Titan King: Ascension of the Giant-Chapter 518: Following in Orion’s footsteps

A sharp whoosh sliced through the air!

A massive wind blade materialized on the city wall, killing a slime molds mutant. Gustalon then pointed out the next target for Dirtclaw.

"Over to the west, near the arrow tower!"

Dirtclaw let loose a wolf's howl, bounding past the crowd and the small scorpions on the city wall, charging straight for the next Alpha-level slime molds mutant.

Wherever they passed, members of the cannon fodder troops raised their shields in front, fending off the fungal creatures scaling the walls as weapons stabbed down from behind the shields.

As the Hellhound bounded nimbly across the wall, Dirtclaw saw that every full-force strike could spell life or death. The harsh reality of war was on full display—unvarnished, brutal, and vividly intense.

Of course, Gustalon and Dirtclaw weren't fighting alone.

Onyx fought just as impressively. Working in tandem with his Dark Armored Beetle, he singlehandedly held off a large swath of enemies, swinging his weapon in grand, sweeping arcs.

"Once this battle's over, I'm definitely advancing to Alpha peak!"

Onyx burst into laughter as his giant axe came crashing down, unstoppable in its path.

Not too far away stood Gronthar, also a giant. Compared to Onyx, he was clearly weaker, but that was only in comparison.

In reality, ever since they'd entered Valkorath Realm, Gronthar's aura had become noticeably steadier. He had even managed to raise his power level by one small tier, ensuring he was by no means the weakest among them.

"If I can make it through this war, I might just manage to break through again," Gronthar thought.

Unlike Gustalon or Onyx, Gronthar's goal wasn't the Legendary level.

He knew his own gifts and potential—the Alpha peak might well be his ceiling.

In these past months, he had absorbed quite a bit of life essence, but his progression was minor.

Still, he was excited because he stood at a height his old tribe had never reached. Someday, he hoped to return to that tribe, bringing forth future generations with even greater potential and talent.

Gronthar believed that under Orion's leadership, the Stoneheart Horde would have more opportunities for resources like life essence. Its younger giants would get their chance, one that might carry them beyond what the current generation could achieve.

"Gronthar, what are you daydreaming about?"

Earthshaker lifted his two-handed sword, tearing through an oncoming slime molds mutant, and snapped Gronthar out of his momentary daze.

"Earthshaker, I was imagining our future—our next generation!"

With a roar, Gronthar charged forward, displaying fearless bravery.

Through the crashing and clashing, Gronthar's voice rang out:

"I have a son, and I hope he'll surpass me."

"But if his talent isn't enough, I'm planning on having a few more children once I get back."

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"I'm convinced one of them will follow in Orion's footsteps and reach the Legendary level of power."

"…"

Earthshaker heard every word, feeling just a bit shaken, too. He remembered that before coming to Valkorath Realm, his wife might have been pregnant again.

"Following in Orion's footsteps, huh?"

He had never seriously thought about it, but he could sense that he wasn't at his own limit yet.

"I have to work hard. I want to catch up to Onyx, Dirtclaw, and the others, pushing my power to ever greater heights."

"..."

And so the battle for Soraya City continued for another month or so.

Finally, on that particular day, the defensive campaign came to an end when the slime molds layer began receding into the distance.

At Dusk Castle, in the great hall.

With the retreat of the slime molds layer, the senior elders of the Stoneheart Horde had all gathered in the palace.

Seated to the left and right of Orion were Soraya and Vexis, while the other elders stood.

Soraya and Vexis were allowed to sit because they were both Legendary-level beings.

Orion glanced at everyone present. Besides Gustalon, Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, and Gormathar, there were also six newly promoted Alpha-level warriors.

Within Valkorath Realm, three previously established Alpha-level elders had fallen in battle: Marnok and Veldrok from the Starveil giant tribe, plus Thunderclaw from the Thunderwood Forest.

Thunderclaw died while defending the city walls, pulled into the slime molds layer by fungal creatures. At that time, Orion had been locked in combat with a broodmother counterpart and missed the chance to rescue him.

The six new Alpha-level individuals were Taran, Brontes, Steropes, Erythros, Thalion, and Torvald.

Taran was the chieftain of the Pandaren tribe; he had joined the Stoneheart Horde and come along with the cannon fodder troops to Valkorath Realm, eventually advancing to Alpha-level.

Brontes and Steropes were brothers from the Thunderstorm Bearmen clan. They hadn't become Shield Warriors; instead, they joined the cannon fodder troops under Dirtclaw's leadership. Now they were reaping the rewards.

Erythros was the biggest surprise to Orion—he hailed from the Ironbone Tribe.

Frankly, the Ironbone Tribe's giants were usually weaker. Aside from Thundar, that tribe hardly ever made much of an impression.

Finally, Thalion and Torvald came from the Starveil giant tribe.

Because the Starveil giants resided in the south, protected by their Legendary-level giant king, they had deeper resources and more promising youths.

"Soraya City has finally held out, and all of you did well. This victory belongs to the entire Horde!"

"You'll soon receive the share of spoils you're due."

Orion's tone was imposing, yet also tinged with genuine delight.

"However, the war isn't over. Up next is your chance to profit."

"From now on, if you pursue the retreating slime molds mutants, you need only hand over half of what you earn to the Horde. The other half is yours to keep."

For these Alpha-level fighters, that news was indeed a temptation, and Orion was clearly sharing the spoils.

It was especially enticing for the more powerful elders like Gustalon, Onyx, Dirtclaw, and Drakthul. An extra half share of life essence might help them quickly reach Alpha-level peak.

"Remember, you only have one month."

As everyone exchanged glances, Orion's voice, which had grown quiet, rose once again.

"A month from now, the dark beast tides in Titanion Realm will recede."

"At that point, all of you must return to the Stoneheart Horde."

"I'll rotate this opportunity among the elders back home who've stayed to guard the Horde."

"In the future, only those who have proven themselves valuable to the Horde and possess outstanding talent will be allowed to come here to train."

Because the fungal creatures would soon be heavily reduced in number, chances to fight would also dwindle.

While the enemy still posed a threat, Orion intended to bring over more of the Horde's members so that everyone could grow stronger.

An overall rise in power, this was the true path to strengthening the Horde.