Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1610 Currency of Glory

For the first time ever, the Stoneheart Horde had not allocated territory to any external faction or race. Even the Saint Gran Council had not been granted permanent land rights.

"Boss, what exactly is a Bronze Noble?" Scarecrow inquired. His demeanor, usually reserved, was now alight with eagerness at the thought of securing land in another realm. Word had already circulated among their allies about significant land acquisitions in the Silverwood Realm and the World of Eldoria. Within this world, territory was paramount for advancement to Arch Lord.

"The Stoneheart Horde is implementing a new continent-wide system," Orion elucidated. "This system incorporates Glory Points and a noble hierarchy. The Glory Points system is quite straightforward: undertake quests issued across the Titan Continent, enhance your contribution, and amass points. The Stoneheart Vault will soon be accessible, housing boundless resources—Primordial Treasures, mystical materials, crafted armaments. Items ranging from Lord to demigod tier will be available for acquisition using Glory Points."

More than mere currency, Glory Points represented Orion's principal method for integrating Horde allies, foreign factions, and itinerant adventurers, molding them into a cohesive force prepared to fight and die for the Titan Continent.

"Regarding the noble hierarchy," Orion continued, "it commences with Iron Noble, progressing to Bronze Noble, then Gold Noble, and culminating in Glory Noble. This framework is exclusive to the Stoneheart Horde. Henceforth, every noble and every territory within the Titanion Realm shall fall under our dominion."

This was Orion's non-negotiable stance. While land would be distributed, any individual holding a noble title on the Titan Continent would automatically be incorporated into the Stoneheart Horde. Possession of territory equated to control over tax revenues, the devotion gathered from the land, and the allegiance of external entities. Orion was committed to maintaining supreme authority.

"Glory Points are of critical importance. They facilitate the purchase of resources, but more significantly, they enable the acquisition of noble titles. Titles and territories are intrinsically linked. Attain the rank, and the corresponding land is yours by right."

Orion directed a look toward Aerin. She had risen to refill his wine, a deliberately saccharine and ingratiating smile gracing her lips. It was evident she had not retained a word of his explanation.

"Should you wish to expand the territory I bestow upon you, endeavor to earn more Glory Points," Orion addressed the assembly. "Leverage your inherent strengths. Participate in the war effort, cultivate crops, forge equipment, or fabricate items. Capturing slaves is also an option. Utilize whatever means necessary."

He had effectively outlined the strategic plan. Every individual present was at the Legendary level; none had yet achieved Arch Lord status. Their current utility was limited, necessitating Orion's investment in their development—much like how the veterans of the Champions Alliance had once guided him. He was fostering their future potential. The Champions Alliance and the vast, multi-faction coalition of the Titan Continent required new recruits. In Orion's view, Aina, Aerin, Caesar, Scarecrow, and Tangere constituted the bedrock of the Stoneheart Horde's subsequent generation.

A profound silence descended upon the private chamber.

14:54

"I shall be journeying to The Great Bastion of the East," Tangere announced, breaking the stillness. "Boss, please assign my territory in proximity to that location."

As a valued member of the Champions Alliance and one of Orion's most steadfast adherents, Tangere recognized a golden opportunity when presented. Orion was channeling resources directly toward them. To squander this chance would be inexcusable.

"Leonidas is holding the defensive line there," Orion affirmed with a nod. "If you can devise a potent plague or virus specifically engineered against the Swarm, you stand to accumulate a substantial quantity of Glory Points."

"I shall join the campaign as well! I will accompany Tangere," Aina declared, raising her hand. A potent blend of desperation and unbridled ambition flickered within her eyes. While lacking overwhelming power, she profoundly needed the crucible of the battlefield to mature and strengthen.

"Approved," Orion responded. If Aerin was merely an adoring admirer, Aina was a fervent devotee. He harbored no doubts regarding her unwavering determination.

"I too will proceed to the front lines, Boss. I will fight for you." Caesar voiced his intent. While bloodshed was not his natural inclination, he would readily unsheathe his blade for the sake of his comrades.

Orion perceived a remarkable aptitude within the young swordsman. Distinct from seasoned warriors like Leonidas, Kraken, or indeed Orion himself, Caesar still possessed a fierce, almost innocent idealism. That unyielding conviction was precisely the driving force behind his progress.

"You'll be heading to The Bastion of the West," Orion declared, making the decision. Given Caesar was a swordsman, Orion harbored a hope that Alexander, the commander overseeing the West, might take a particular liking to the young man. Even a few words of guidance from Alexander would undoubtedly prove immensely beneficial.

"I am still not strong enough," Scarecrow admitted after a period of deep contemplation. "I will manage the logistical arrangements and ensure a substantial stockpile of extra rations for the group. Once my strength increases, I will then advance to the battlefield."

Orion offered a nod, acknowledging the practicality of Scarecrow's stance. "If you are amenable, secure a contract with the Stoneheart Horde to procure graded Substitution Effigies for us."

Besides Tangere, Scarecrow stood out as perhaps the most crucial asset present. He maintained his own effectively in combat relative to his tier, and his distinctive background enabled him to cultivate and preserve vast food reserves. More significantly, he possessed the capability for mass-producing the Substitution Effigy—a critical life-saving item highly coveted by any below the Arch Lord rank.

"Boss, what about me?" Aerin inquired, finally releasing her guise as the diligent barmaid. Witnessing everyone else receive their specific assignments had stirred a sense of anxiety within her.

"You?" Orion surveyed her from head to toe, a sardonic smile gracing his lips.

"What about me? I am also a Legendary level powerhouse! I mean, I just recently achieved this rank, but I can still fight... for the most part." As she reached the sentence's conclusion, her voice noticeably faltered.

Orion emitted a dry, amused chuckle at her diminished self-assurance. "The Horde is currently establishing extensive potion plantations throughout the continent. You are the reigning monarch of the Wood Elf Race. Surely you haven't forgotten your people's most ancient and traditional craft."

Before Aerin could voice any objection, Orion interjected, cutting her off. "Assemble your people. You are now in my employ."

Aerin felt an urge to retort—the Wood Elf Race was unparalleled in its cultivation prowess—but the straightforward offer of recruitment immediately extinguished her defiance.

"Oh... very well!" she conceded, her agreement preceding any rational thought.

A mere second later, the full implication of her agreement dawned upon her, and a somber, familiar cadence began to resonate in her mind: Work during the daylight hours... work through the dark night... work while living... work even in death... just work... an unending cycle of labor...