Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1557 Clown’s Grand Design

"It doesn't matter." Orion declared with absolute certainty and unshakeable confidence. "We confront immense turmoil, yet the insectoids face precisely the same turmoil. So long as both sides grapple with unstable factors, we retain the capacity to adapt."

"That is not the case," Seraphina retorted. "The adversaries are undoubtedly more seasoned than we are. They certainly anticipated these shifts and likely formulated countermeasures long ago. What is truly chilling is that our most significant advantage has vanished."

As she uttered these final words, a shadow of profound despair crossed her visage. The wild, silver tendrils of lightning that had been writhing across the sky had completely annihilated the realm-guarding formation that she, Evander, and Kairon had meticulously erected. Before the sheer, unassailable cosmic laws of the world, their colossal defensive structure was instantly demolished, without leaving even the slightest disturbance.

At the mention of the wards, Orion's brow involuntarily twitched. Their destruction was indeed a grievous blow, depriving the Titanion Realm's Demigod alliance of a substantial strategic benefit.

Nevertheless, Orion's primary apprehension stemmed not from the impending arrival of the insectoid legions, but from the other unpredictable threats lurking in the shadows.

Without the protection of the realm-guarding array, while Orion and his confederates were locked in a fierce conflict with the insectoids, Demigod factions from other dimensions could easily infiltrate and seize a portion of this nascent world. If these were merely ordinary Demigod groups, the situation would be manageable. However, if the Titanion Realm attracted the attention of an overwhelmingly powerful dark god... any hope of expanding territory would vanish; Orion might struggle to even retain control of the Titan Continent.

"Orion, what troubles your thoughts?" Seraphina inquired, sensing his preoccupation.

"I believe we may face grave peril."

"Indeed?" Seraphina's frown deepened.

"With the border wards shattered, we are not only vulnerable to the insectoids but also possess no defense against the scrutinizing gazes of Demigods from other realms," Orion elucidated. "Henceforth, if we make even a single error, we will bear all the costs while a third party effortlessly claims the rewards."

This realization struck Orion with the force of a jolt, as if rousing from a terrible nightmare. His thoughts turned to Clown.

This entire calamity within the Titanion Realm had been meticulously engineered by Clown alone. Once the insectoids descended, would Clown's Cult of Four also intervene to claim a share of the realm? Given Clown's disposition, if the Cult of Four could not commit their full might, would he not simply incite other dark gods into conflict purely to spite them?

Drip! A droplet of moisture traced a path down Orion's cheek. It was impossible to ascertain whether it was rain or icy perspiration. A bone-chilling dread crept up his spine.

Ever since attaining the status of Demigod, his vigilance against Clown had waned. Bolstered by his newfound raw power, Orion had not perceived the man as a direct physical threat. Yet, only now, facing the culmination of Clown's schemes, did Orion truly feel the suffocating pressure that scoundrel could exert. Clown's genuine might never lay in direct confrontation; it resided in his intricate, perpetually unfolding stratagems.

"Seraphina... this world is truly on the precipice of descending into utter chaos."

It was only at this precise juncture that Orion fully grasped that the insectoid swarms were merely the initial adversary Clown had unleashed upon him. With the Emerald Dream Realm serving as a stark example, the Titanion Realm was undeniably destined to be a target for other Demigod factions. Orion shuddered at the mere contemplation: what if Clown was exploiting him and the Stoneheart Horde as a lure to orchestrate yet another massacre against the remainder of the Champions Alliance?

"Maintain vigilance. I must ponder this matter further." Orion turned, re-entered the palace, and sank onto his throne, his eyes closed.

...

Survivor's Platform, Champions Alliance Public Channel.

Orion initially adjusted the channel's security settings, ensuring that no member below the Archlord rank could intercept the subsequent dialogue.

Hulk: "Comrades, a discussion is necessary. It pertains to Clown."

Less than five minutes after the message was dispatched, every core member—regardless of whether they were in deep slumber or otherwise—was abruptly roused.

Leonidas: "Brother, have you finally apprehended Clown?"

Leonidas: "Do not hold back on my behalf. Make him suffer severely."

Leonidas was aware of Orion's true capabilities; the scenario he hinted at was entirely within the realm of possibility.

Arthas: "Clown is devious. He will not be captured so easily."

Alexander: "It's not that I'm underestimating Hulk, but I am fully aware of how incredibly sensitive Clown's danger intuition is. Leonidas, the likelihood of your proposed scenario is virtually nonexistent."

The simultaneous appearance of Arthas and Alexander from the Minor Hell realm confirmed they were together, with Arthas likely being the one to awaken Alexander.

Kraken: "If it's Clown I'm facing, I'm likely outmatched. However, if Witch were to appear, I believe I could handle her."

Kraken's interjection highlighted his sharp perspicacity. He possessed a clear understanding of his own standing in the power hierarchy and which adversaries he could realistically confront.

Makareth: "Traitors deserve to die!"

Makareth: "Sign me up for the purge, bosses!"

Makareth: "I'm eager to witness firsthand who possesses the audacity to betray the Champions Alliance!"

Makareth's pronouncements were impulsive, his tone dripping with audacious bravado. However, a more careful examination of his messages showed a deliberate omission of naming specific targets for his intended confrontation. Could 'purging traitors,' 'cheering from the sidelines,' and 'managing logistics' still be considered a valid form of contribution?

Edward (Deputy Commander): "State your case. What precisely is the situation?"

The Deputy Commander's intervention brought an immediate and complete silence to the public channel. Not a single word of frivolous chatter dared to be uttered.

Hulk: "Here's the situation. Recently, Clown targeted my Titanion Realm. He disclosed its coordinates to a world dominated by insectoids. Through his intricate schemes, he compelled the two realms into a devastating merger..."

Orion provided a concise summary of the critical developments transp 's unfolding within the Titanion Realm.

Hulk: "Currently, the realm-merger is progressing into its final phase. The protective wards on both sides' boundaries have been utterly demolished. The Titanion Realm has lost all its defenses against the external void."

Hulk: "Were I Clown, I would certainly seize this opportune moment to claim a portion for myself and the Cult of Four."

Hulk: "Moreover, this presents a perfect chance to neutralize me, or even worse, to lay an elaborate death trap for the remainder of the Champions Alliance."

Hulk: "If I were in his position, even facing defeat in the war, I would deliberately drag as many malevolent Demigod factions into the Titanion Realm as possible, simply to spite my adversaries."

Orion articulated his deductions and deepest anxieties. The channel descended into a profound silence as each individual contemplated the grim likelihood of his pronouncements being true.

Alexander: "Observing the grand tapestry of unfolding events, this has Clown's unmistakable signature all over it. Operating from the shadows is unquestionably his most cherished pastime."

Leonidas: "That detestable wooden effigy. His favored tactic involves orchestrating a hundred seemingly minor occurrences to culminate in a world-ending catastrophe, unnoticed by all."

Arthas: "There's no necessity for conjecture. Clown will most assuredly meddle in the affairs of the Titanion Realm. Even if he doesn't personally engage, he will undoubtedly utilize proxies to secure his gains."

Following Orion's detailed account, Alexander, Leonidas, and Arthas all lent their agreement to his hypotheses. The current calamitous state of the Titanion Realm was undeniably a component of Clown's overarching strategy.

Arthas: "Ever since that scoundrel became involved with the Cult of Four, he has gained access to an immense trove of clandestine knowledge. He most certainly anticipated the exact consequences of a realm-merger."

Arthas: "Given his spiteful and vengeful disposition, there is no conceivable way he would allow Hulk to escape retribution for destroying his Avatar and thwarting his prior schemes. He is coming to exact his revenge."