Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1553 Three Proposals

Crucially, a Fatebone weapon possessed the ability to grow through perpetual sacrifices. Such an evolving weapon was precisely what Orion most urgently required.

"Trial completed!"

The instant Orion secured his new trident, an impassive voice resonated throughout the Third Stratum of the Bubble Realm. A smaller bubble immediately enveloped Orion, propelling him upward into a superior dimension within the realm.

...

An Uncharted Realm. The City of Pelagos.

With the immediate danger of Kraken quelled, Orion and Leonidas wasted no time. Both individuals returned to their own respective worlds.

One day, as Kraken emerged from his sanctuary to survey his domain, an unfamiliar Demigod aura materialized in the high heavens. It took the form of a colossal meteor, zeroing in on Kraken and descending with lethal force in a devastating surprise assault.

Facing an ambush of this magnitude, an Archlord like Kraken was utterly incapable of mounting a defense.

"Presumptuous wretch!"

At the critical juncture, the faint phantom will Leonidas had instilled within Kraken's brow surged to life. It transformed into a celestial dragon that ascended skyward, violently obliterating the descending meteor into mere dust.

Seizing the fleeting opportunity, Kraken promptly retreated into the abyssal depths of his lair for concealment.

...

The World of Eldoria. Temple of Terminus.

"Damn it all!"

"Someone launched a surprise attack on Squiddy!"

Leonidas's booming outcry startled Orion and the Deputy Commander from their profound meditations within The Void. Both men regarded Leonidas silently, awaiting his explanation.

"After we both departed, some Demigod unleashed a veritable meteor from the sky, attempting to obliterate Squiddy," Leonidas spewed, enraged. "The moment my phantom will activated, the scoundrel vanished. Not a trace remained. I couldn't even detect their aura."

"What in the blazes is their objective? To eliminate Squiddy? Do they perceive us as a laughingstock?" Leonidas was incandescent with fury. Had he not established a failsafe, his brother, Kraken, would have been annihilated. Although only Kraken's tentacle Avatar bore the brunt of the assault, the true target was the dignity and renown of Orion and Leonidas.

"Concealing their trail so effectively that you couldn't even track their aura?" Orion murmured, his gaze fixed in deep contemplation.

The Deputy Commander remained quiet. Having played no role in Kraken's earlier rescue, he lacked the necessary context and chose to simply observe and listen.

"Which faction do you surmise initiated this action?" Orion looked towards Leonidas after a pause, clear uncertainty clouding his eyes. "Were it the ocean clans? Or perhaps the Divine Sigil family?"

"It could feasibly be either. Neither faction is known for their virtuous conduct," Leonidas retorted, deflecting the question. "Someone targeted Squiddy, intending to utilize us as the instrument to disrupt that world's equilibrium. Who do you identify as the principal suspect, brother?"

"On the surface, the Divine Sigil family presents as the foremost contender," Orion deduced, formulating conclusions based on their acquired knowledge. "We encroached upon their domain and interfered with their interests; they suffered a significant setback. As for the ocean clans, with that elder overseeing the seas, no one would dare perpetrate such a brazen act openly. However, one can never truly fathom the depths of another's heart. The ocean clans remain a highly plausible possibility."

"Instruct Squiddy to delegate the management of that territory to his subordinates," Orion advised. "Tell him to act as if this incident never transpired. Foster the adversary's misconception that we are consolidating our strength, awaiting the opportune moment for retribution. The political climate in Kraken's realm is excessively intricate. With solely the two of us, we cannot assert dominance presently. Not unless the Commander is prepared to intervene..."

Orion left the statement unfinished. With their present might, subjugating Kraken's world was but a fantasy. Whether it was the ocean clans or the Divine Sigil family, if either side escalated matters gravely, the two brothers would face immense hardship.

Their sole viable recourse was to lay low. Once Kraken attained the Demigod stage, he would establish a firm foothold in that world. Regarding the Commander's intervention? Exceedingly improbable. Unless the issue pertained to the entirety of the Champions Alliance, the Commander seldom took direct action. His principle was straightforward: if you desire territory, you must strive and bleed for it yourself.

"If Kraken were to perish, who would benefit?" The Deputy Commander interjected from the periphery just as Orion and Leonidas reached an impasse. "The one who stands to gain the most is undoubtedly your primary suspect."

"The ocean clans, naturally!" Leonidas countered instantly. "The majority of Squiddy's territory lies beneath the waves," he elaborated. "The Divine Sigil family is incapable of claiming dominion over oceanic expanses."

"That Demigod, Kuray, suffered immense casualties. He will undoubtedly fall into a profound slumber," Orion elaborated on Leonidas's assertion. "The instant Kraken perishes, that vast expanse of territory will descend into utter chaos."

Viewing the situation from that perspective, the oceanic clans were undeniably the most likely culprits.

"What is their objective? Do they intend to breach the truce and ignite a full-blown war?" Leonidas's expression grew grim, a predatory glint flashing in his eyes. At that very moment, he seriously contemplated becoming the one to stoke the fires of conflict himself.

"That is Kraken's domain," the Deputy Commander interjected, his voice adopting a more severe, cautionary tone. "It falls under his purview. He should be the one vexed by this, not the pair of you."

"It's rather straightforward. The moment Kraken achieves Demigod status, all these predicaments and adversities will naturally dissipate. What, do you two intend to serve as his guardians indefinitely?"

A heavy silence descended upon Orion and Leonidas. Their concern had indeed been somewhat excessive. While they could offer assistance to Kraken once or twice, perpetuating it forever was unfeasible. Ultimately, this was Kraken's solitary battle to fight.

"Greater challenges inevitably forge greater strength," the Deputy Commander continued, directing his gaze towards Leonidas. Acknowledging Kraken's mentor, Leonidas's protective instincts were understandable. "Should you wish to aid him, merely intervene when the situation reaches its critical juncture."

"I have already furnished Elara with the modified blueprints for the inter-realm teleportation array," the Deputy Commander declared, deftly redirecting the conversation. Allowing Leonidas and Kraken to resolve their internal conflict privately was the most pragmatic course of action. "Provide her with any materials she requires. Upon the successful recalibration of the array, her apprenticeship will be considered complete."

"Regarding this Sealing Temple, the President of our Saint Gran Council harbors a significant interest," the Deputy Commander added, his tone shifting to one of increased gravity. In his estimation, the Sealing Temple represented a resource of considerable consequence. "He has presented three distinct proposals for your consideration. The final decision rests with you."

"Proposal One: You relinquish the temple to us without reservation. In recompense, the President shall bestow upon you both the esteemed title of Honorary Councilor of the Saint Gran Council, complete with an array of associated privileges."

"Proposal Two: You permit the Council's arcane research division to establish a presence within the temple. Upon our comprehensive elucidation of the temple's structure and its intricate magical formations, we shall furnish you with the complete schematics."

"Proposal Three: You facilitate the dissemination of the Sealing Temple's data through my agency. While you will continue to receive pertinent support, the timeline for achieving tangible outcomes will be substantially extended."

Orion and Leonidas exchanged meaningful glances, their unspoken thoughts passing between them.

"Deputy Commander, we elect to pursue the third option. We will seek aid through your intermediary," Orion stated, meeting the man's gaze directly as he declared their choice.

There existed a single, uncomplicated rationale behind this particular selection.