Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

Thunderwood Forest, Half-Moon Lake Region.

Crack!

Dirtclaw lashed a whip across a Bearman's back. The next second, the unfortunate Bearman's skin tore open, blood oozing out.

"All of you, stay in line. Anyone who doesn't behave, I'll starve 'em for a whole damn month!"

Dirtclaw spat on the ground and then handed his whip to Gronthar.

"Gronthar, you're strong. Keep an eye on them. If they step out of line, whip 'em as hard as you can!"

Dirtclaw treated Gronthar pretty well, mainly because the commander of the cannon fodder troops, Onyx, had asked him to look out for these trolls. Since the troll race bowed to the Stoneheart Horde, Gronthar had stayed with Onyx, getting to know the Horde more day by day. After Orion restructured the Horde's factions and promoted Onyx to commander of the cannon fodder troops, Gronthar and some of his people became part of that unit's leadership.

"Elder Dirtclaw, do we really have to starve these Thunderstorm Bearmen for a month?" Gronthar asked.

"Don't go soft," Dirtclaw snapped. "These bears can survive three months without eatin' or drinkin'—a single month of hunger is nothing!"

Even though Dirtclaw was small, he brimmed with a power that matched Gronthar's brute strength. Gronthar knew better than to underestimate him; he'd heard stories of Dirtclaw's ruthless rise to power. The gnoll looked mild enough, but he was brutal and savage, willing to do anything to grow stronger.

"Gronthar," Dirtclaw went on, "things aren't the same as before. Being accepted into our Stoneheart Horde as cannon fodder troops is an honor for them. Those who survive in the end will be grateful to me, and thankful for our mighty chieftain. Hail the great Chieftain Orion!"

Just saying Orion's name got Dirtclaw worked up. He had personally witnessed Orion kill Lord Ariel, and he had been on the front lines, not far from where it happened. Seeing Orion take the form of a dark titan, like a god of destruction incarnate, made a lasting impression on him.

Gronthar had been shaken too—he still felt it was surreal. A giant from the Black Forest took down a Legendary-level being… Who in their right mind would believe that? But the proof was right there in front of him; he'd seen it with his own eyes and had no choice but to believe.

"Maybe, under Orion's protection, our can once again rise to glory, like our ancestors did…"

Crack!

That thought hardened Gronthar's resolve, and he lifted his whip again to drive a few Thunderstorm Bearmen who had stopped working back into line.

At that moment, Orion and Lilith—riding on an Abyssal dragon—spotted what was happening.

"Orion, that gnoll's a total fanatic for you," Lilith observed. Her dark eyes gleamed with amusement, her voice soft and melodious.

"Dirtclaw's well suited for the cannon fodder troops. He's doing a decent job as a deputy commander," Orion replied. He'd personally witnessed Dirtclaw's rise and was the one who promoted him to the council of elders.

Dirtclaw revered Orion because he found a real sense of purpose in the Stoneheart Horde's cannon fodder unit—a path to hold on to hope. And Dirtclaw, in turn, had become that same beacon of hope for freshly joined bloodline warriors like Gronthar.

The same was likely true for many swamp-dwelling races once Slagor submitted. In the end, everyone would need to find where they fit best in the Horde.

"Chieftain, managing this area looks like it could be a real headache," Onyx remarked, walking close behind as he looked up at Orion.

Orion nodded. Half-Moon Lake might be his on paper, but without anyone to hold things down, it was basically empty talk.

"Slagor," Orion said, turning to the swamp leader. "What's your take on this?"

Slagor shook his head. "Chieftain, I really don't wanna garrison here. It's too damn close to Lord Gareth's territory—way too dangerous."

Orion wasn't surprised. Slagor had a point: any Alpha-level guard stationed at Half-Moon Lake would be in a risky position. In the past, a lizard-like beast had overseen the region, but Orion didn't have anyone fit for the job right now.

As Orion narrowed his eyes, pondering how to handle Poison Dragon Swamp and Half-Moon Lake, he considered their layout. Poison Dragon Swamp was right next to the Black Forest, and Half-Moon Lake sat next to the Swamp, so the three territories formed a weird hooked shape.

"Speak your mind, Slagor," Orion prompted. "Whatever you're thinking, just tell me."

With Orion looking serious, Slagor didn't dare stall. He quickly shared his thoughts:

"Chieftain, I suggest we avoid directly managing Half-Moon Lake for the time being. Lord Ariel's death has left Thunderwood Forest in chaos, and when Gareth comes around to take it, things'll get even messier.

If we don't actively control Half-Moon Lake, different fleeing tribes might settle there, and we can just drop by to hunt and rake in tribute here and there. That way, we keep them under our umbrella without taking too much risk. And by the time you actually reach Legendary level, we can do whatever we want without worrying about what anyone else thinks."

Orion gave Slagor a measured look. The guy was slippery and sharp.
Enjoy new adventures from empire

"Fine. We'll do it your way," Orion said. "You'll be responsible for coming here regularly to hunt and collect resources. Remember, if you value your own life, keep yourself limited to these plans—don't cross the line."

The color drained from Slagor's cheeks.

"Oh, and from now on," Orion added, "call me 'chieftain' like Prophet and Thundar do."

Truth be told, Orion felt uncomfortable whenever Slagor called him "master." He was used to hearing Lysinthia and Violet call him that, but having Slagor do it felt off.

Mentioning Lysinthia made Orion glance around. She was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is Lysinthia?" he asked Lilith, since the two were almost always together.

"She's been busy escorting a few hundred serpentfolk we picked up as slaves in Stormrage City."

"Serpentfolk?" Orion raised an eyebrow. "All right. I haven't seen any other serpentfolk since we wiped out the group in the Black Forest. Never thought we'd bump into another batch in Stormrage City."

Lilith shrugged. "She didn't say much. She's been going out early and getting back late, acting all secretive."

Orion frowned, but in the end, he only let out a sigh. "Let her be. She finally found something that interests her."

"Aww, Orion, that's so sweet of you," Lilith teased, smiling mischievously. She wrapped her legs around Orion's waist and leaned forward, her panties rubbing against Orion's abdomen.

"Hey, not now," Orion admonished, trying not to laugh. "We'll talk about it tonight."