Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1603 Moonlit Genesis

Mere moments later, a lone figure scrambled atop The Bastion Wall, collapsing into a deep, reverent bow with their forehead pressed firmly against the cold stone.

"Dirtclaw offers his respects to the great Chieftain!"

"Dirtclaw greets My lord!"

"Dirtclaw honors the mightiest Giant King of the Stoneheart Horde!"

"May the sagacious Chieftain live eternally, guiding the Horde to unparalleled glory!"

"May My lord ascend to even greater heights! Wherever your blade directs, Dirtclaw shall follow and conquer!"

"May the most magnificent Giant King—"

Orion registered a flicker of surprise; it was his usual sycophant, Dirtclaw. While he could have sensed the gnoll's presence at any time, he hadn't bothered to divert his attention.

"Rise. What business brings you here?" Orion inquired, long accustomed to the gnoll's fawning. Dirtclaw embodied absolute humility when facing anyone within the Horde of superior strength. However, reverse the situation – place him before someone weaker, particularly an outsider – and he transformed into a feral beast, capable of any atrocity without hesitation. Dirtclaw was a honed, goal-driven instrument of destruction, now fully matured. For the Stoneheart Horde, he represented their most potent and readily deployable weapon.

"Chieftain, upon my awakening, I received directives from Lady Lorelia to lead a contingent of spiderlings on a reconnaissance mission in this sector," Dirtclaw reported, brushing himself off. "We have meticulously established relay nests at predetermined intervals along our path. All intelligence gathered has been duly transmitted back to Blackstone City."

Orion regarded him with a measure of approval. It took considerable courage for an Arch Lord to personally spearhead a scouting mission into uncharted territory. A quick assessment of Dirtclaw's aura revealed that his bloodline talent had once again advanced following his awakening from the Return to Ruin. He was now comfortably situated at the mid-tier Arch Lord cultivation level. Enhanced by the divine calling buff bestowed by Orion, Dirtclaw presented a formidable presence. In the impending conflict, he possessed more than sufficient might to withstand engagements against other Arch Lords.

"Remain here and await further instructions," Orion commanded. "Beyond The Bastion Wall lies The Lifeless Expanse, a domain teeming with malevolent entities. Do not engage unless it is absolutely imperative."

This was both a caution and a reminder. In contrast to The Swarming Continent, the inhabitants of The Lifeless Expanse employed significantly more unconventional and perilous tactics. A single misstep could prove fatal. This was precisely why Orion had positioned Alexander here; the assassins of Blade Hall were uniquely suited to adapt to the lethal environment and treacherous strategies prevalent in The Lifeless Expanse.

"Furthermore," Orion continued, "you are authorized to select a territory within the Titan Continent to claim as your own. You and the Gnoll Race have truly earned this honor."

This gesture served not only as a reward but also as a strategic investment. Orion aimed to instill Hope among the other races within the Stoneheart Horde. Currently, the Gnoll Race stood as their prime example of the rewards loyalty could yield. Bestowing a fiefdom upon Dirtclaw would catalyze his progression. Should he manage to ascend to the High Arch Lord tier, or even reach its apex, he would become a crucial cornerstone for the Horde. This would serve as an inspiring precedent for his own people and a potent symbol of deterrence for their adversaries.

"Thank you, My lord!" Dirtclaw immediately prostrated himself once more. "Your magnificence illuminates Dirtclaw's existence and the very destiny of the Gnoll Race!"

"Enough," Orion interjected, waving him away before the gnoll could embark on another wave of adulation.

At present, Dirtclaw was the Stoneheart Horde's most formidable figurehead, and Orion intended to deploy him on the front lines for a specific purpose. The optimal utilization of this prominent warrior, however, would be entrusted to Lilith's discretion.

The Titan Continent. Staghelm City.

The vast, temperate lands stretching outward from Staghelm City presented an idyllic panorama, gradually transitioning into tropical zones. Fields of golden rye rippled against the deep, crimson soil. Even the gentle breeze wafting into the city carried the rich, sweet aroma of exotic magical herbs.

"Mother, observe the verdant forests, the majestic herds of wild horses, and the valleys overflowing with grain... The land is alive with vitality, as radiant as the celestial bodies," Isilra, the Moon Elf, exclaimed, standing atop the city ramparts and gazing out at the unfamiliar landscape.

This territory was now hers. Orion had generously granted her dominion over a ten-thousand-mile radius.

"This place... it is indeed distinct," The Demigod of the Moonwell murmured, her attention not fixed on the scenery but rather on sensing the profound concentration of origin energy and the fundamental laws that permeated the world. For a demigod, origin represented the very essence of existence.

"I can sense it... a summons," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the celestial expanse. Within her eyes, the stars swirled, unveiling the world's intricate cosmic laws. For a brief moment, her vision went dark. Upon its return, she beheld a colossal World Tree, its roots plunged into the primordial void, its branches reaching across myriad dimensions.

A colossal leaf, detached from the ether, descended gracefully until it hovered before her. Instant understanding dawned upon her. The Pocket Dimension containing Staghelm City descended, settling perfectly upon the leaf and merging seamlessly with the World Tree.

Immediately, countless sigils of starlight ignited across the leaf's surface, and conduits of pure moonlight pulsed from its heart.

"Isilra, do not fight it," the Demigod of the Moonwell implored gently.

Before the Moon Elf could even react, a blessing originating directly from the Titanion Realm's World Tree enveloped her. Isilra levitated as a colossal, argent full moon manifested above Staghelm City.

Moonlight cascaded like liquid, and the fabled Emperor's Dew showered the land. Yet, the true marvel was just unfolding. As Isilra ascended, the silver moon she embodied blazed with solar intensity, disseminating its potent aura across her newly claimed domain.

Wherever the argent light fell, the world responded. In the verdant forests, wolf packs cried out, their leaders shedding their pelts to reveal moonlight-infused horns. Within the tranquil lakes, shoals of fish leaped from the surface, their essences alight with silver radiance. Across the open plains, pale deer lifted their heads, their own antlers echoing the moonlight. With harmonious calls, vast herds commenced their migration toward Staghelm City.

Many miles distant, encamped upon the open savanna, the minstrel Cloudsong and the Archmagus Rhazuun burst from their tent, their gazes fixed upon the heavens in utter astonishment.

"What is that?" Rhazuun croaked, perceiving the overwhelming density of the moonlight. "It feels like sorcery, yet... distinct."

Cloudsong peered at the resplendent full moon, murmuring rapidly to himself. "Year 48 of the Stoneheart Reckoning. A gargantuan metropolis descends upon the Titan Continent. Soon thereafter, a silver moon ascends within the city walls, bathing the surrounding lands in its ethereal glow. That very night, mystical beasts underwent metamorphosis, and flora flourished with uncontrolled vigor..."

The Central Continent. Stoneheart Metropolis.

The world's sudden expansion had precipitated a deluge of administrative quandaries for the Stoneheart Horde. Lilith, as a solitary figure, found herself submerged beneath a mountain of directives. In desperate need of assistance, she summoned the sagacious Onyx back to the capital.

Within a secondary chamber of the Horde Citadel, Lilith and Onyx sat behind an immense desk, buried under a deluge of parchments, diligently working to conquer the backlog.

"The Titan Continent has undergone an exponential surge in size," Onyx observed, perusing a document. "Our established settlements are now isolated. The untamed wilds have reshaped themselves, birthing new monstrosities and even novel species, effectively severing the vital trade arteries between our communities. Lady Lilith, the imperative to re-establish our roadways is urgent."

He placed the inscribed scroll aside. It was a missive from Rockwell's obsidian golem domain, detailing the peculiar geographical transformations within his jurisdiction.

Lilith did not immediately address his proposal. Instead, she conveyed a piece of seemingly unrelated information. "Elara, Caelus, and Pallas have all re-established contact. They are en route back."

Onyx's placid countenance faltered, a spark of genuine elation briefly illuminating his features. "Are Their Highnesses unharmed?"

Lilith nodded, then promptly shook her head, releasing a prolonged, weary exhalation. She had received a comprehensive intelligence briefing outlining precisely Pallas's recent activities within the Platinum Realm.

Disregard Caelus, who had carved a sanguinary path through the Platinum Realm, engaging Arch Lords as if it were a leisurely pastime. Disregard Elara, who had flawlessly administered her territory and honed a lethally effective combat legion. Even Kaelen, battling valiantly against the insectoid hordes on the Horde's ancestral grounds, paled in comparison to Pallas.

Lilith massaged her temples, the visages of Orion's other offspring flashing through her consciousness.

"Caelus possesses unparalleled talent. He carries Orion's very demeanor," Lilith stated, setting down her quill. Her admiration for him was boundless.

"Elara is disturbingly astute and driven. Her destiny lies in ruling a realm of her own," Lilith continued, holding the Horde's eldest daughter in profound esteem.

"Kronos, though exiled to foreign territories in his youth, possesses an unyielding spirit. He now subjugates the Abyssal World alongside Rolan. He inherited Orion's martial valor." Kronos was the child Lilith most envied. Born prior to Pallas, he was the spitting image of Orion in his formative years.

"And Kaelen carved his path out of utter desperation. Bearing the immense burden of his entire Race, with the backing of the Horde now, his potential knows no bounds." She didn't even touch upon the inherent advantages he possessed as an Insect King.

"And then there is Pallas..." Lilith's voice was laced with sheer exasperation. "Preoccupied with women, shirking his duties, observing his brother fight for survival without lifting a single finger... He's devoid of talent, lacking drive, and courage..."

Discussing her own offspring felt like a galling failure. The Succubus Race stood as one of the foremost factions within the Stoneheart Horde, consistently producing brilliant talents. How had she ended up with a slacker like Pallas?

Onyx let out a chuckle, entirely unfazed by her outpouring. "My Lady, times have certainly shifted. The Stoneheart Horde is brimming with combat prodigies. We are not in want of another."

"What the Horde truly requires at this moment is a connector—an individual capable of navigating the upper echelms while still fostering a connection with the common populace. Prince Pallas, with his natural charisma, is perfectly suited to serve as the Horde's public figurehead and our primary diplomat."

Onyx was not merely indulging the young prince; he had witnessed Pallas's upbringing. He was the child whom the Stoneheart Horde's old guard understood and doted upon the most. For a considerable duration, Pallas had personified the future trajectory of the Stoneheart Horde.

"My Lady, we are experiencing a substantial influx of foreign races and factions requesting audiences," Onyx pointed out. "I contend that Prince Pallas is the ideal choice to manage these initial discussions. The other Highnesses are far too immersed in their killing intent to effectively handle diplomatic affairs."