Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1606 Taverns and Treaties

"Follow me, I know the perfect spot," Tangere declared, moving ahead. His intention was to guide them to the Silent Goblet, the most renowned tavern in the city.

Both Leonidas and Kraken had previously mentioned Orion's Silent Goblet, giving Tangere a sense of its unique, otherworldly ambiance.

"Unlike your World of Eldoria, something here calls to me, making me want to remain," Scarecrow mused, a hint of impulsiveness in his tone. He was distinct; his connection to the arcane laws of the Titanion Realm pulled him strongly toward this place.

"The Titanion Realm has ascended, becoming an Ascendant Plane. It's a rich environment for our growth, concealing innumerable treasures and future marvels," Tangere explained. As part of the Champions Alliance, he possessed privileged information unavailable to his companions.

Here, their aspirations extended beyond mere advancement to Arch Lord; they had a genuine chance to attain demigod status.

"Actually, before we visit the tavern, a stop at Seeker is in order," Tangere added. "They offer all the necessary resources for developing our territory, and we can exchange artifacts for Stoneheart coins. Around here, those coins are more valuable than gold."

In reality, Tangere's actions were guided by fragmented rumors and overheard conversations from Leonidas. He was also aware that Seeker maintained significant connections with Alexander, one of their own.

"Even putting that aside, the sheer variety of races inhabiting this city is an incredibly valuable asset."

Aina quickly followed, her eyes wide with burgeoning envy. "Tangere, is there any good food to be found nearby?"

Tangere offered no reply. Amidst Aerin's persistent inquiries, the group disappeared into the throng of the busy streets.

Meanwhile, within Stoneheart City.

Inside the Horde Hall, which Lilith had rapidly adorned with mystic symbols, three elevated thrones floated above the main hall. A spectral projection of Orion, a demigod, occupied the central seat. To his left and right were Morando, the Vice-Speaker of the Saint Gran Council, and Deputy Commander Edward.

Orion held Morando in sufficient regard to meet him personally.

Regardless of whether the Stoneheart Horde formalized an alliance with the Saint Gran Council, avenues for immediate collaboration were abundant. They could erect plane-spanning defensive shields across the Titan continent, inscribe indelible arcane runes upon The Bastion of the West, and establish ancient magical formations to secure the northern and southern seas against any adversaries.

"Lord Morando, welcome to the Stoneheart Horde," Orion stated. Addressing a powerhouse at the fourth stage like Morando, he displayed no deference. In fact, Orion's current strength was comparable, if not superior.

"Giant King, your power is immense," Morando responded. "I perceive an aura of strength in you akin to that of our Council Chairman." Morando's words were not mere flattery; they were a subtle declaration of the Saint Gran Council's formidable capabilities, aimed at establishing parity.

"Edward and I are bound by brotherhood," Orion said plainly. "Our interests are closely aligned. In certain aspects, your objectives perfectly match mine. I am aware of the Saint Gran Council's profound heritage, and I know your Chairman is not your strongest adherent in terms of combat."

Orion met Morando's direct gaze. He was confident that Deputy Commander Edward would only bring someone of consequence to his presence. There was no need for superfluous pleasantries; directness served best.

"My lord, I harbor nothing but respect for your Council and a genuine desire for an alliance. The Titanion Realm is in a phase of expansion. Consider the recent shifts in World Essence—I am certain you sensed another minor world integrating into the realm." Orion employed the recent accomplishments of The Lifeless Dreadgod as leverage to entice his visitor.

"I did perceive it," Morando affirmed noncommittally. A cultivator of his standing could hardly overlook such potent planar disturbances. "The World Essence within the Titanion Realm has indeed grown deeper."

"Not my realm, my lord. Ours," Orion corrected. "The Stoneheart Horde cultivates bloodline talents, and we do not clash with your magical civilization. On the contrary, magic and our Horde are highly compatible, allowing us to progress in tandem. I am fully cognizant that neither the Stoneheart Horde nor the Titanion Realm will remain insular; eventually, all will converge."

Morando concealed his astonishment. As the leaders of an Ascendant Plane, their inherent inclination was to accumulate as much world Authority as possible. Resisting this avarice was a challenging endeavor. Orion's pronouncements constituted an explicit pledge to relinquish a portion of his Authority. He grasped the fundamental principle of an Ascendant Plane's evolution: the acceptance and integration of external powers. This required exceptional foresight.

"Historically, the Titan continent has seen no true magical civilization. My hope is that magic will flourish beautifully here," Orion declared, setting his conditions. "In the future, I will permit other magical guilds to establish themselves on Titan. A dark sky should be illuminated by a vibrant display of fireworks from all sources."

The Saint Gran Council would not be the sole option available.

"Giant King, the Saint Gran Council would be immensely pleased to take root on the Titan continent," Morando responded, swayed by the proposed terms. "We shall set ourselves up here as a prominent magic association."

Thus, the alliance was sealed.

In reality, this partnership had been decided long before their current meeting. Morando was fully aware of who supported Orion and Edward: the esteemed Champions Alliance, and the formidable power lurking behind it. An alliance with the Stoneheart Horde had already garnered unanimous approval from the Council's highest authorities. This encounter was merely a procedural step to gauge Orion's strength and character before granting the final authorization.

"As integral members of this realm, we pledge to fulfill our duty in defending the continent," Morando added. "The Saint Gran Council fully comprehends that should the realm perish, not a single one of us will survive."

That was the fundamental reason behind their agreement. The primary objective of this alliance was to reinforce the Titan continent's stability within the Titanion Realm. After all, every significant power in existence had ancient behemoths standing guard for them.

"On a personal level, I wish to finance the construction of a grand Alchemical Conservatory on Titan," Morando stated, transitioning to private matters. "Once the facility is fully operational, I intend to forge a strong partnership with the Stoneheart Horde, ensuring your potion distribution networks and supply chains are secure."

Beyond the formalization of the treaty, Morando had gladly accepted his old friend Edward's invitation to collaborate on building this Alchemical Conservatory. It was a mutually advantageous arrangement, and Morando was more than willing to proceed.