Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1357 Follow the future

Lambert wavered. To him, nobility was more than a mere title; it was a heavy ancestral obligation. His kin had sacrificed everything to relocate to this place, tying their very existence to the foundations of Soaring Bird City.

They would either thrive as one or perish together.

However, Ava’s declaration was final. Staying was no longer an option. The city had to be evacuated.

"Remaining here is impossible," Ava stated, a slow shake of her head emphasizing her point. The correspondence from King Harold left no room for doubt. "As the war between worlds commences, every power will retreat. They are going to pull their defenses back to protect their own capitals."

"You understand our position. Soaring Bird City sits on the jagged edge of the Human Kingdom. When the invasion begins, the frontier will be the first sacrifice made to preserve the core territory."

"I truly regret this," Ava continued, a pained smile crossing her face. "But given our current military Cultivation and numbers, we lack the strength to defend this land alone."

She understood the grim reality better than anyone. The meteoric rise of Soaring Bird City hadn't been earned through its own might—it was propped up by the influence of two Great Powers: King Harold’s backing of her, and the Giant King, now a Demigod, supporting her son, Kronos.

She had soared on the winds of their authority, but those winds were now falling still.

"My Lady, if you summoned me for my perspective," Godfrey’s voice sliced through the oppressive quiet, "then my counsel is straightforward: Relocate to the Stoneheart Horde."

"And you must do so without delay."

Garrett, Lambert, and Klythia snapped their heads up in surprise. While they were trapped in a cycle of doubt, Godfrey—the outsider—had spoken with piercing certainty.

The entire room focused on him. Godfrey remained composed, showing neither subservience nor pride, exhaling an aura of steady confidence that demanded attention.

"Sir Knight," Ava replied, her voice losing its edge. "Your reputation for insight and courage is well-known in the Human Kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde alike. Please, continue."

Godfrey met her eyes before glancing at the assembled knights. A shared sense of honor existed among them, creating a space where the blunt truth could be told.

"My Lady, you have to follow where the future leads."

The future?

The members of the council looked at one another, visibly confused.

"The future of Soaring Bird City is embodied by Prince Kronos," Godfrey declared. "Is there any among you who disagrees?"

Nods of agreement followed, Ava's included. The fact was undeniable. The lineage and potential of Kronos were the city’s most valuable treasures.

"And the path of Prince Kronos leads to the Stoneheart Horde. Do you dispute that?"

Godfrey didn't pause for a reply. He continued, his tone turning sharper. "Do you truly believe the Human Kingdom will ever fully welcome the Prince?"

The question seemed to drain the air from the room. He had named the one truth everyone had been too afraid to acknowledge.

"Despite his royal blood, he will never be one of them. At most, they will endure his presence because they fear the Giant King."

Only Ava truly felt the sting of those words. Her own status within the Stoneheart hierarchy was precarious—she held no formal title or marriage. She was the mother of a Prince, yet she existed in a social void.

"Therefore," Godfrey summarized, "the Prince’s destiny lies with the Horde. If his future is there, ours must be as well."

"According to reports, the Prince has already made a name for himself during the northern battles near Blackstone City. He has gained genuine authority and respect within the Tribe’s military ranks."

Lambert’s gaze sharpened. He caught the subtle change in Godfrey’s choice of words. When discussing the city, he said "you," but when mentioning Kronos, he said "we."

The mercenary’s allegiance was already pledged to the Prince.

"My Lady, the Prince has already committed to the Horde. Why do we stall?"

"Are you waiting for him to arrive in person to collect you? To be dragged there and fuel even more rumors within the Tribe about his ‘helpless’ human mother?"

Godfrey suddenly stopped.

He realized he had overstepped. His passion had led him to speak too freely, crossing into forbidden territory.

"Forgive me, My Lady. I meant no disrespect."

He snapped into a stiff salute, spun around, and exited the palace with purposeful strides. He had delivered his message; the decision now rested with them.

"My Lady," Klythia said as she moved forward, her hand gripping her massive shield with conviction. "I find myself in agreement with Godfrey."

"The Prince represents the future, and we follow him. Our path is clear."

"However," she added, her expression clouding over, "what about the common folk? If we depart, what becomes of the people of Soaring Bird City?"

This was the dilemma that truly pained them. Loyalty to a sovereign was paramount, but their vow to shield the defenseless was the core of their identity as knights.

"We cannot simply abandon them to their fate," Klythia whispered. "If we do that, we forfeit our right to be called knights."

Ava let out a long, heavy sigh. The burden of leadership felt heavy enough to break her.

"I need time to reflect."

***

Blood Elf Territory

In contrast to the panicked retreat of the Golden Apple Chamber of Commerce, the Blood Elf caravan traveled with a refined, almost effortless elegance.

While the swarms of insects were a threat to all, the Blood Elves utilized a secret ancient herbal mixture that repelled the pests. Any attacks were infrequent and quickly dealt with.

Inside a carriage adorned with shimmering arcane runes, three individuals rested in luxury.

Princess Delphine, the younger sibling of Elf King Rommath, accompanied two children: Prince Elyndar and Princess Ariselle.

"Auntie Delphine, how much further until we reach Stoneheart City?" Ariselle inquired, her face pressed against the window. "I’ve heard Marina City is stunning too! Merchants from the Sea Race, strange treasures... I want to see it all!"

This caravan, protected by a vanguard of elite warriors, was also seeking refuge within the Stoneheart Horde. To the young ones, however, the journey felt like a grand outing.

Princess Ariselle was the focal point of a grand political strategy—she was the intended bride for Pallas, the Giant Prince.

The Blood Elf leadership had finalized the details through Lycanor and Lilith. Once Ariselle reached Stoneheart City and was accepted by the Horde, the engagement would be made public. Whether a wedding would actually occur was a matter for the future.

For the time being, Elyndar and Ariselle were oblivious to these plans. They believed they were merely on a formal visit to see Elder Lycanor.

Ariselle’s lack of guile was her greatest strength. Delphine watched her niece with a mix of love and pity. That pure nature was exactly what the Stoneheart Elders would find appealing.

Delphine’s own spirit was troubled. Her engagement to Prince Theodore was set, but the impending war between worlds had cast a shadow of doubt over when—or if—the wedding would happen.

For a woman waiting to wed, such uncertainty was a heavy trial.

"Auntie," Elyndar asked, looking up from his text. "Is the Stoneheart Horde truly as grand as people claim? Is it larger than the City of Blessings? Are there really that many citizens?"