Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1478 Loyalty and Blood

Ursa lifted Anubis up onto her mount's saddle, fastening him securely so he wouldn't tumble off while they rode.

"My mission hasn't ended yet," Ursa grumbled as she inspected the ties. "I must advance the frontline further."

"Rest now," she ordered firmly, leaving no room for debate. "You don't have to battle this war by yourself."

Titanion Realm, Blackstone City.

The fall season was starting to blanket the realm. A sharp coolness hung in the air, but Blackstone City's vibrant hustle remained undimmed. In fact, it was surpassing the liveliness seen in southern Stoneheart City.

Folks were starting to see Blackstone City as the fresh heart of the Stoneheart Horde. With the public teleportation array now active, land prices and trade had skyrocketed, fueled by a wild rush for riches.

Inner City, Dirtclaw's Estate.

Back in the day, Dirtclaw often gathered presents and visited homes to honor the other Horde Elders. But things had changed now. Inner city Elders—acquaintances and unknowns alike—formed queues to show their respects to him.

Rendall and Thundar weren't any different. They showed up with containers of top-quality wine, passing through the entrance of Dirtclaw's residence.

"Greetings, High Warden!"

"Greetings, High Warden!"

Rendall and Thundar bent in synchronized bows, their grins blending true well-wishes with obvious jealousy.

"Arch Elder Rendall, Brother Thundar! No need for you to visit in person." Dirtclaw hurried forward to welcome them, guiding his two elders into the estate's secluded chamber.

Exotic liquors and gourmet treats were set out in advance. Over many years, Dirtclaw had shown respect to Rendall and the senior folks like a respectful underling. Prior to his ascent, their advice and power had kept him afloat.

"Rules must be followed," Rendall stated, keeping a serious expression while his gaze sparkled. "Is the High Warden position of the Stoneheart Horde too lowly for us?"

Rendall valued order above all. Dirtclaw had become a mythical icon, ranking just below Orion. The Horde's triumphs rested on his shoulders. Seasoned fighters like themselves were bound to honor the role he held.

Dirtclaw chuckled, filling a full cup of liquor for Rendall. He understood the elderly titan's nature perfectly. A couple of drinks of strong brew, and the rigid Grand Elder would turn back into the rowdy fighter from days gone by.

"Dirtclaw, I've come to request something," Rendall declared straightforwardly once he dabbed his lips.

"Steelblade is on his destined route, but the rest—Bloodforge, Ironmaul, Grimhammer, Doomshard, Frostcrusher... they require a tough challenge. I'll be honest with you. Those young ones lack the innate gifts of your pair of offspring, yet they're reliable warriors from strong lineages. They excel at storming the front."

Dirtclaw was freshly named as the leader of the Fourth Legion, which boasted millions of soldiers. Soon, he'd travel to Moonshadow Valley to rally the forces. Rendall and Thundar visited to guarantee their offspring earned spots.

No one else could be trusted with their family. Yet Dirtclaw inspired total confidence. Plus, they wished his toughness would influence their young ones through service under him.

"Thundar, do you share this view?" Dirtclaw inquired.

Thundar gave a nod. After reaching the Legendary Tier, his prospects had widened, promising a promising path ahead. He'd thought about schooling his relatives personally, but whenever he eyed the explosive progress of Anubis and Wepwawet, he dropped plans for gentle training.

"Grand Elder, Brother Thundar," Dirtclaw replied, his look turning grave. "I won't refuse you. However, entrusting your young to me means this: I'll hand them the riskiest tasks."

He bent closer. "You're aware of my past. I clawed my way from a tomb to reach this point. To make them change, I must show no mercy. They'll be worn to the bone. They'll either perish in combat or emerge as fearsome beings."

Dirtclaw understood they sought no shielding. What they desired was true growth.

"For anyone in the Stoneheart Horde, falling in battle brings the greatest glory," Rendall declared, his features setting into a visage of dignified resolve. "That's a noble end."

"Agreed," Thundar chimed in. "Only a fighter's pyre deserves the name."

"Then it's decided," Dirtclaw announced, topping up their cups. "With that matter handled... Grand Elder, I ventured into the Emerald Dream Realm right after departing the Divine Kingdom. I returned with some valuables. Here, have a glance."

South, Stoneheart City.

Prince Theodore along with the veteran commander Oswin Calder waited in the castle's grand chamber for a meeting with the monarch.

Upon the platform, Orion occupied the throne. Lilith positioned herself on his left, Ava on his right.

"Theodore greets His Majesty!"

"Oswin Calder greets His Majesty!"

Though Orion restrained his power, the raw might of a Demigod thickened the atmosphere like molten metal. Theodore and Oswin displayed clear unease.

Oswin especially shook with nerves. For an ordinary commander, a Demigod embodied legend, a god in flesh. Sharing space with one proved crushing.

"We share blood ties," Orion proclaimed, his words echoing across the room. "I'll safeguard your well-being."

This pledge came from the heart. Orion recalled Theodore's kind handling of Ava and Kronos before. As a family senior, protection fell to him.

"Regarding Northguard..." Orion hesitated. "The land is granted to you formally. It stays under your rule."

Theodore exhaled in relief, unaware he'd been holding it. This result was what Oswin had desperately hoped for.

"That said," Orion went on, his voice turning from warm to commanding, "Northguard's authority system will be overhauled to align with the Horde's ways."

"The ancient nobility is dissolved. Inherited privileges end now. Should your folk seek influence or rank, they'll gain it via achievements and army duty, same as all."

Orion reclined. "You'll get to keep a guard of a thousand troops on your grounds. Anything more? Crave greater authority or elevated rank... pay for it with devotion and sacrifice in war."