Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

As the days settled into a calm routine, Orion found himself increasingly satisfied with the progress around the underground fissure. Watching the city walls rise brick by brick gave him a sense of fulfillment. However, just as he and Prophet Onyx were about to inspect the secret tunnels being constructed for the cave spiders, a succubus bloodline warrior approached them in haste.

"Chieftain, Prophet, my Queen has urgent news to report. There's word from the south!"

Orion paused, his expression tightening. He had a good idea of what this was about.

"Go notify the eight council elders. The council will convene in half an hour!" Orion ordered.

With the southern situation potentially escalating, Orion lost interest in lingering at the construction site. He and Prophet Onyx, accompanied by four guards, made their way back to the chieftain's tent.

---

Half an hour later, the chieftain's tent was filled with the key figures of the horde. In addition to the four senior elders—Prophet Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar—the eight council elders were also present:

- Earthshaker: A Buffalofolk and one of the two most powerful members of the council.

- Desdemona and Vespera: Succubi known for their intelligence and strategic thinking.

- Rockwell: The former chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe, a figure whose strength rivaled Earthshaker's.

- Dirtclaw: A gnoll and the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, whose unique position made him indispensable in war planning.

- Slate, Samson, and Ursa: Giants, with Ursa being a newcomer. She is Rendall's daughter, known for her immense strength and striking appearance, especially her voluptuous breasts and large hips, which have garnered the admiration of many young male giants.

Orion was well aware that the council elders were a mixed bag. Many had earned their positions through battlefield achievements rather than administrative or strategic ability. Improving the council's overall quality would be a slow process, but with the ongoing restructuring, he was confident things would improve over time.

"Find a seat, and let's begin," Orion said, gesturing for the council elders to sit. Once everyone was settled, he nodded to Delilah, signaling her to share the news.

Delilah's gaze swept across the room, lingering briefly on the eight council elders. She knew that many of them were unaware of the full scope of the situation, so she took a moment to organize her thoughts before speaking.

"At the chieftain's request, and to meet our horde's intelligence needs in the south, we left behind a number of gnoll scouts in Thunderwood Forest during our retreat north."

"Recently, Thunderwood Forest has been restless. Alpha-level harpies have been appearing frequently. Based on the timing, it aligns with the annual beast tide migration."

"In other words, the beast tide from Thunderwood Forest is about to begin."

This revelation wasn't news to the senior elders, who had been briefed earlier. However, it was the first time the council elders were hearing it.

"According to our intelligence, there's an 80% chance that a beast tide will occur earlier this year," Delilah continued. "The question now is: how should we respond?"

Her question was directed at the eight council elders. Orion and the senior elders remained silent, clearly intending to observe how the council elders would handle the situation. This wasn't just a discussion about the beast tide—it was also a test of the council elders' capabilities.

The tent fell into a heavy silence. The council elders wore a variety of expressions: some deep in thought, others frowning, and a few looking completely lost.

Among them, Rockwell, the Obsidian Golem chieftain, stood out. Once the most powerful figure in the Black Forest before Orion's rise, Rockwell had initially resisted joining the Stoneheart Horde. However, after participating in the myriad races invasion, he had come to realize how naive his earlier ambitions had been.

The invasion had shown him the harsh reality: without the horde's protection, the Obsidian Golem tribe would have been annihilated. Whether it was the beast tides, dark beast tides, or the myriad races invasion, none of these threats could be faced alone.

Prophet Onyx had spoken to Rockwell after their return to Moonshadow Valley, delivering a pointed reminder:

"Rockwell, has your perspective changed?"

"Don't answer me now. Answer yourself."

"How many bloodline warriors did we take south, and how many returned?"

"This year was bad. What about the years to come?"

"The horde grows stronger every year. You've seen Chieftain Orion's capabilities with your own eyes. I don't need to say more."

"You're the chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe. You need to think carefully about your people's future."

"If you still want to leave, take those willing to follow you and go. I'll personally apologize to Orion on your behalf."

"But remember this: Alpha-level resources are only available to council members."

"You've earned great merit in this campaign. Your strength and status put you near the top of the list for Alpha-level resources. If you leave, you may never advance to Alpha-level in your lifetime."

"Since Rendall, I've received Alpha-level resources. Stewardship Elder Delilah has also received them and successfully advanced."

"Have you thought about who might be next?"

These words had stuck with Rockwell, and now, as he sat in the council meeting, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for Prophet Onyx's guidance.

Breaking the silence, Rockwell stood and addressed Orion directly.

"Chieftain, I am willing to follow your orders and fight on the front lines to defend the horde against the beast tide!"

Rockwell didn't have a concrete plan for dealing with the beast tide, but he understood the importance of demonstrating his loyalty.

Orion met Rockwell's gaze and smiled faintly. It seemed the Obsidian Golem chieftain had finally come around.

Delilah, noticing the exchange, glanced at Prophet Onyx with a knowing smile. She understood that Rockwell's change in attitude was largely thanks to Onyx's efforts.

Orion gestured for Rockwell to sit and turned his attention to the rest of the council elders.

Seeing no one else speak, Desdemona, the succubus elder, rose gracefully and bowed slightly.

"Chieftain, may I ask: is there a high likelihood of Alpha-level beasts appearing in this beast tide?"

"Or, more specifically, will they engage us directly?"

Orion considered her question for a moment before replying.

"The beast tide will likely be driven by flying beasts or harpies. The presence of Alpha-level creatures is almost certain, but whether they'll descend to engage us is uncertain."

Desdemona nodded thoughtfully before addressing the room.

"In that case, I believe the beast tide is not a threat but an opportunity—a chance to launch a large-scale hunting operation and stockpile food for the winter."

Orion's smile widened, and he gestured for her to continue.

"Our horde has gained tens of thousands of new bloodline warriors, and the daily consumption of grain is staggering."

"With winter approaching, we'll soon lose the ability to raid or hunt outside our territory. For the horde's survival, we cannot afford to let this beast tide pass us by."

"To us, the beast tide is food. We must seize this opportunity."

Desdemona's words earned nods of approval from the senior elders and sparked interest among the other council elders.

Orion decided it was time to reveal his plan.

"Desdemona is correct. The senior elders and I have already decided to launch a large-scale hunting operation targeting the beast tide."

"I'm pleased to see council elders stepping up to take responsibility," Orion said, glancing at Rockwell. "This is a critical matter for the horde's survival."

"As for the Alpha-level beasts, leave them to me and the senior elders. Your task is to manage the hunting operation."

"This is both a test and an opportunity to solidify your positions within the council."

"Don't waste it."

Orion's words carried weight, and the council elders' expressions grew serious. They understood the stakes.

"High-ranking positions in the Stoneheart Horde will always go to those with ability," Orion warned. "Those who lack it will be replaced. I hope you'll grow alongside the horde."

---

The meeting continued for hours as the council elders worked out the details of their roles and responsibilities. Orion and the senior elders refrained from intervening, leaving the discussion to be led by Thundar, whose expertise in military logistics made him the natural choice.

Once the meeting concluded and the council elders left the tent, Orion turned to the senior elders.

"What do you think?" he asked.

Prophet Onyx was the first to respond. "Chieftain, I suggest taking Earthshaker on the next myriad races invasion. He's intelligent, and the Buffalofolk need a strong leader from their own ranks."

Orion nodded. "I've always seen potential in Earthshaker. That's why I left him and Thundar in Moonshadow Valley—to support Lilith when needed. So far, they've proven themselves."

Thundar's chest swelled with pride at Orion's praise. He felt a renewed sense of loyalty and purpose.

Buzz!

At that moment, deep within Moonshadow Valley, an unfamiliar Alpha-level aura erupted, sweeping across the land with reckless abandon.

The unrestrained Alpha-level pressure forced many ordinary people to their knees, shaking the entirety of Blackstone City.

Orion, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar all rose from their seats and stepped out of their tents, their gazes fixed on the depths of Moonshadow Valley.

"It's my sister!"

Before even stepping out of the tent, Delilah had already sensed Lilith's presence.

Orion nodded silently, glancing at Delilah to signal that he, too, had felt it.

As they exited the chieftain's tent, Orion saw Lilith approaching from the stone gates of Moonshadow Valley. Her aura, unrestrained and overwhelming, sent waves of shock and excitement through the gathered people.

It wasn't until she reached the chieftain's tent that Lilith finally reined in her aura completely.

Orion smiled as he stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Lilith's slender waist and pulling her into an embrace.

At the same time, his voice rang out loud and clear.

"Dace, spread the word: Lilith has ascended to Alpha-level and been promoted to Warden. The Stoneheart horde will celebrate for three days and three nights—bonfires will burn, and the feast will flow without end!"

"Otho, pass the order: in honor of Lilith's promotion to Warden, the cannon fodder troops will receive an extra serving of meat with every meal!"

After issuing his commands, Orion led Lilith into the chieftain's tent, his arm still around her.

This was a joyous occasion, one that had been anticipated. With a pure Alpha-level dark source crystal and a Blood Mushroom infused with elemental surges, Lilith's chances of successfully ascending were far greater than her sister Delilah's had ever been.

"Lilith, you've come at the perfect time. You should hear what everyone has to say about the eight council elders."

Lilith nodded but chose not to sit beside Orion or take a seat behind the four senior elders. Instead, she stood quietly behind Orion, like a dutiful attendant.

Delilah glanced at her sister, a flicker of light flashing in her eyes.

She thought Lilith had made a very wise choice.

Under normal circumstances, Lilith could have taken a seat behind the four elders.

But she didn't. Instead, she chose to stand behind Orion.

This seemingly small gesture carried a significant message: Lilith was subtly signaling to everyone that she and Orion were a united front. She had no intention of competing for power with the elders.

In simpler terms, Lilith was telling Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar that they were not rivals vying for influence. Instead, their relationship was one of indirect hierarchy.