Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1590 Price of the Vessel

The Commander remained silent, merely shaking his head. He slowly savored his wine, a smile gracing his lips as he looked at the three individuals before him.

It was evident that they were not yet privy to this crucial intelligence.

"In essence, the Titanion Realm is no longer solely Hulk's domain. It is poised to become ours as well," Deputy Commander Edward explained, simplifying the concept for Leonidas and the others. "Because it possesses the ability to condense a Divine Mantle, the Titanion Realm is set to become the paramount focus of the Champions Alliance. If we navigate this correctly, it could very well be the very location where we achieve godhood."

Edward intently observed Commander Thresh as he concluded his statement.

"Precisely," the Commander affirmed, finally setting aside his food and drink. "In contrast to the Abyss, Hell, or the uncharted expanses of The Divine Dominion, achieving ascension within the Titanion Realm offers us a significant home-field advantage. With Orion's presence already established, we possess the strategic upper hand."

When the subject of the Divine Mantle and the attainment of godhood arose, the Commander held undisputed authority at the table; he was the closest to comprehending its mysteries.

"This brings me to my next critical point," Thresh continued, his demeanor growing somber. "Prepare yourselves. The moment the Titanion Realm is revitalized from its foundational state, the news of its elevation to an Ascendant Plane will disseminate with astounding speed. Every clandestine entity across the cosmos will sense its potential. An unprecedented period of intense conflict is imminent."

He leaned forward, emphasizing his next words. "To preserve our dominance, we must steadfastly defend Hulk's established claim and systematically dismantle any and all intruders."

The inclusion of 'we' signified the Commander's personal involvement in the impending defense.

"Edward, disseminate the directive throughout the ranks. Ensure the entire guild is mobilized and battle-ready. A newly reborn Titanion Realm will undoubtedly manifest countless Primordial Treasures, thereby significantly accelerating the growth of its inhabitants."

"Understood," Edward responded with a nod.

World of Eldoria, Temple of Terminus

In the profound depths of this sacred temple, Orion's avatar, the Abyssal Dreadfin, was immersed in a state of Secluded Meditation. Ever since Deputy Commander Edward successfully erected the sealing array within this location, the Abyssal Dreadfin had been diligently and discreetly assimilating World Essence from The Void. This particular avatar represented the sole envoy Orion had positioned beyond the confines of the Titanion Realm.

The Abyssal Dreadfin slowly unsealed its eyes, a flicker of vexation momentarily crossing its gaze.

"Without a Divine Vessel to serve as an anchor, the Divine Kingdom remains exceedingly tenuous," Orion voiced, his words tinged with frustration.

With a profound sigh, he observed the ethereal tendrils of the World Tree gradually withdrawing from The Void, receding back into the formless, chaotic expanse. The absence of the Divine Vessel, acting as a stabilizing anchor, had brought the expansion of the Divine Kingdom to a complete standstill. It contracted, reverting to a nascent seed, and buried itself within the primordial chaos, awaiting the reformation of its Vessel.

It was akin to the World Tree having unfurled its blossoms, only for the nascent fruit to be snatched away before it could mature. Now, it retreated into the earth to endure the harshness of winter.

While Orion's Divine Vessel might have consisted of merely a single phalanx bone, its loss inflicted a wound of immense pain. The repercussions were undeniably catastrophic. The most agonizing aspect? Without it, his ability to freely access the Divine Kingdom's power was severed. A single misstep without the Vessel's protective influence, and the entire Kingdom would inevitably collapse into utter chaos.

"My connection to the Titanion Realm has been severed," Orion realized with dawning clarity. "I must return to the Valkorath Realm and seek an audience with the Commander. He is undoubtedly aware of the unfolding events."

The Abyss, Uncharted Territory

"Journey to the Titanion Realm? Have you lost your faculties? You are dispatching me on a mission destined for certain annihilation!"

Witch emerged dramatically from behind a heavy tapestry, her gaze fixed upon Clown with profound disbelief. She had previously desired to travel to the Titanion Realm, but Clown had intervened and prevented her. Now, he not only sanctioned her journey but furthermore insisted that she amplify her investment.

"Certain unforeseen variables have surpassed my initial projections," Clown stated with an unnerving calmness. "The fundamental truth remains that the Titanion Realm is undergoing an ascension to the status of an Ascendant Plane. It is on the precipice of becoming the most coveted prize within the cosmos. If your ambition is to attain demigod status in the foreseeable future, your presence there is non-negotiable."

He paused, allowing his calculated words to take their intended effect. "Furthermore, by accumulating sufficient merits within that realm, securing the backing for your elevation to Pontiff will transform into a mere formality."

Clown harbored his own set of perplexing challenges. He possessed knowledge that the Cult of Four was orchestrating a grand scheme, yet he had not anticipated a gambit of this monumental scale. What truly incensed him was the fact that Archbishop Kysar had circumvented the authority of the Pontiffs entirely to personally oversee the execution of this operation. The concealed implications stemming from such a decisive action were deeply disquieting.

"I harbor a disquieting premonition that you are trifling with forces beyond your control," Witch declared, her eyes scrutinizing Clown's visage for any betraying signs.

None were discernible. The entity standing before her was merely an insubstantial puppet, utterly devoid of any discernible emotion. While Clown's pronouncements held a core of truth, they represented a carefully curated fraction of the complete reality.

Witch was well aware of Clown's ambition; he yearned to ascend the ranks and become an Archbishop. However, for such a position to become available, an existing Archbishop would need to meet their demise.

Clown was meticulously orchestrating a vast and perilous scheme.

"Consider this," Clown's voice emanated from the puppet, a silken threat. "That skeleton, Alexander, Leonidas—they have all attained the status of demigods. Yet, you remain an Arch Lord. Are you truly content with being left so far behind?"

"The Titanion Realm is on the verge of unveiling numerous Primordial Treasures of the origin-tier," he continued his insidious persuasion. "It will not be long before The Order bestows upon us a new cohort of demigods. Do you not desire a share of that power?"

By 'a share,' he implicitly meant supreme authority and an unassailable position.

"Have faith in me. When the conflict erupts, the Champions Alliance will undoubtedly unleash their most formidable warriors. If I were in your shoes, I would employ every conceivable tactic to ensnare one of them—and then offer them as a sacrifice to the four deities. Accomplish this, and your promotion will be virtually assured."

As she absorbed his venomous enticement, Witch's eyes narrowed. She possessed an intimate understanding of precisely how Clown had managed to secure his own seat as Pontiff.

Blade's Edge Peak, Valkorath Realm

By the time Orion's Abyssal Dreadfin avatar materialized at the summit, a palpable, heavy excitement already permeated the atmosphere amongst his comrades.

"Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence! You're tardy, kid," Leonidas slurred, unceremoniously depositing three enormous casks of moonshine before Orion. "Penalty for lateness. Three cups? Forget that. Three kegs. Drink them all."

Leonidas fixed him with a stern gaze, implicitly warning him not to spill a single drop.

Orion erupted into a hearty laugh. He was currently manifesting as his Abyssal Dreadfin avatar—a colossal leviathan of the abyssal depths, possessing demigod-tier might. Three kegs? He could easily down three thousand without so much as a flinch. With effortless strength, he lifted the first cask and drained its contents to the roar of approval from the assembled group.

"Satisfied, brother?" Orion inquired a few moments later, setting the empty casks aside and wiping his mouth with a broad grin.

"Damn right! Hits the spot, doesn't it?" Leonidas retorted with a hearty laugh.

Orion chuckled, moving towards the crackling campfire to join the Commander's select inner circle.

"A demigod-tier Dreadfin avatar," Commander Thresh observed thoughtfully. "It appears you have extracted a substantial quantity of World Essence from the World of Eldoria."

Deputy Commander Edward, having personally overseen the installation of the seal within the undersea palace, possessed a precise awareness of the immense gains Orion was poised to achieve. He had immediately recognized the avatar's dramatic surge in power.

"It is a matter of some regret," Orion admitted as he took a seat. "My Divine Kingdom was compelled to retreat into the void. Consequently, I am currently unable to siphon any further origin power from that source."

Although the avatar had achieved the demigod realm, the severance of a permanent conduit to a world's intrinsic essence represented a significant long-term impediment.

"Whether it proves beneficial or detrimental remains to be seen," the Commander stated, tossing Orion a skewer of freshly roasted meat. "The act of devouring or obliterating an entire world invariably entails unpredictable karmic repercussions. The Weave of Fate will ultimately exact its due. When that time arrives, your capacity for survival will depend solely upon your own inherent strength."

"You speak the truth," Orion responded, accepting the skewer. His tone exuded a profound understanding.

As an individual who had once wielded the formidable authority of the Titanion Realm, the Platinum Realm, and a Divine Kingdom, Orion possessed an intimate comprehension of the immense burden associated with planetary destruction. One might annihilate a world, but the possibility of leaving behind a seed of retribution could never be entirely discounted. Should such a seed take root, the Weave of Fate would inevitably restore the balance at some future juncture. In that inevitable confrontation, sheer power would be the ultimate arbiter.

This thought brought to mind his adopted daughter, Elara. He pondered whether, upon her eventual mastery of her powers, she would seek answers regarding the past. He honestly could not ascertain the answer.

"So, enlighten me," the Commander requested, his voice cutting through the gentle crackling of the fire. Curiously, as Thresh spoke, Leonidas, Alexander, Edward, and Arthas seemed to recede into the periphery, their actions momentarily ceasing.

"It was an experience of unparalleled intensity. Utterly overwhelming," Orion confessed after consuming a portion of the meat, choosing an unvarnished honesty. "To feel the absolute might of an entire world coursing through my being... it fostered the profound illusion that I possessed the capacity to rend the very fabric of the universe and unravel all of creation."

"That was no mere illusion," the Commander corrected him smoothly, proffering a fresh platter of meat. "The backing of a world's dominion literally bestows upon you the power to shatter celestial bodies and obliterate stars. Proceed."

"The moment the Divine Vessel descended, a powerful impulse to annihilate the Titanion Realm surged within me," Orion admitted. "And I knew, with utter certainty, that I possessed the capability. However, I restrained myself. I compelled the Vessel to merge with the realm instead." He paused, his gaze intensifying as he faced the Commander. "Furthermore... just before the Titanion Realm reverted to its nascent state, while I was intrinsically linked with the Vessel, I manifested a physical form within the very fabric of laws. I am convinced it was composed of actual flesh and blood."

This profound enigma was a primary impetus for his swift return.

The Commander raised four fingers, addressing Orion.

"Firstly, attempting to integrate your Divine Vessel into a world external to your Divine Kingdom constitutes an inherent act of betrayal and devastation towards the Vessel itself. Its instinctive resistance is the very reason you experienced the overwhelming urge to destroy the Titanion Realm."

He lowered one finger. "Secondly, the Divine Vessel is an entity coalesced from countless fundamental laws. Within the realm of laws, when you are one with the Vessel, you are its tangible embodiment. The concept of 'condensing a body' is a misnomer—you were intrinsically real from the outset."

Another finger descended. "Thirdly, the privilege of forging a Divine Vessel is granted to exceedingly few. Though yours may be but a solitary finger bone, it remains a genuine Vessel. Shielded by its power, you are virtually impervious within the newly born Titanion Realm."

The Commander lowered his final finger, his eyes meeting Orion's with piercing intensity. "Fourthly, possessing invincibility does not equate to absolute immunity from defeat. Do you grasp the implication of my words?"

Orion responded with a firm nod. He comprehended the message completely.