Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

Rendall frowned, hesitating several times, but ultimately kept his thoughts to himself.

After Orion finished speaking, Rendall finally sighed and tried to reason with him.

"Orion, can't we relocate the military base to another location?"

Orion shook his head and looked at Rendall with a firm expression.

"Elder, the giant tribe must leave Moonshadow Valley. This isn't just about securing the horde's future—it's about ensuring the safety of our people."

"The underground fissure will eventually connect to Moonshadow Valley, creating a passage. The tribe has no choice but to evacuate."

As soon as Orion said this, Rendall's mind immediately conjured images of the subterranean worms and the terrifying spiked worm crawling out of the underground fissure. His heartbeat quickened at the thought.

If more monsters emerged from the bottomless abyss, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Fine, I agree to the relocation!"

Orion nodded with a faint smile. If Rendall could be convinced, persuading the rest of the tribe would be much easier.

"Now, for the third matter—I plan to rename Blackstone Town to Blackstone City."

This announcement left the four senior elders puzzled. They couldn't quite understand why Orion would bother with such a change. Was there some deeper significance?

"During this southern campaign, including the cannon fodder troops, we brought back over fifty thousand people."

"Adding our own population of over twenty thousand, the Stoneheart Horde has grown significantly."

"This year, we've gained fifty thousand. And in the future? That number will only increase!"

"The original layout of Blackstone Town is now too small."

"I've decided to expand Blackstone Town and officially rename it Blackstone City."

"In the coming years, we'll construct city walls around Blackstone City, enclosing the entire area surrounding Moonshadow Valley."

Orion's words were bold and ambitious, delivered with a commanding presence. His vision for the future was clear and inspiring.

Rendall, Prophet Onyx, and Delilah all gazed at Orion, fully aware that he wasn't joking. Blackstone City was destined to grow stronger.

After all, the Stoneheart Horde now boasted four Alpha-level members.

Orion refocused his attention on the four senior elders. When his gaze landed on Thundar, he suddenly remembered something.

"Thundar, there's something I need to discuss with you."

"Chieftain, I'm listening!"

Orion glanced at the other three elders, who were now looking at him curiously. He softened his tone slightly.

"Your strength has reached its peak, and you've entered the sequence for receiving Alpha-level resources."

"According to the rules, from now on, any Alpha-level resources we acquire will be allocated to you."

Thundar looked confused. Wasn't Lilith next in line? Why was it suddenly him?

"Could it be…?"

Before Thundar could finish his thought, Orion confirmed it.

"Lilith's share of the resources has already been prepared."

Orion pulled out a wooden box from his coat and spoke without reservation.

"The resources inside were contributed by that terrifying spiked worm."

Orion didn't mention that the box contained dark source crystals. He believed it was better to keep that secret to as few people as possible.

"Chieftain, what does this have to do with me?" Thundar asked, still puzzled.

Orion shook his head, then nodded slightly.

"Until Lorelia reaches the peak of the Hero level, any Alpha-level resources the horde acquires will be prioritized for you."

"If, by then, Lorelia also reaches the Hero peak, the resources will go to her first."

Raising the Spider Queen was an urgent matter, and Orion had to handle it with care.

"If the Spider Queen were already at the Hero peak, I wouldn't have given these resources to Lilith either. Do you understand what I mean?"

Hearing this, Thundar's previously downcast expression brightened.

Thundar wasn't afraid of being treated differently; he was only worried about being excluded from receiving Alpha-level resources.

"I support the chieftain's decision!"

"So do I!"

"I agree!"

Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah, the three Alpha-level powerhouses, all voiced their support for Orion, leaving Thundar wide-eyed in surprise.

"Thundar, this isn't about the chieftain singling you out. It's just that our horde desperately needs a powerful Spider Queen," Prophet Onyx explained, looking at Thundar.

After participating in the Myriad Races Invasion in the south, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah all understood how crucial it was to have a disciplined and expendable cannon fodder force.

The endless desert scorpions, the swamp crocodiles of Poison Dragon Swamp, and the gnolls and satyrs of Thunderhawk City—all of these examples highlighted the importance of having disposable troops.

Orion's decision to accept the gnoll tribe was largely because the Spider Queen hadn't yet matured.

"I have no objections. I'll follow the chieftain's arrangements," Thundar said.

Orion nodded. He had brought this up with Thundar in advance to prevent any resentment or misunderstandings in the future.

"Dace, notify the council. The meeting is about to begin!"

After discussing matters with the four senior elders, the council meeting officially commenced.

This time, not only were the council members present, but Lilith and Lysinthia had also arrived.

As Orion exchanged glances with the elders from the succubi, giants, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems, he felt a sense of pride.

Even Dirtclaw, the gnoll elder sitting at the back, caught Orion's eye. However, Dirtclaw seemed out of place, exuding an air of humility that made him stand apart.

"As I've always said, our precious resources are open to all council members."

"Lilith has made significant contributions to the horde, especially during the defense against the subterranean worms. She has earned the right to receive Alpha-level resources."

With that, Orion waved his hand, and the wooden box containing the dark source crystals was delivered to Lilith.

Although Lilith had anticipated this, she hadn't expected Orion to be so direct, handing over the Alpha-level resources without hesitation.

Her hands trembled slightly as she held the wooden box. This was Alpha-level material!

Her heartbeat quickened at the thought.

Meanwhile, every council member stared at Lilith with wide eyes, their gazes fixed not on her beauty but on the wooden box in her hands, which held an irresistible allure.

Sitting to the side, Delilah watched her younger sister and couldn't help but feel grateful. Marrying Lilith to Orion had been one of the best decisions she'd ever made.

Not only had she herself become an Alpha-level powerhouse, but now her sister had a great opportunity as well.

"Ahem!"

Orion cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to him.

"The next in line to receive resources will be Thundar and the Spider Queen."

"I'm looking forward to seeing which of you will become the third Alpha-level member!"

The sudden appearance of Alpha-level resources had energized the council members.

Orion didn't explain why the Spider Queen was included in the sequence, but none of the elders questioned him. Their trust in Orion was absolute.

They believed that if the Spider Queen was eligible for Alpha-level resources, there must be a good reason.

...

The focus of the council meeting all boiled down to one thing: profit and power.

Alpha-level resources were the ultimate motivator, the greatest prize. Under the lure of such benefits, Orion could see the hunger in the eyes of every elder. It wasn't just a desire for strength—it was a yearning for the prestige and influence that came with Alpha-level status.

This was precisely why Orion always distributed Alpha-level resources publicly. By tying these rewards to the elders' personal ambitions, he could drive them to push the horde forward.

Many things, once turned into habits, could subtly change a person—and eventually, the environment around them.

"Second matter: the council restructuring proposal."

Orion narrowed his hawk-like eyes, scanning the council members as he spoke in a calm but commanding tone.

"Our horde will continue to grow stronger, and the number of council members will increase. To better manage the horde, the council will be restructured into tiers and categories."

"The elders will be ranked from Level 1 to Level 9, with Level 9 elders holding a status second only to the senior elders."

"Additionally, elders will be divided into four categories: Discipline, Combat, Stewardship, and Insight. These categories will assist the four senior elders in managing the horde's discipline, warfare, logistics, and strategic planning."

Previously, all power within the Stoneheart Horde had been concentrated in Orion's hands. It wasn't until the unification of the Black Forest that he began delegating authority to the four senior elders.

Now, with the horde growing even larger, its internal structure needed further refinement to adapt to the current situation.

The old council system, inherited from the giants, was no longer sufficient. Orion understood that if the Stoneheart Horde was to thrive, he needed to build a solid foundation for a large faction.

A horde with a gradually improving system was the only way to ensure sustainable development.

Orion's words brought a heavy silence to the chieftain's tent.

If Alpha-level resources were the elders' ultimate goal, then the ability to influence the horde's affairs was the immediate, tangible reward.

Gradually, the tent filled with murmurs of discussion. When it became clear that Orion had no intention of silencing them, the atmosphere grew lively.

Sitting calmly at the head of the table, Orion observed the scene with quiet satisfaction. This was exactly the outcome he wanted.

He had laid out the general direction for the restructuring, but it was up to the horde's key figures to refine and implement the details. If he micromanaged everything, it would exhaust him and waste valuable time.

By midday, under the guidance of the four senior elders, the council restructuring proposal was finalized.

Orion didn't bother reviewing the beast-hide scrolls filled with detailed suggestions. Instead, he swept his gaze across the room, locking eyes with each elder for a moment.

"I approve the council restructuring proposal," he declared.

"However, there's one condition: aside from the four senior elders, any council member who advances to Alpha-level will automatically be promoted to the rank of Warden."

"The Warden's status and benefits will be equal to those of the senior elders, but they will not hold administrative power."

"Wardens will report directly to me. Any issues must be discussed with me personally."

Orion's tone was firm, serious, and deliberate.

Alpha-level powerhouses—Wardens—were the backbone of any horde. Orion couldn't afford to lose them lightly, nor could he tolerate betrayal. The thought of having to personally execute one of his own Alpha-level warriors was something he wanted to avoid at all costs.

After all, every Alpha-level powerhouse was someone Orion had painstakingly nurtured.

The atmosphere in the tent grew heavy once more. Seeing no objections, Orion moved on to the next topic.

"Next, we'll discuss designating Moonshadow Valley as the site for our military base."

"…"

The subsequent discussions, whether about building the military base or renaming Blackstone Town to Blackstone City, were collaborative efforts. Everyone contributed ideas and opinions.

Afterward came the much-anticipated awards ceremony, where war achievements were recognized, and rewards were distributed.

The council meeting stretched on for two days and nights.

When everything was finally settled, Orion let out a long sigh of relief.

Stepping out of the chieftain's tent, he glanced at Lilith, who was following closely behind him.

"This is a Blood Mushroom, a rare high-grade magical plant. It can trigger small-scale elemental surges and will help you with your next advancement."

"When you attempt to break through, consume it."

Lilith didn't say a word. She simply nodded, then stepped forward and took Orion's arm. Under the watchful eyes of the horde, she walked with him toward their tent.

In the Giant Tribe, only a wife could walk arm-in-arm with the chieftain in public.

Lilith was making a statement, asserting her position—not just to the horde, but also to Garland Tribe's Saintess Violet, who had just entered the tent.

"The Blood Mushroom… Violet has one as well, but hers is being used as a seed."

"This is one of our horde's rarest resources. I'm assigning you to oversee her cultivation efforts."

Orion gazed at Lilith for a moment before explaining Violet's cultivation plan.

He also handed over Violet's management to Lilith.

"My dear Orion, I won't let you down!" Lilith replied with a smile.

Orion nodded. With Lilith by his side, he looked out at the Blackstone City he had built with his own hands. A surge of pride and ambition welled up within him.

The next morning, Orion was the first to wake.

To his left lay Lilith, to his right Lysinthia, and sprawled across his chest was Violet.

Though petite, Violet had been particularly enthusiastic the night before. Eager to please Orion, she had been exceptionally proactive, only collapsing from exhaustion and falling asleep on his chest.

Even in her sleep, her legs instinctively clung to Orion's cock, as if it gave her a sense of security.

Orion gently moved Violet aside, preparing to get up.

As he did, he noticed Lilith watching him with her bright, knowing eyes.

Orion leaned down to kiss her and spoke softly.

"Rest well. I'm heading out to inspect the eastern section of Moonshadow Valley. The plans should be finalized today."

Lilith smiled, nodded, and closed her eyes again, drifting back to sleep.

Stepping out of the tent, Orion was greeted by four fully armed guards standing at attention.

He stretched, then pulled out four bottles of Pet Pills, tossing one to each of the Frost Wolves, who had grown significantly larger.

"Not bad, not bad. My little pups have all grown up!"

Orion patted the massive wolves on their heads, occasionally flattening their ears, clearly enjoying the moment.

Turning to Dace, he asked casually, "Have Prophet and the others finished their preparations?"

"Chieftain, as per your instructions, Prophet and the others have already designated an area. They're waiting for your approval."

"Good. Lead the way!"