's heedless explorations.

"It's fine, it's fine," Rayden trilled, waving his wings carelessly. "Master is a Demigod now. No one on this continent—hell, no one in this world—would dare touch me."

Arrogance practically poured from him.

"True," Lorelia admitted reluctantly. "But better safe than dead. You aren't an Archlord. If you get killed, you don't come back."

Her reprimand arose from genuine concern, twisted through her unique lens. "Besides, some big shots have arrived in Blackstone City recently. Don't let them outshine you."

Darkness swiftly enveloped the northern lands.

With stars piercing the deep indigo heavens, the metropolis glowed brightly under countless lanterns.

Throngs assembled in the heart of the plaza, humming with eager energy. Abruptly, a thunderous bellow rattled the city's core. A gigantic dragon burst forth from the Horde Hall, gliding majestically above the gathering.

Its jaws parted wide, spewing a fierce cascade of dragonfire that set the towering pyres alight beneath it.

Whoosh!

The blaze surged upward with fury, bathing the upper skies in vibrant amber and gold, fueling the fervor of the clansfolk down below.

Roar!

Task complete, the dragon veered skyward, looping around the square in triumphant spirals.

Roar!

A responding bellow echoed back. Yet another dragon vaulted from the Horde Hall, merging into the soaring spectacle.

In the midst of the jubilant masses below, Thundar massaged his limb. The dragon marking inked into his flesh seared hotly, the creature inside quivering with thrill at the summons of its brethren.

"You want to join them, old friend?" Thundar chuckled broadly. "Go on, then!"

A burst of crimson radiance erupted from his arm. A dragon took form, howling its defiance to the stars as it shot into the air.

"Hahaha! Why should they have all the fun?"

Dace uttered a wry chuckle. He activated the summoning emblem on his equipment, unleashing his personal dragon steed into the starry expanse.