Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1558 The Swarms Descend

Knowing Clown's character from their shared history as comrades, the siblings understood him well.

Leonidas mused, "Heh... If you ask me, he's coming straight for us. Little brother is just his entry point."

Clown had suffered a monumental defeat in the Silverwood Realm. The native ocean clans there had unleashed the devastating Sea of the Dead, completely preventing the Cult of Four from claiming any of the spoils. Experiencing such a heavy loss, it was inconceivable that Clown would simply accept it without retaliation. This silent understanding was shared among everyone present.

Arthas grumbled, "Trouble follows that bastard wherever he goes."

Arthas then added, "Hmph. The way I see it, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. He thinks he's making a mess for us, but he's actually just exposing his own tracks."

He concluded, "The second he shows his face, we drop a net on him and end it."

Arthas's words carried a frigid resolve. As Orion's mentor, Clown targeting his protégé was tantamount to targeting him directly.

Alexander proposed, "This time, I suggest we all stay in the shadows. Remaining unseen is the greatest deterrent against Clown and the Cult of Four."

The three brothers exchanged their thoughts, each statement underscoring their unwavering support for Orion.

Edward stated, "Hulk, with your current strength, you are more than capable of handling any sudden escalations."

He followed up with, "But if you need backup, just say the word."

The Deputy Commander was fully aware of Orion's formidable capabilities. In a one-on-one confrontation, even a typical Fourth-Stage Demigod would struggle against him. However, if he were to face a swarm of Demigod-level opponents, Orion would undoubtedly require assistance. Orion was not all-powerful, nor could he infinitely split his phantom wills. At the Demigod level, the more phantom wills one produced, the more their core strength became diluted, leaving them exceptionally vulnerable to targeted attacks, defeat, or even death.

Makareth offered, "Orion, need a hand? Completely off the books, no strings attached."

Observing that even formidable Demigods like the Deputy Commander were holding back, Makareth's strategic mind immediately went into overdrive. Demigods were bound by political considerations and reservations; an Archlord like himself faced no such constraints. Securing the favor of a powerhouse like Orion was an invaluable opportunity.

Kraken chimed in eagerly, "A merger of two worlds means a lot of new, uncharted oceans, right?"

He added, "Barring Demigods, I can hold the line against anything you throw at me!"

Orion had recently saved his life from a falling star, and Kraken had been agonizing over how to repay the significant debt. He eagerly volunteered his support.

Hulk responded, "The board is still too chaotic. I don't need you guys to deploy just yet. Let me watch how this plays out first."

While not rejecting his comrades' offers of support, Orion recognized the need to observe the situation before committing to a definitive course of action.

Leonidas inquired, "Killer, haven't you been tracking Clown this whole time? Any progress on your end?"

Alexander replied, "It wasn't his main body. What's the point of killing a puppet? It would only spook the snake in the grass."

Alexander's revelation cast a heavier atmosphere over their discussion.

Edward declared, "Regardless, the moment Clown shows himself, we will inflict crippling damage on him and the faction backing him."

He continued with grim determination, "We will make him bleed. We will make him fear us. We will make him actively avoid crossing our path."

This decree from the Deputy Commander established the unwavering, unified resolve of the Champions Alliance.

Edward then instructed, "Alexander, you've nearly finished refining your Asura Avatar. Pull it out of the forge soon and use it to shatter Clown's arrogance."

The Asura Avatar itself had been originally seized from Clown. Having Alexander wield Clown's own stolen weapon against him would deliver a profound psychological and physical blow.

Alexander requested, "Hulk, give me a little more time. Once I break out of seclusion, I'll come find you. We'll map out a proper strategy then."

Hulk acknowledged, "Understood."

After dedicating more time to refining tactical details, the group shifted the focus of their conversation.

Makareth asked, "By the way, Deputy Commander, when are we dropping into the Verdant Cloud Realm?"

The Verdant Cloud Realm was the world the Platinum Authority was slated to invade, the very same world Pallas was currently scouting and the primary objective designated to the Platinum Authority by the Commander.

Edward responded, "The containment wards are nearing completion. I will notify you when the time comes."

He added, "And there's no need for any of you to steal the spotlight this time. The Platinum Authority are the main characters."

Edward concluded, "Our job is simply to provide a deterrent."

Orion possessed a basic awareness of the Verdant Cloud Realm. Should he choose, he could directly seize control of Pallas's senses and observe the unfolding events. However, such intervention was unnecessary. He had dispatched the youth to carve out his own destiny through rigorous challenges, recognizing that sometimes, remaining a detached observer was the wisest course of action.

Kraken declared, "The Commander is spearheading this operation. Makareth, let's simply relax and let ourselves be carried to victory!"

Makareth responded with only, "..."

After a considerable interval, Orion disengaged from the Survivor's Platform.

Titanion Realm. The City of Stoneheart.

Upon Orion's reappearance on the balcony, the final vestiges of apprehension had completely dissipated from his gaze. Seraphina couldn't help but notice the stark transformation in his disposition.

"Have you conceived of a robust countermeasure?" she inquired.

Orion extended his arm, drawing Seraphina closer by her waist. He offered a nod, followed by a slow shake of his head.

"Allow the demons to frolic. Our sole requirement is to remain as steadfast as a mountain," Orion stated with absolute, unwavering conviction. "Regardless of the adversary, the Titan Continent is my dominion. And the Silvercurrent Sea shall remain yours."

As the two worlds converged, the total landmass would experience exponential growth, consequently leading to the expansion of both the Titan Continent and the Silvercurrent Sea. To secure and maintain this newly formed territory, conflict was an inevitable certainty.

"Orion, I am experiencing disquiet," Seraphina confessed. As a Demigod, her innate danger sense was perpetually on high alert, a condition exacerbated by the complete annihilation of their boundary wards.

Moreover, based on Orion's prior revelations, they were not merely preparing for a direct confrontation with the encroaching insectoid hordes; they also had to remain vigilant against predatory Demigod factions hailing from entirely separate realms. The geopolitical climate was poised to become infinitely more perilous. Even for a Demigod, the looming menace felt suffocating.

Rumble! Rumble!

Just as the pair surveyed the distant, unlit horizon, the ground shuddered violently. The heavens appeared to fracture, and the oceans churned with apocalyptic intensity as the very foundations of the world underwent a convulsive upheaval. Every creature inhabiting the continent—be it insectoid or magical beast—emitted cries of sheer, unbridled terror.

Within the oppressive darkness, countless terrified entities desperately scrambled, seeking refuge from the encroaching chaos.

"Has it commenced?"

The protective wards surrounding the City of Stoneheart blazed to life. With Orion serving as the physical anchor for the territory, no matter how seismically the continent convulsed, the principal cities of the Stoneheart Horde remained resolute and unyielding, much like immovable mountains.

Orion inclined his head backward. Although the celestial expanse above was naught but a lightless void, his senses alerted him to something hurtling towards them with great speed.

At that precise instant, across the untamed wilderness beyond the city's perimeter, innumerable silhouettes of varying dimensions were silently descending onto the continent, concealed perfectly by the enveloping darkness.

This phenomenon was not confined to the Titan Continent alone. The identical silent infiltration was occurring across the other two continents, and even in the depths of the expanding oceans.

In that singular moment, the entirety of the Titanion Realm was engulfed by the terrifying shadow of the insectoid swarms.

"The enemy has arrived!"

"Where are they?"