Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1354 Initiation into the Alliance

Expanding his population and seizing new territories alongside Orion were mandatory steps toward Tangere's eventual ascension to Arch Lord.

Tangere, however, was caught off guard by Orion’s sudden departure. Without leaving behind a strategic blueprint or any profound guidance, the man simply turned and vanished into thin air.

His total disappearance left Tangere feeling a hollow sense of dread.

Is it my lack of strength? Tangere wondered as panic began to take hold.

Perhaps my unit composition is too narrow?

Pacing the cold stone floor of his Mage Tower, Tangere spiraled into a vortex of self-doubt. He found himself trapped in a labyrinth of second-guessing, dissecting every past interaction to uncover his flaws. He was desperate to prove himself useful enough for Orion to continue supporting him.

[Survivor's Platform: Champions Alliance Secure Channel]

As soon as Orion’s consciousness linked with the secure channel, he announced his choice to the group.

Hulk: "Alright everyone, I met with Tangere. He checks out. I've decided to bring him into the Champions Alliance."

Orion’s visit hadn't been a mere social call; his request for Tangere to judge his own companions had served as the ultimate trial.

Though the test appeared basic, Orion was actually probing the depths of Tangere’s character.

The ability to see through others while maintaining a clear understanding of oneself is a rare gift. It demands sharp social intuition, keen observation, and the skill to read people while remaining objective. Tangere had proven he possessed these traits in abundance.

Leonidas: "About time. I scouted the kid earlier. Not bad."

Leonidas: "He's at peak Legend rank. He can't punch above his weight class, but his kit is unique. High utility."

Leonidas was the first to chime in. He and the Deputy Commander had already withdrawn their Demigod Phantoms from the Abyssal World to focus on conquering a Godforsaken Land. With the fronts in the Silverwood Realm and Emerald Dream Realm stabilizing, Leonidas was too restless to remain idle.

The timing of Tangere’s induction was ideal; Leonidas intended to drag him to the Emerald Dream Realm to manage the tedious grunt work.

Edward: "Let me know when he's in. I need to read him the riot act regarding our protocols."

The Deputy Commander had also been watching Tangere, though his surveillance was far more subtle. Tangere had never even detected his presence.

Isabella: "Hulk, you screwed me over!"

Isabella finally joined the conversation. The last time she had attempted to 'evaluate' Tangere, she was nearly impaled by Orion’s trident.

Hulk: "Isabella, Alexander is right here. Watch your phrasing—you make it sound like I knocked you up."

Kraken: "Wait, Isabella's pregnant? And it's Hulk's?"

Makareth: "Congrats! I'll start working on the baby shower gifts immediately."

While the Alliance members were always engaged when new blood arrived, Kraken and Makareth possessed a unique talent for immediately derailing any serious discussion.

Isabella: "Oh, go to hell... you bunch of assholes!"

Isabella: "You're the ones who are pregnant! Your whole families are pregnant! It's all Hulk's fault!"

Her furious outburst only triggered a wave of crude laughter from Makareth, Kraken, and Leonidas.

Alexander: "I've seen the rookie too. Honestly, he's better suited as a garrison commander."

Alexander: "His plague abilities are devastating in an invasion, but his personality is cautious. He prefers to hunker down."

Alexander: "Besides, being a defensive specialist doesn't mean his plague can't be weaponized offensively when needed."

Orion’s eyes brightened at Alexander’s astute observation.

Previously, he had viewed Tangere as having a somewhat wretched, merchant-like craftiness. During the southern invasion and the defense of the [Forest of Nature], Tangere hadn't performed any legendary feats.

However, the reality remained: Tangere had survived. He had endured without Orion’s protection and emerged completely unscathed.

That level of survival was a significant skill in its own right.

Leonidas: "Alexander, you always have the most to say, and you usually say it best. Go prepare a gift. You're a Demigod—don't be cheap about it."

Alexander: "You say that like you aren't a Demigod yourself. Between the two of us, who's the one actually broke?"

That retort left Leonidas momentarily speechless.

While Leonidas had successfully hatched the [World Dragons], the endeavor had drained his entire treasury, and the creatures continued to consume resources like a bottomless pit. He was easily the most impoverished Demigod in the Champions Alliance.

Orion ignored their bickering. After notifying the Deputy Commander, he reached back out to Tangere.

"I want to introduce you to a few friends. You interested?"

Silverwood Realm, City of Mirelune

Tangere paused in confusion upon receiving the message.

He exited the Survivor's Platform and opened his eyes in his physical body within the Mage Tower. He poured a glass of water, drinking slowly to calm his racing heart.

Orion had only just departed, yet now he was sending cryptic invitations. Tangere was sharp; he sensed he might have just hit the motherlode.

Orion was a Demigod. His inner circle would be Arch Lords at the very least—and most likely other Demigods.

This was exactly the kind of elite network Tangere had been dying to join.

Trembling with excitement, he took a moment to steady his nerves before logging back in.

"Absolutely! Thank you for the opportunity, Big Boss!"

After finishing his water, Tangere closed his eyes and sent his confirmation.

"I'm going to pull you into a channel. Remember: follow the rules, listen more, talk less."

With those brief instructions, Orion issued the invitation.

[System Alert: Hulk has invited you to join the Champions Alliance. Accept?]

Tangere didn’t blink. He accepted immediately.

The moment he entered the public channel of the Champions Alliance, a flood of welcome messages filled his vision.

Hulk: "Welcome, Tangere!"

Arthas: "Welcome to the crew."

Edward: "Welcome to the Champions Alliance."

Leonidas: "Fresh meat! Get in here!"

Alexander: "Welcome."

Kraken: "My brother! Welcome! Drinks are on me next time."

Isabella: "Welcome to the team. This is a new chapter for you."

Makareth: "Welcome! Welcome! A warm welcome!"

Every member was present except for the sleeping Commander. Even the usually silent Arthas spoke up once Tangere was officially part of the roster.

"Pay close attention to the rules the Deputy Commander sends you. That's not a suggestion."

As his sponsor, Orion sent a private, stern warning. He had no desire to eventually have to hunt Tangere down himself. The mere thought was a headache.

"Don't worry, Big Boss. I'll watch my step."

Satisfied with the reply, Orion went quiet.

Now, he had to prepare an introductory gift for the newcomer, following the tradition his friends had shown him when he first joined.

After thinking it over, Orion pulled out an idol crafted from rare black gold. He initiated a trade with Tangere.

It was a statue of Orion himself, containing a sliver of his Demigod Phantom. It functioned as a super-weapon—a final trump card that could save Tangere’s life in a moment of total catastrophe.

Coming alongside the gifts from the rest of the Alliance, this specific token held an immense weight and significance.