The Rise of the Titan

"One more thing, my name is Esk." The Wolf God gazed at Muria, suspecting something was off with the name "Samoyed." This was its divine intuition.

"I got it, Samoyed," Muria nodded.

"My name is Esk, not Samoyed."

"Didn't you say you didn't care what I called you?" Muria countered. "So, calling you Samoyed should be fine."

"What do you plan to do next?" The Wolf God, not wanting to argue about names anymore, asked, "Are you going to continue conquering frost giant tribes?"

"Of course, I have a comprehensive plan. This is just the first step. One frost giant tribe is not enough; I need more." Muria's eyes shone with a golden light, reflecting his ambition.

"In that case, let me recommend a tribe. Head west, and you will find a tribe that worships the Crow God. Someone there is already waiting for you. With their help, you will find it easier to subdue them than the frost wolf tribe."

"Is there really such a good deal?" Muria asked skeptically.

"Of course, there is. You're a Titan, after all." The Wolf God's tone was calm, almost mocking. As soon as it finished speaking, the cold, smooth sensation in Muria's hand vanished. The proud Samoyed reverted to its statue form, perched with its head held high.

"Just like that, it's gone," Muria said, removing his hand from the now cold, hard statue with a look of disappointment. He didn't enjoy touching ice sculptures.

"Westward, then." Muria stood up and started walking in the direction the Wolf God had indicated.

"I don't need any followers. Wait here for me. In three days, someone will come to relay my orders and guide you. Frostfang, you and all your people will follow my envoy. That will be the place where your frost giants can thrive again."

Muria declined the company of any giants from the frost wolf tribe. He didn't need them; after all, he wasn't starting a war but rather subjugating more frost giants.

...

"The Crow God Tribe!" When Muria finally arrived at the tribe indicated by the Frost Wolf God, he was somewhat taken aback despite being prepared. A legendary frost giant chief, slightly weaker than Frostfang, led over thirty thousand frost giants outside an ice city. It seemed they were waiting for him. Upon seeing him, all the frost giants knelt in reverence.

"Greetings, Titan!"

"So considerate!" Muria mused. Although he and Claudia had predicted that this mission would go smoothly, he hadn't expected it to be this effortless.

"Crow God?" Muria raised an eyebrow. He noticed a curious sight: next to nearly every frost giant was a snow-white crow, bowing its body, with its left wing held in front and its right wing extended behind, mimicking a human salutation. The scene was both amusing and endearing, making Muria's lips curl into a smile.

"Are you willing to follow me and fight for me?" Although he already knew the answer, Muria asked to go through the motions.

"We are willing!" "Caw, caw!" The expected answer came, though interspersed with the crows' cries. Despite the noise, Muria was in a good mood. He wanted to meet the god this tribe worshipped and have a proper conversation. This god seemed quite accommodating, almost uncharacteristically so for a deity.

"Rise. Lead me to the place where you worship your god." Muria approached the leader of the Crow God Tribe and asked, "What's your name?"

"Han Yu!"

"Terrible name," Muria remarked. "Doesn't match your strength at all."

"Lord Muria, this name is reserved for the strongest in the Crow God Tribe. It is a symbol of honor." Han Yu stood and began leading Muria, explaining the significance of his name with a complex expression.

"So, Frostfang is also a title for the strongest in the frost wolf tribe?"

"Yes."

"These gods..." Muria chuckled. He had already noticed that the frost giant chief knew his name even though he hadn't introduced himself. It was clear the two gods were in communication. To think otherwise would be to insult Muria's intelligence.

"Lord Muria, the central statue is the one." The frost giant chief led Muria into the Crow God Tribe's settlement—a vast icy valley encircled by towering, ring-shaped glaciers. These glaciers served as natural defenses, though they seemed more like artificial walls crafted by some mighty being.

As Muria approached the grand statue of a crow poised for flight in the valley's center, he noticed the shattered ice bricks around it, indicating that a once majestic structure had stood there.

"I can shrink in size. There was no need to demolish the temple." Muria said, gazing at the statue with a smile. He believed in reciprocating respect. Since this god had shown him such deference, granting him almost everything he desired, Muria had no qualms about making minor concessions in return.

"A narrow ice palace would be too confining for a god like me." The cold, rigid statue began to move, undergoing a transformation from lifeless to animated, similar to what Muria had witnessed before. The Crow God's avatar descended, its presence exuding a subtle pressure. "I prefer to be under the vast sky. I had them dismantle it, so don't worry about it, young Titan."

The Crow God's demeanor was less subservient than in the Wolf God's realm. While it didn't immediately become subservient to Muria, it still maintained a certain dignity. However, it wouldn't be long before that restraint would fade.

"How should I address you?"

"I am Israel, the Crow God."

"So, Israel, why have you descended to meet me in person?" Muria sensed the Crow God's power. Besides the frost power it shared with the Wolf God, he also detected traces of wind and even a hint of death.

This intrigued Muria. Such a blend of powers indicated that Israel had the potential to touch multiple divine domains. This also meant it could attract more enemies. In terms of future development, Israel had more potential than the Wolf God due to its broader range of options. However, this also made it more vulnerable to being killed by more powerful gods.

"I am a lifelong ally of the Frost Wolf God, Esk," Israel began straightforwardly, showing no intention of beating around the bush. Since it intended to ally with Muria, it had thoroughly researched the Titan's character and preferences. Titans generally didn't favor underhanded tactics.

"When you were conversing with him, I was in his divine realm observing." Israel's revelation surprised Muria. For one god to enter another's realm, especially one with overlapping powers, indicated immense trust. This deepened Muria's understanding of their relationship.

"You've reached an agreement with that stubborn god, making me quite envious," Israel continued, candidly expressing its thoughts. "Therefore, I also wish to ally with you. The terms? The same as that guy's."

"Besides this frost giant tribe, what else can you offer me? Esk has promised me the service of all the frost wolves on the Depollosen continent."

"I can assure you that every crow on this continent will become your eyes." Israel's offer was tempting, and Muria found it hard to refuse.

"Deal!"

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