Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1594 Carving the Stag

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Previously on Titan King: Ascension of the Giant...
Aina and Caesar volunteer to join the vanguard in the upcoming world-scale war, while Branric opts to focus on logistics. Aerin is deemed unsuitable for frontline combat. Meanwhile, in the Titanion Realm, Orion prepares to form his divine soul amidst a brewing conflict between The Lifeless Dreadgod, Archbishop Kysar, and Insect Queen Moriphara, who arrives with a colossal Brood Empress.

"Kid, that's The Brood Empress!"

"Unless the gods themselves descend, it's invincible. Unkillable!"

"If you want a kill, aim for the witch!"

From the sidelines, The Lifeless Dreadgod gloated, occasionally shouting unsolicited advice as Orion and Moriphara engaged in their fierce clash.

"It's not the actual Brood Empress. Just a projection."

"If her true form were to descend here, this newborn world would be devoured along with us."

Archbishop Kysar wasn't the only one who saw through Moriphara's facade; The Lifeless Dreadgod was fully aware of her deceptive tactics.

Boom!

Before either the Dreadgod or Kysar could offer more counsel, Orion struck.

Rewriting the Weave of Reality was an inevitable course of action. However, before committing to such a drastic measure, Orion needed to ascertain if the entities before him possessed the right to claim a portion of the spoils.

Operating within the established rules, Orion unleashed an indiscriminate assault targeting The Lifeless Dreadgod, Archbishop Kysar, and Moriphara simultaneously. A chaotic free-for-all ensued. In one moment, Orion found himself in a three-on-one battle; the next, they were all united, ganging up on Moriphara and her Brood Empress.

Power was not an inherent birthright; it was seized.

Soraya, Valkorath Realm.

"This place is incredible!"

Stepping out of the Purification Tower, Aurora felt the lingering curses and malice entirely cleansed from her body. She stretched, experiencing a lightness she hadn't felt in months.

"Such a thorough cleansing is incredibly rare."

"I scoured the Survivor's Platform for ages, and no one offered anything remotely close to this."

Kraken extended a tentacle, gently patting Aurora's head. Sensing her stabilized condition, he visibly relaxed.

"Let's go. We're heading to Dusk Castle. The others are waiting."

Inside the castle, ornate magical crystal chandeliers illuminated the circular hall with a brilliant glow. The assembled group took their places around a heavy, wooden table. Orion stood at the head, expertly carving a massive, whole roasted stag.

"I just came down from Blade's Edge Peak," Orion announced. "The brothers will be contacting you soon with the precise details of the plan."

He sliced off the largest leg, placed it upon a polished silver platter, and personally handed it to Kraken.

"The ocean is vast. My Dreadfin avatar will only be able to secure one region against rival demigod powerhouses. I'll be depending on you to manage the entirety of the naval operations."

Kraken accepted the leg with a tentacle, promptly tossing the entire piece into his maw and chewing noisily. "Don't worry. I've got it covered."

Orion nodded and proceeded to carve another leg.

"I heard you're pushing deeper into the Abyss?" Orion presented the second silver platter to Demon Makareth.

The demon accepted the meat, his eyes gleaming with evident delight. "Heh, you know me, Orion. I'm reckless. I just charge straight down, mostly just passing through the layers. I've carved out a rather nice little territory for myself on the twenty-seventh layer of the Abyss. You should visit sometime."

Orion nodded, acknowledging the invitation.

During the bonfire gathering held at Blade's Edge Peak, all present—including the Commander—had concurred that at the Arch Lord tier, Makareth served as the public face of the Champions Alliance. His formidable brute force would be indispensable in the impending war. The Deputy Commander had, naturally, made the necessary arrangements.

"Where's mine?" Isabella demanded imperiously.

She grudgingly conceded that Kraken and Makareth surpassed her in strength. She could tolerate them receiving their portions first. However, she had absolutely no intention of allowing Tangere and Aurora to cut ahead of her.

"You never change," Orion remarked with a faint smile.

He handed Isabella a leg, showing no inclination to engage in an argument. Orion understood Isabella intimately. She was akin to a wild mare; as long as her ego was sufficiently stroked, she wouldn't cause trouble. He was also acutely aware of the unspoken tension that existed between them. It was clear she harbored feelings for him. Yet, given her arrogant and volatile disposition, Orion feared that acknowledging such a connection would ignite a blaze that could consume his entire life.

Therefore, he maintained a strictly platonic demeanor. It was far better to allow the situation to simmer and develop naturally than to force the issue and risk an explosive outcome.

"I'm much stronger now, you know!"

As if to emphasize her rightful claim to the portion, Isabella shot Orion a pointed look, then cast a cautionary glare towards Aurora and Tangere.

Aurora and Tangere wisely chose to remain silent. Neither had even reached the Arch Lord tier yet; they were merely present to benefit from the strength of the leading figures. Orion, however, did not play favorites. He carved generous portions of the tender meat for both of them.

Returning to his seat, Orion gazed at the sizzling roast. He sliced off a piece with his dagger, lifting it up. Rich, amber-colored juices dripped down the dark steel blade.

A stag requires the sharpest blade for its meat to remain unblemished, lest it turn tough, Orion stated calmly. The most succulent portions are reserved solely for the most formidable warriors.

He savored the meat, his gaze sweeping across each person present at the table.

Metal chills the skin. Flames bring warmth. Avarice knows no end. To acquire more, one must spill blood. In the hunt, beasts of prey and scavengers are always encountered. Losses are an unavoidable certainty.

This was a subtle caution, delivered with less directness than his usual manner.

The current theater of conflict was the Titanion Realm. Their engagement was in service to his agenda. He and the Stoneheart Horde stood to gain the most from this endeavor. Unlike Caesar, Aerin, or Scarecrow, the individuals gathered here were integral members of the Champions Alliance. Refusal of the conscription was not an option for them. Wherever the Alliance directed their might, they were compelled to advance.

Orion desired for them to seize the spoils of this conflict, yet it was imperative they grasped the gravity of the risks involved. Wars claim lives. He could offer no guarantees of their continued existence.

In the Abyss, only those demons who charge headfirst—and emerge victorious—secure sustenance, Demon Makareth proclaimed. That is the fundamental law of survival. The principle holds true universally. While destiny dictates who perishes, it is courage that determines who attains affluence. If I am to survive, I shall claim it all!

The demon's candor was unvarnished and characteristic. He never adhered to conventional methods, exuding an peculiar, untroubled poise amidst his inherent turmoil.

You speak excessively, Orion! Kraken lifted a goblet, proposing a toast. No one within the Champions Alliance is a simpleton, nor are any of them lacking in valor. When their own lives and prospects are concerned, they deliberate far more intensely than you do.

In truth, Kraken had recently spent the most significant amount of time in the company of Aurora, Isabella, Makareth, and Tangere. He possessed an intimate understanding of their current sentiments. Influenced by their comrades, they had all adopted staunch, unyielding stances.

Rather than having Orion deliver preemptive sermons before the engagement, it would be far more effective to allow them to directly confront the enemy ranks. At that juncture, the path forward would become plainly apparent to all.

And any individual who failed to grasp it was doomed to perish ignominiously in the mire.