Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1490 Ruins of the Old Capital

Possessing the rare and highly coveted talent of molding one's own flesh into soul-bound armaments was a feat previously unheard of within the Obsidian Golem lineage. Onyx had never dared to imagine such a gift was his to wield.

"An interesting trick," Orion remarked, his gaze fixed on the blade. "Yet, this weapon is hollow. It would shatter against any véritable power-hitter."

Orion did not hesitate to dissect the defect.

"Treat this power as a supplement, never a replacement," Orion counseled, paced around the massive creature. "Use this essence to coat forged steel. It will elevate the blade's sharpness, weight, and resilience to new heights. You must continue to experiment with these distinct compositions."

He paused, tapping his fingers against the rugged, stony plating of the raised arm before him.

"I have formulated a theory, Prophet. Your dermal armor will naturally harden as your power matures. But consider this: what if you were to sustain it? Should you refine rare ores or even star metals into your own anatomy, your defensive capabilities could reach a state of infinite resilience."

This was no mere conjecture. Orion understood the terrifying reality of the Stoneheart Titan bloodline—their biology was essentially a form of metallurgical alchemy unto itself.

"You are correct, Chieftain," Onyx rumbled, his voice resonating with an odd, fierce intensity. "I can sense the urge. They are starved." He faltered, then corrected himself. "No. *I* am starved."

Orion erupted in laughter. The unintentional double meaning successfully shattered the stifling tension.

"Well, if the Prophet is that insatiable, I shall not stand in your way." Orion favored him with a knowing look—the kind shared between men who appreciate distinct appetites—before gesturing with a wave of his hand, banishing Onyx from the Divine Kingdom.

Meanwhile, in the Citadel of Stoneheart City.

With Kaelen back in the field, Lilith's inner circle had officially welcomed a new member: Sophia, the Butterfly Mother.

"Take this. It is Kaelen's latest status report," Lilith announced, sliding a piece of parchment toward Sophia and another toward Ava. "They have finally arrived at the ruins of the old Imperial Capital."

Sophia scanned the document, her focus narrowing instantly to her son's name. As a newcomer to the complex politics of the Titanion Realm, the ancient history of these human kingdoms held little meaning for her.

"A massive crater?" Ava questioned, her face betraying a volatile mixture of shock and long-buried sorrow.

As the Princess of that fallen dynasty, even she had been unaware that her ancestral seat had been razed so thoroughly.

"More accurately, a pit choked with weeds and crawling with vermin," Lilith corrected, her eyes twinkling with a cold amusement.

"The capital is nestled within a basin, shielded by mountains on all sides," Ava explained, her voice steadying as the strategist within her overcame the royal survivor. "It is a natural choke point. Kaelen is correct. If we secure it, we effectively blockade the Dragon and Sea Races to the south, while severing the migration routes used by the Insectoids from the north."

"Kaelen suggests that the Horde establish a new fortress city at that site," Lilith said, gesturing at the map. She held Ava's gaze, waiting for a response.

"The Royal Archives record that the city served as the anvil upon which our kingdom was forged," Ava stated quietly. "For millennia, humanity leveraged that very geography to repel non-human races into the north. It acted as the primary line between civilization and the untamed wilds."

She paused, suppressing a wave of nostalgia. "From a strategic standpoint, Kaelen is absolutely right."

While the Stoneheart Horde had brought unity to the continent, the world remained fractured. The southern isles were firmly under Dragon rule, the oceans were infested with hostile empires, and the Insectoids were like a sickness festering within their very borders.

Peace was nothing but a fragile illusion.

"Agreed," Lilith nodded.

Then, catching everyone off guard, she turned her attention to Sophia.

"Your race still lacks a recognized territory within the Horde. Would you have any interest in this weed-filled crater?"

The chamber fell into profound silence. Lilith was granting the Dark Butterfly Race the very heart of the former human empire.

Only Orion and Lilith possessed the sovereign authority to distribute land.

Sophia froze, paralyzed by the monumental scale of such a casual offer.

Ava cast her eyes downward, concealing the flicker of anguish in her expression. By all rights—or at least by sentiment—that land belonged to her. Yet, she remained silent.

"Kaelen conducted the extermination of the infestation. The entire strategic proposal originated with him. The glory is his," Lilith continued, her voice light, though her eyes remained keen. "You are welcome to decline, of course."

Lilith was relishing the moment. Ever since arriving, the notorious Butterfly Mother—the woman rumored to have seduced the Giant King—had been uncharacteristically demure. She behaved less like a powerful matriarch and more like a nervous, fledgling bride. Teasing her had become an unexpected amusement.

Nevertheless, beneath the playful banter, Lilith harbored genuine respect for her. She could not personally fathom the sheer audacity required to approach a Titan, let alone the long-term foresight to bear his child and secure her people's future.

"We require a home," Sophia stated, her voice quiet but unflinching. "My people need a foundation if we are to truly integrate into the Horde."

It was honest and direct.

She was not seeking power, but a sense of belonging. This was the exact attitude Lilith sought to foster. Any woman who did not view her husband's kingdom as her own home was unworthy of their protection.

"Then it is settled," Lilith declared. "I shall discuss this with Orion and have the decree drafted. The territory will be granted in Kaelen's name, for the exclusive use of your race."

This distinction was subtle yet vital. The Dark Butterfly Race had yet to earn war accolades of their own. Awarding them land directly would defy protocol. By granting it under Kaelen—an Archlord and the son of Orion—it became legally binding.

It also served as a stern warning.

Everything you possess—your safety, your domain, and your future—exists through Kaelen. Through Orion. Through the majesty of Titan blood.

Sophia grasped the subtext immediately. The new fortress would belong to Kaelen. Her people would be guests within her son's domain.

It was a masterclass in matriarchal authority. Lilith was safeguarding the inheritance of her stepson, ensuring the mother could never overshadow the child.

"I am grateful for this mercy," Sophia said, standing to offer a deep, respectful bow.

It mattered not whose name appeared on the deed. Kaelen was their Insect King. To Sophia, there was no distinction. She was simply thankful to Lilith for providing the opportunity.