Titan King: Ascension of the Giant-Chapter 402: I imagine you must have some good news to share with me

Balor, another Giant King, had guards who were all Alpha-level.

Two were killed in a siege battle, and two more rebelled when Orion threatened Starveil City, ultimately falling to Orion’s hand. Whether they lived or died, all four of those guards showed unyielding resolve.

"The day after tomorrow, the dragons will open the Dragon Nest. I’ve reserved four spots for you—make the most of them."

Having said that, Orion finished feeding his Frost Wolves and stepped into the palace hall. Inside, Rendall, Drakthul, Dirtclaw, Grulbane, and the others were already waiting.

"Lord Orion!"

"My lord!"

"…"

Orion nodded. Sitting at the head of the hall, he gestured for everyone to take their seats.

"First, let me assign some tasks. Elder Grulbane, you and Sylvana will continue handling negotiations."

"Even though I’ve already signed the Five-Race Alliance contract, there are still details that need further discussion."

Grulbane nodded in acknowledgment and accepted this task.

"Elder Drakthul, by tomorrow at the latest, the dragons will be sending a batch of spoils. You’ll be in charge of counting and classifying them."

"This batch of Sea Tribe supplies is quite valuable, and we plan to take it all back to the horde."

Drakthul agreed as well, accepting his assignment.

Next, Orion turned his gaze to Rendall, then shifted his eyes to Ursa, who stood behind the arch elder.

"Ursa, the dragons obtained a great many Sea Tribe corpses this time, and in two days, they’ll be opening the Dragon Nest."

"The Dragon Nest has a purifying effect that can strengthen one’s bloodline. Our Stoneheart Horde has ten spots to enter the Dragon Nest."

"I’ve personally appointed Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, and you, Ursa, to take half of those spots. Elder Rendall of the Arch clan will select five more tribe members based on their merit."

Hearing this, Ursa’s eyes lit up. She was thrilled at the possibility of stepping into Alpha-level through this visit to the Dragon Nest.

"Thank you, my lord!"

Rendall and Ursa spoke in unison. Orion using his privilege to list Ursa as one of the participants was not only an opportunity—it was a sign of trust.

"Mhm."

After distributing the tasks, Orion’s face grew solemn, his tone more serious.

"As you’ve seen, yesterday’s attack on Whitecliff by a branch of the Sea Tribe was no accident. It was a carefully planned invasion."

"With the dragons’ return to the continent, open conflict has broken out between the Sea Tribe and us land-dwelling races."

"This is only the beginning. In the future, any race with coastal territory may face an incursion by the Sea Tribe."

"In the west, both Blackstone City and Stoneheart City have territories bordering the sea. When we return, we must build fortresses in the coastal areas as a precaution."

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In truth, erecting fortifications had long been part of Orion’s plan.

Neither Blackstone City nor Stoneheart City alone could govern their entire territory. Blackstone City was fine for now due to its northern position and relatively sparse population. For the time being, Blackstone City and the Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest would suffice. Up north, building a few small fortresses in key spots should do.

However, in the south, Stoneheart City alone was far from enough. Orion wanted the southern lands to thrive—not only swelling in population but also building more towns and cities.

Stretching from the Orc territory to the Giants’ territory, then extending into Blood Elf regions, there was a vast expanse of territory that would require at least ten cities to fulfill Orion’s initial plan.

Constructing ten major cities and interconnecting them with roads would take a great deal of time.

"Lord, were those merfolk we saw yesterday the entirety of the Sea Tribe species?"

This question came from Grulbane, whose long hair was tied into a single braid. Though he was a shaman, his physique was also impressive. By Ursa’s standards, Grulbane was an exceptionally handsome male Giant.

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Orion shook his head, pondering a moment before deciding to share more details about the Sea Tribe with his people.

"The Sea Tribe you saw yesterday is only one clan among many. Within Jorik’s arena, you also saw jellyfish and various water-based beings—they, too, belong to the Sea Tribe."

"The invaders were merely a Sea Tribe. Among them, the stronger members are known as the Reverse Whale clan. Six lords showed up, and they were very formidable."

"The Sea Tribe is ferocious, but when they die, their entire bodies can be harvested for valuable materials—bones, fish hides, and scales are all excellent for crafting weapons and equipment."

Speaking of raw materials, Rendall suddenly produced a bead from his robe and offered it to Orion.

"Lord, we retrieved this from a large whale. It seems different from typical crystal cores."

Orion accepted the orb, examining it closely before addressing the group.

"This is indeed a crystal core!"

"But it’s not like the ones we’re used to finding. Its energy is decidedly purer."

"Consuming such a core increases your chances of breaking through."

A delighted look spread over Rendall’s face at Orion’s words. His daughter, Ursa, was already at the peak of Hero-level. Rendall believed that after bathing in the Dragon Nest’s power, if Ursa also absorbed this crystal core, she would be guaranteed to advance to Alpha-level. That thought alone made Rendall smile.

Meanwhile, Orion handed the core back to Rendall and fell into deep contemplation.

"Why would the crystal cores found in Sea Tribe creatures contain purer energy than those from land-based beasts?"

"And why do the dark creatures in the Emerald Dream Realm drop dark source crystals, whose energy is also purer than that in ordinary crystal cores? What’s causing this difference?"

"Could it be the environment?"

Orion was lost in thought. Exchanging silent glances, Rendall, Drakthul, and the others slipped out of the palace.

Around noon, Guard Dace entered, announcing that Grand Duke Richard of the human kingdom was here to visit, interrupting Orion’s musings.

Orion narrowed his eyes, unable to guess the grand duke’s intentions.

"Let him in!"

Orion rose to his feet, gave Dace the order, then stepped outside the palace to greet his guest personally.

Moments later, Grand Duke Richard, clad in a luxurious robe, strode forward.

"Lord Orion, I do hope you’ll pardon my sudden visit!"

Grand Duke Richard performed a nobleman’s bow. Orion placed his hand to his left chest and patted it three times, indicating his welcome.

They exchanged pleasantries and then entered the palace together.

"Orion, you’re the winner of the giant-king duel. Your glory has spread across the whole continent."

Orion let out a hearty laugh, feigning relish for Grand Duke Richard’s flattery while inwardly keeping his guard up. He knew that human sycophancy usually came with hidden motives.

"Grand Duke Richard, save the formalities. I imagine you must have some good news to share with me."