Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1601 Tides and Tithes

The South Sea lay tranquil as a mirror, a serene expanse near the continental shores, as if ensnared by an unseen enchantment. The typical tumult of waves and the peril of hidden currents were utterly nullified.

Within this unnatural stillness, Leonidas's Palace commanded the center.

"I never imagined you'd tow this entire structure out here," Orion remarked, perched on the palace's highest balcony, his gaze sweeping across the water. The sea mirrored the celestial expanse above, a breathtaking, shimmering tapestry of starlight.

"A contribution from the boss," Kraken responded. "A mobile base of operations significantly streamlines management. I can reposition at will and remain undetected."

The colossal cephalopod, Kraken, emerged slowly from the sea just beyond the palace grounds. His immense, monstrous form emanated a palpable aura of dominance. Orion instantly recognized this as Kraken's true, formidable shape.

"So, you actually came." Orion offered no dissuasion; he held a deep respect for his friend's resolved decision.

"It is as it is. If my end comes in conflict, that is merely fate's decree," Kraken stated. "Furthermore, I have dispersed numerous avatar seeds. For entities like us, true permanent obliteration is a rather remote possibility."

Kraken's eyes fixed upon Orion. He could perceive the immense power emanating from the Death-Soul Fiend avatar – it had firmly reached the demigod tier.

"You are unequivocally mad, you realize? Orchestrating such a grand undertaking while ensuring neither your primary body nor your avatars lag behind." Kraken made no effort to conceal his profound envy.

Yet, beneath that envy lay a keen understanding of the perilous risks Orion had embraced to attain such might. Kraken himself was currently engaged in similar desperate gambits in his pursuit of the demigod tier.

"The Titanion Realm has now attained the status of an Ascendant Plane," Orion explained. "The oceans within are of unimaginable scale and continue to expand relentlessly. This entire sea is but a fraction of what exists. Until the unified aquatic forces make their arrival, any dominion you secure is rightfully yours to retain."

This was the most substantial support Orion could offer his companion. Witnessing Kraken's true form confirmed it: the octopus was striving for the demigod tier and urgently required territory and a population base. Bringing him to this location ahead of time provided a crucial advantage for his oceanic conquest.

"Should you encounter any unmapped swarms of sea monsters within the continent's designated maritime zones, my Abyssal Dreadfin avatar will detect them and provide reinforcement." Orion gestured towards the distant statue of the Abyssal Dreadfin, which towered majestically over the sea. Imbued with World Essence, it was presently accumulating further divine energy.

"Once I ascend to demigod status, I shall claim a vast expanse of the ocean for you," Kraken vowed. Expanding the Stoneheart Horde's naval territories would directly enhance Orion's Authority over the global domain.

Orion simply offered a smile. Their bond had grown too strong for pretense or formality.

"Incidentally, across this very sea lies the Primordial Continent of the Titanion Realm. While you are engaged in exploration and territorial acquisition, I need you to meticulously map these waters," Orion advised. "Our expeditionary contingents will require these charts with expediency. We must make a swift advance upon the Primordial Continent, seize as much territory as feasible, and commence the extraction of the highest-grade Primordial Ores."

Orion was providing him with critical intelligence. The Primordial Continent was exceptionally rich in resources and even gave rise to unique new species – coveted prizes that the four major factions would inevitably contend for through warfare.

"Can't we simply establish teleportation arrays on the Primordial Continent? That would be considerably more efficient," Kraken inquired. Not yet having reached demigod status, the stringent higher-tier restrictions of the world's governing laws remained beyond his grasp.

"The spacetime continuum surrounding the Primordial Continent is exceptionally stable, rigorously sealed by innumerable fundamental laws. You are incapable of opening rifts across vast distances. Teleportation arrays are virtually ineffective in that region," Orion elaborated. "Even within the continent itself, spatial abilities such as Blink are severely diminished in potency. Demigods also experience a degree of suppression there."

Orion lacked precise knowledge regarding the full extent of this suppression; a demigod would need to venture there first for reconnaissance. The four factions represented mere branches of the World Tree, and the ultimate form of the main trunk remained an unknown variable.

"Understood," Kraken affirmed. "Grant me three months. I shall provide you with a preliminary chart covering a sufficiently broad radius."

This shared understanding was the cornerstone of their effective collaboration. Kraken required no lengthy explanations to grasp the strategic imperatives.

"Following that, I will dispatch my elite aquatic contingents to meticulously fill in the finer details."

Orion nodded and gestured, conjuring a spatial rift. From beyond, the thunderous roars of formidable sea beasts echoed across the water. Under Kraken's command, myriads of aquatic combatants streamed through the portal, plunging into the waters of the Titanion Realm and vanishing into the abyss in the blink of an eye.

With Kraken's strategic deployment finalized, Orion too, dissolved from sight.

Within the Stoneheart City, the Estate of the Unmasked stood.

To the inhabitants of the Stoneheart Horde, the estate's designation sounded peculiar. However, for its proprietor, Nivarus, the name served as a direct and proud testament to his people's distinct character.

Nivarus hailed from the Clayfolk Race, also recognized as the Faceless. True to their name, the Clayfolk lacked inherent facial features, their visages always adopting the likenesses of other beings. Ever since Nivarus inadvertently arrived in this realm and procured the necessary materials for his Arch Lord advancement from the Stoneheart Horde's treasuries, he had expended his entire fortune on this manor situated on the periphery of Stoneheart City.

Currently, Nivarus was not the sole occupant of the manor. He was accompanied by the three Progenitors of the Clayfolk. Each of these esteemed individuals wielded the might of a High Arch Lord; in their native world, the Clayfolk were formidable adversaries.

"Progenitors, what is your assessment?" Nivarus inquired, observing the three elders with palpable anticipation. Their eyes were shut as they extended their senses, meticulously examining the realm's fundamental laws and evaluating its immense scope.

To their perception, the Titanion Realm presented itself as incomprehensible, immeasurable, and profoundly mysterious. They had never encountered a world possessing such unique characteristics.

"The originating energy is exceptionally potent, the laws are wholly developed, and the spatial defenses are remarkably robust," articulated the first Progenitor, his eyes now open. The sheer magnitude of the Titanion Realm left him momentarily speechless. "It truly is a fitting and secure refuge."

"And they genuinely permit external races to establish residency here?" a second Progenitor questioned, his eyes also opening. The untouched environment seemed almost too perfect to be real. "Beyond the signing of a racial covenant, are there absolutely no other stipulations?"

"To the best of my knowledge, esteemed Progenitors, the sole prerequisites involve executing the covenant and submitting an annual tribute of resources," Nivarus clarified. "Furthermore, should the Stoneheart Horde find itself embroiled in conflict, our people are duty-bound to dispatch our adult warriors to fight on their behalf."

Nivarus proceeded to convey all the information he possessed regarding the Horde's established regulations. He paused briefly, considering the matter, before enhancing his explanation.