Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

Even for Orion, the boost from Alpha-level resources was immense.

Over the course of the following week, Orion continuously refined the crystal core, pushing his strength to its maximum limit of 5,000. His other attributes—Agility, Intelligence, and Constitution—also saw significant increases, nearing their respective caps.

- Strength: 5000/5000 (+10200)

- Agility: 4758/5000 (+226)

- Intelligence: 4801/5000 (+200)

- Constitution: 4725/5000 (+200)

Orion could feel it—his ascension to Legendary level was no longer far off. However, even as his strength reached its apparent limit, Orion didn't feel constrained by his body. This suggested that the "limits" displayed on his data panel weren't his true physical limits but rather the threshold for advancing to the next level.

This realization wasn't new to Orion, but it had only recently begun to solidify in his mind. Of course, it was still just a theory. Regardless, the newfound power filled Orion with confidence.

---

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

On this particular day, Orion was conducting his routine inspection of the underground fissure, monitoring the activity of the bottomless abyss. His sister, Clymene, and her team had descended into the abyss long ago, and there had been no word from them since. This silence weighed heavily on Orion's mind.

His concern had only deepened after the emergence of the black-armored salamander and the millipede centipedes from the abyss. He wasn't the only one worried—Rendall shared his unease.

Orion knew all too well that Clymene's expedition into the bottomless abyss would be anything but peaceful. In fact, it was likely fraught with danger.

"Have any of the little spiders returned recently?" Orion asked, his gaze fixed on the abyss. For a brief moment, he felt an almost irresistible urge to jump in and see for himself.

"Master, none have returned recently. I find it strange as well," Lorelia replied, standing behind him with a solemn expression. It was clear that she, too, was deeply apprehensive about the abyss, especially after the emergence of the salamander and centipedes. If not for Orion's insistence that she remain stationed here, Lorelia would have likely relocated long ago.

"I've been sending Alpha-level warriors here on rotation every day. Don't even think about slacking off," Orion said, turning to glance at Lorelia.

Lorelia stuck out her tongue sheepishly, clearly embarrassed. Recently, Orion had given her the Battle Statue, and after familiarizing herself with its use, Lorelia's confidence had grown significantly.

"Winter is almost here," Orion said, his tone shifting. "Take this opportunity to strengthen your brood. I suspect that once the weather warms next year, our horde won't have much peace."

Though his words were directed at Lorelia, his tone suggested he was also speaking to himself.

"Master, winter has already arrived," Lorelia replied softly.

Orion turned to her, puzzled.

"Master, the little spiders from Blackstone City just sent word—it's snowing outside."

Orion fell silent, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he turned and began walking away from the abyss.

"Keep a close watch here," he said, leaving this final instruction before departing the underground fissure and heading straight for the chieftain's tent.

--- Explore hidden tales at empire

When Orion arrived at the chieftain's tent, most of the horde's elders were already present. This was customary—before the onset of winter, the horde always held a council meeting, which also served as a pre-war mobilization.

Taking his seat at the head of the table, Orion gestured for the council members to sit before he began speaking.

"You've all seen it—it's snowing. Winter has arrived."

As he spoke, Orion's gaze swept across the room, starting with the four senior elders and then moving to the eight council elders. When his eyes landed on Earthshaker and Desdemona, he let out a sigh.

Both Earthshaker and Desdemona had failed. Despite being among the first to receive the horde's cultivated Blood Mushrooms, neither had managed to ascend to Alpha-level.

From Dirtclaw to Earthshaker and Desdemona, Orion was beginning to realize that advancing to Alpha-level required more than just resources—it also demanded innate talent. Every Alpha-level warrior in the horde was exceptionally gifted. For most bloodline warriors, even those at the peak of hero level, this was likely their limit.

"The dark beast tides could descend at any moment. Everyone must be prepared."

"From this moment on, Blackstone City is in a state of war readiness."

"Sentinel Corps, Hunting Party, Cavalry Corps, and Cannon Fodder Troops are all to be on standby, rotating in three shifts for patrols."

Orion issued a series of commands, covering every aspect of the horde's preparations.

---

Half a day later, the council meeting concluded.

Aside from the four senior elders, everyone else left the chieftain's tent to carry out their assignments. Orion, however, remained seated, deep in thought. After a long silence, he decided to share a critical piece of information with Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar.

Some things, he realized, they needed to know in advance to better prepare.

"During the last beast tide, Rockwell, Lorelia, the Prophet, and Lilith performed exceptionally well. They secured two Alpha-level resources for the horde."

Orion began by revisiting past events, leaving the four senior elders unsure of his intentions. But then, his tone shifted, and what he said next left them utterly stunned.

"However, behind the last beast tide, there was an Alpha-level orchestrator."

"It was Ridi, a trusted subordinate of Lord Gareth. He drove the fiend serpent swarm, consolidating the beast tide into a supermassive wave."

"He was killed outside Blackstone City by me and Thunderhawk."

The revelation hit like a bombshell. Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar all shot to their feet, their faces pale with shock.

Ridi wasn't just any Alpha-level warrior—he was one of Lord Gareth's closest confidants. And Lord Gareth herself was a Legendary-level powerhouse.

"Chieftain, why did you…" Onyx began, his voice hoarse, but he couldn't finish the sentence.

Orion didn't explain. Instead, he continued calmly.

"Afterward, Lord Gareth's will projection appeared. I killed that too."

If Ridi's death was a bombshell, then the destruction of Gareth's will projection was a nuclear explosion. The four senior elders were so stunned that they nearly fainted.

Orion said nothing more, simply watching the four elders he had personally nurtured.

After what felt like an eternity, Onyx finally broke the silence, his voice trembling.

"Chieftain… does the Stoneheart Horde have any way out?"

"There is no way out," Orion replied, his tone resolute.