Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1551 Kraken’s Way Out

"The ocean clans and the divine sigil family have stood at an impasse for countless years. We cannot allow outsiders to shatter this precious balance."

"If you truly desire more territory, cast your gaze beyond this realm."

"These waters belong to our descendants. They need a safe harbor to grow and thrive."

The enigmatic old man turned and delivered these words to the other three Demigods.

"By your command, Sea King!"

"By your command, Sea King!"

...

All four Demigods, Tegon Calthor included, offered the old man their absolute reverence.

The elder said nothing more. He turned and walked step by step into the abyssal depths.

With his departure, the sea—previously smooth as glass—roared back to life, churning with violent waves.

...

Meanwhile, in Pelagos.

Pelagos was a unique submarine city, carved directly into the heart of an underwater mountain range. To enter, one had to plunge into a bottomless trench and pass through a cavern sealed by a magical ward. It remained so perfectly hidden because this was Kraken's true lair.

Right now, in the grandest hall of the city, Orion, Leonidas, and Kraken had dismissed the guards and mermaid handmaidens. The three of them sat around a massive oyster shell laden with rare delicacies from land and sea.

"Brother, just how strong is that old man?"

To make Orion retreat so decisively, Leonidas didn't even have to think about it—the newly arrived elder had to be an entity far beyond a Second-Stage Demigod.

"Most likely a Third-Stage Demigod." Orion clinked glasses with Leonidas, offering the explanation before draining his drink. "Could even be Fourth-Stage. He might have used some secret art to mask his aura, preventing me from sensing a greater threat."

"Squiddy, you've really never heard of that old guy at all?" Leonidas turned to Kraken after hearing Orion out. "Don't the ocean clans of this world have myths or legends? Could he be a figure straight out of one of those?"

Since the enemy was that powerful, Orion's decision to pull back was undeniably the smart play.

"Big Boss, I swear I've never heard of him!" Kraken shook his head as he poured more wine for Orion and Leonidas. "I only just found out today that our people had such a terrifying entity watching over us. Though I've heard plenty of legends about Kuray, the Serpent God, ever since I advanced to Archlord."

"Serpent God?" Leonidas scoffed. "Bullshit Serpent God. More like an overgrown worm. Even without my brother's help, I could have swallowed him alive."

Kraken fully believed that. From start to finish, Leonidas had completely dominated his fight against Kuray.

"Brother, did you step in to execute Kuray because you sensed that old man coming?"

Orion nodded, confirming the suspicion. He hadn't just sensed the enigmatic elder; he had sensed the arrival of the other three ocean clan Demigods as well. Because they were drastically outnumbered, Orion was forced to launch a surprise attack on Kuray, eliminating him to weaken the enemy's overall strength. Otherwise, getting dragged into a brawl against that many Demigods would have been a bloodbath. They would have been completely screwed.

"Squiddy, I genuinely feel bad for you, man." Leonidas downed his drink in one gulp, reaching out to clap Kraken on the shoulder with a sympathetic grimace.

"Big Boss, I've been mentally prepared for this." Kraken offered a bitter smile. Ever since he learned of Kuray's existence, he knew his expansion in this world had essentially hit a brick wall.

Trying to achieve Demigod status relying solely on his territory and gathered faith in this realm was a pipe dream. In other words, the established Demigods were actively suppressing his growth. If Kraken wanted to ascend to Demigod, he had to look to other realms. He had to conquer outward. On top of that, he had to guard his current territory from being coveted and invaded by those same heavyweights.

Even though the mysterious elder promised Orion he would guarantee Kraken's safety and assets, any Awakened with half a brain knew better than to entrust their life and fortune to a stranger's fleeting word.

"This realm is a lot more complicated than we thought," Orion mused. Back when they flooded Lionheart City and clashed head-on with the Divine Sigil family, he hadn't fully grasped the scope of it. Looking back, it was likely because the coalition backing the Divine Sigil family hadn't actually mobilized. Or perhaps they were wary of the ocean clans and didn't want to risk a war with Orion and Leonidas over a minor territorial dispute.

"The sea and land factions have established a precarious balance. No one desires to be the catalyst for its disruption. My friend, I assure you, the very instant we display any inclination to claim permanent territory here, the Demigods from both the sea and the Divine Sigil family will unite their forces to eradicate us."

The sudden appearance of the enigmatic sea elder compelled Orion to re-evaluate the entire scenario in mere moments.

"This realm bears a striking resemblance to the Emerald Dream Realm, where we command one-third of the continent. The existing power structures are firmly entrenched, and they exhibit absolute intolerance towards any outsiders. While the sea and land factions are adversaries, they also function as allies of convenience. They may vie amongst themselves, but they will invariably band together to repel any foreign threat."

The prevailing geopolitical configuration precisely mirrored that of the Emerald Dream Realm, where the Champions Alliance, the native tribes, and the dark factions divided the continent into three distinct regions—alternating between bitter enemies and uneasy confederates.

"Kraken, this territory is truly not conducive to your advancement," Orion continued. "The sole reason you haven't been eliminated since achieving the Archlord stage is likely due to Kuray's assumption that you have powerful allies supporting you. He hesitated to make a rash move."

This was not mere conjecture; it was an undeniable certainty.

"Orion, Big Boss... is my sanctuary no longer secure?" It was only now, after consuming three rounds of wine, that Kraken finally articulated the gnawing anxiety that had been consuming him.

Leonidas remained silent for a moment, his brow deeply furrowed in contemplation. The question also gave Orion considerable pause.

"It ought to remain safe, but you must maintain vigilance," Orion stated finally. "The strength of that mysterious elder is extraordinary; it is highly improbable that any other Demigod would dare to show him disrespect."

The underlying principle was straightforward. It was akin to Orion's own standing within the Titanion Realm. Should his affiliations become known to Demigods such as Evander, Kairon, Seraphina, or Pyraxis Bloodflame, they would undoubtedly accord him the appropriate deference. Conversely, if those individuals possessed sufficient power, Orion himself would extend the identical courtesy.

"Squiddy, if circumstances necessitate, simply relocate your primary form to the Valkorath Realm," Leonidas proposed after a prolonged period of reflection. "The oceans of the Valkorath Realm are entirely at your disposal for exploration."

Kraken inclined his head in agreement. It represented the most prudent course of action. Until he reached his full potential, the Valkorath Realm would serve as his ultimate haven. In reality, he was not the sole individual privy to this contingency plan. Makareth, Isabella, and Tangere, who were still in the process of developing their power, harbored the identical sentiment. Although they did not openly discuss the Valkorath Realm, they were diligently cultivating their presence there in secret. In their hearts, it was the only location that truly offered a sense of security.

"Heh. To be completely honest, Big Boss," Kraken admitted with a cunning grin. "Even before I departed for Lionheart City with you and Orion, I had already transferred my main body to the Valkorath Realm."

"Unbelievable!"

"You crafty scoundrel!"