Previously on Titan King: Ascension of the Giant...
On a magically calm sea, Orion met with Kraken, who revealed his true form and discussed his ambition for demigod status and territorial expansion. Orion provided Kraken with a mobile stronghold and promised support, tasking him with mapping surrounding waters for an upcoming expedition to The Primordial Continent. Meanwhile, Nivarus of the Faceless race consulted with his Progenitors about settling in the Titanion Realm and its requirements.
In the time since the world fell silent, clandestine affairs have undeniably unfolded, Nivarus stated. "I'd wager my existence that the Horde's established protocols and decrees are destined to evolve alongside these changes. Yet, precisely because we are situated here in Stoneheart City, Progenitors, we shall be the very first to receive any new edicts released by the Horde."
This strategic positioning was the undeniable advantage of proximity—and the singular motivation behind his investment of personal savings into property within the Stoneheart Horde.
"If Nivarus's assertion holds true, then the Titan Continent presents an ideal location for our secondary stronghold," another Progenitor mused aloud. "The Stoneheart Horde's stipulations are notably permissive. With sufficient time, this territory could potentially supersede our current base as our primary residence."
The final Progenitor belonging to The Clay-bound cautiously opened his eyes. He held the preeminent position among them, occupying the absolute zenith of the Arch Lord tier, diligently conserving his strength for an imminent push towards the demigod realm.
"I have just concluded my investigation into the foundational laws," he announced, his voice a deep rumble. "The supreme ruler of this world has not yet solidified them. This particular dimension remarkably permits an Arch Lord to achieve ascension to the demigod status."
A wave of astonishment swept through the chamber. The formidable powerhouses of The Clay-bound rose to their feet instantly, their gazes fixed upon the final Progenitor with utter disbelief. Within their native world, the emergence of a demigod was considered an absolute impossibility. The sovereign of that realm had systematically hoarded the world's intrinsic power, stifling the growth of other species to ensure that no entity could ever pose a challenge, let alone achieve superiority.
"Commence the migration protocol immediately," the final Progenitor commanded, his tone admitting no room for negotiation. "The elderly and infirm are to be left behind. Prioritize the inclusion of only the most exceptionally gifted children. Extend the operation's timeline discreetly to prevent the dominant race from perceiving our intentions."
"Once I successfully ascend to the demigod rank, we will finally possess the necessary influence to engage in negotiations with them. At that juncture, and only then, will The Clay-bound have the autonomy to chart our own destiny." His unparalleled might as a peak Arch Lord was the very reason he did not require a unified decision from the rest of his tribe.
"Nivarus, your familiarity with this locale is unparalleled. I understand that giants are known for their straightforwardness. Extend some goodwill, cultivate genuine alliances." A solidified pellet of clay materialized within the Progenitor's grasp, densely packed with the most precious treasures of the Clayfolk Race. "Our course of action is non-intervention. We shall exclusively gather intelligence from the Stoneheart Horde that may prove advantageous to us."
Should they intend to establish permanence on this continent, he was disinclined to be parsimonious.
"Furthermore, you will assume the role of Chieftain for the Clayfolk Race and formally request an audience with the governing council of the Stoneheart Horde," the Progenitor added. "The Horde's regulations and permissive conditions are of secondary importance. The ultimate arbiter of our presence here is the true master of this continent."
The undisputed sovereign: Giant King Orion, the supreme ruler seated upon the throne of the World Tree.
"It shall be executed as you command, Progenitor." Nivarus executed a profound bow. On occasion, the very survival of a race depended entirely upon the prescient vision of its leaders.
The Titan Continent. The Western Bastion.
By the time Orion's Death-Soul Fiend avatar made its appearance, the entirety of the sky situated above The Bastion Wall had been enveloped by a titanic sword array.
Three thousand six hundred spatial rifts marred the heavens. A lethal sword aura emanated powerfully from these ruptures, resonating with a symphony of draconic roars and the sharp chime of steel. Orion recognized the indications immediately: these rifts were the indelible marks left by Alexander's blade, each imbued with the full force of his most destructive techniques.
What truly astonished Orion was the formidable longsword concealed within the void—Alexander's authentic manifestation, his natal blade. This sword served as the anchor for the array, amplifying Alexander's combat prowess by a factor of ten.
The natal blade commenced an intense rotation in a counterclockwise direction. At its apex, a distinct glint of sword-fire flickered, intermittently phasing in and out of existence. Minute sparks detached from the inferno, cascading down towards the land beyond The Bastion Wall. Violent geysers of molten magma erupted where these embers made contact, a consequence of Alexander simultaneously constructing a second, equally devastating sword array.
The precise instant the array achieved its final form, the blood-red longsword affixed to the Death-Soul Fiend avatar's waist began to emit a low hum, an innate compulsion driving it to meld with the formation, thereby augmenting its destructive potential. Orion forcefully subdued the blade's primal urge. This weapon, meticulously forged by the Scourge Wardens, represented the ultimate emblem of his Authority and served as the command seal for their formidable legion. Its safety could not be jeopardized. It was, in essence, the Death-Soul Fiend's most critical possession.
"My original intention was to transform this segment of The Bastion Wall into The Blade-Singing Bastion," Alexander remarked, his Asura avatar alighting on the wall adjacent to Orion. A palpable sense of disappointment was evident in his expression. "Unfortunately, my current strength is insufficient to awaken its spirit and bestow upon it true sentience."
"Consequently, I was compelled to resort to these two apocalyptic sword arrays. For the present moment, no enemy possesses the ability to infiltrate our territory undetected."
The swordsman harbored a deep regret. Had he succeeded in forging The Blade-Singing Bastion and activating The Bastion Wall, his might within the Titanion Realm would have skyrocketed, far surpassing his current capabilities. Engaging foes significantly stronger than himself would not merely be a possibility, but a guarantee.
"Was that sword-fire I just witnessed?" Orion inquired, his curiosity piqued more by the flame than by the arrays.
It was indeed sword-fire, and furthermore, it was divine fire. In Orion's estimation, Alexander's ability to condense divine fire indicated he was already on the cusp of the second stage of the demigod realm. While Orion had been exhausting himself, Alexander had evidently been pushing his own boundaries to achieve such rapid progress.
"Yes, but it's merely an apparition for the time being," Alexander affirmed, confirming the presence of divine fire with a nod, yet he shook his head to refute the notion of reaching the second stage.
"Congratulations are still in order, brother," Orion offered with a smile. "It won't be long before you officially enter the divine fire stage."
His words were not merely a courtesy. Similar to Leonidas, Alexander had been drawing upon origin power since his designation as a guardian. World Essence served as the ultimate catalyst for a demigod's advancement.
Alexander modestly deflected the praise. "Blade Hall has dispatched our finest assassins and scouts. Within three days, you will possess comprehensive intelligence on everything within a ten-thousand-mile radius." He presented Orion with a high-grade assassin's token. A simple infusion of divine power would unlock the data contained within.
"One of your subordinates arrived ahead of schedule. You should go and meet him," Alexander advised.
Before Orion could respond, the swordsman leaped from The Bastion Wall, descending to its base to inscribe more sword marks onto the stone. Though he couldn't forge The Blade-Singing Bastion just yet, he could lay the essential groundwork for its future construction.
Orion watched him work, a smile playing on his lips as he shook his head. It was a rare sight to behold Alexander so completely engrossed in his task.
