Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1396 Investments in Blood

Among Demigods, material riches held no value in transactions. Gold couldn't purchase a deity. The true exchange among these supreme beings revolved around influence—debts of favor, oaths of blood, and unwavering allegiance.

"One additional point," the Deputy Commander continued, changing the subject. "To the allies of the Champions Alliance, we'll grant the position of Honorary Assembly Member. They'll receive the Black Obsidian Badge."

Raising a hand, he cut off potential inquiries. "This badge provides asylum rights. It's a vow of safeguarding."

Such a strategy was clever. It strengthened their subtle influence inside and out. The Deputy Commander had evidently planned this path well ahead of the gathering.

"What resources do we require to start the Platinum Authority?" Orion inquired.

For a Demigod like him, launching the Platinum Authority brought no direct change to his life. When assistance was needed, he just summoned his companions. Yet Orion grasped the broader vision. The Authority would offer vital support to the ordinary members, and as the Deputy Commander noted, early contributions would secure shares in the foundational setup later on.

This amounted to venture capital across the stars, and Orion always sought to broaden his investments.

"Considerable," Edward stated directly. "Manpower and funds are essential. From you in particular, Orion... we require a Broodmother. The Authority demands a steady supply of disposable soldiers—mere fodder. Your bio-factories provide the ideal answer."

Orion responded without delay. "Agreed."

"Moreover, everyone can deploy portions of their forces here. The Platinum Authority will act as a forge. It's an ideal setting to temper superior warriors via endless battles."

Orion's curiosity sharpened. This marked the key attraction. The Stoneheart Horde was fated to dominate the multiverse, encountering endless forms of warfare. Rotating his troops through the Platinum Authority would refine their strategies and toughen his fighters.

"Who will manage it?" Alexander questioned, his tone slicing the hopeful mood. "Any group pooling such vast assets draws in vermin. Rot is unavoidable."

"The Speakers will take turns handling supervision," the Deputy Commander replied, ready for the doubt. "In a Speaker's period, should the Authority face damages from poor handling or theft, the penalty deducts straight from that Speaker's earnings."

"And should the rot grow extreme..."

The words trailed off. No need to complete them. If the core members of the Champions Alliance began pilfering their shared funds, the group merited its downfall.

"When does it begin?"

"Shortly. But not this day."

The scale proved too immense for a one-time decision. Time was required to gather their holdings.

Emerald Dream Realm — City of Sophia

The city bore a new name of late. Once a modest stronghold of the Stoneheart Horde, Orion had officially granted it to Sophia. It served as a present—maybe amends, or just thanks for nurturing Kaelen.

Though still part of the Emerald Dream Realm, it had shifted to another landmass, giving the Dark Butterfly Clan a new beginning in an area full of potential for growth.

"I'm placing this location under your care," Orion declared from the balcony, gazing over the budding community. "This becomes the haven for the Dark Butterfly Clan. Your choices in building it and ruling it are yours alone. I won't meddle."

Turning toward her, his face grew solemn. "That said, with your bond to the Stoneheart Horde, I anticipate your blending in. Avoid seclusion."

He halted, his tone easing a bit. "Eventually, I'll come back for you. You and Kaelen will join me at the citadel. It's time to encounter Lilith."

Sophia inclined her head. Color touched her face—not the shy tint of youth, but the intricate, cautious feeling of an adult woman confronting a tangled path ahead. To many, such an expression would prove irresistible.

Yet Orion refrained from savoring it. Saving his fading child demanded his focus.

Kaelen lingered in a deep slumber. Each moment lost risked the boy's very spirit.

"For now," Orion stated. He scooped up Kaelen's limp body with ease.

With a swift rush, he disappeared from the City of Sophia. Sophia stayed on the balcony, eyes fixed on the spot he'd occupied, her mind wandering far beyond the fading trace of his presence carried by the breeze.

Divine Kingdom — Stratum of Asura

"All hail the Father!"

"Glory to the Father!"

Upon Orion's arrival in the Stoneheart Temple, the top guards knelt low, their devotion bordering on zealotry.

"Concentrate on your cultivation," Orion ordered, moving onward without pause.

Carrying Kaelen further into the holy core, he navigated the depths. In his Divine Kingdom, spatial limits were mere illusions. One stride carried him across voids, landing at the realm's tallest summit on the main peak.

Gently, he placed Kaelen on the ground. Lifting his hand, Orion reformed the golden blood—Kaelen's prior offering—into a floating orb of fluid above his open palm.

"Silly child," Orion whispered, letting out a deep breath. "Sacrificing isn't child's play."

Orion understood the toll. In his rise to dominance, he'd seldom used Blood Sacrifice. On two occasions, it had demanded an Avatar as payment. Had Kaelen given this to anyone but his father, the boy's talents would have suffered lasting harm.

Orion directed the golden blood toward Kaelen's lips. As it stemmed from his own core, the child's form welcomed it eagerly, reclaiming the strength without resistance.

Orion stopped, pondering what followed. From the emptiness, he drew out the lump of pure Faith Energy that Kaelen had consumed after defeating Emeric.

In his mind, Orion purified the unstable force, removing the flaws, then pushed it against Kaelen's brow, embedding it firmly into his mental depths.

These were the rewards of victory. Kaelen had slain an enemy well beyond his level; this energy belonged to him by right. It would build the base for his coming rise.

"This peak, this ocean... they're shaped from my body and soul," Orion said softly to the resting youth. "Take in all you can handle. The outcome rests with you."

Kaelen's eyes twitched faintly, as though responding to the words, yet he stayed asleep. Orion remained beside him, a quiet guardian for his son, until dusk approached. Only then did he rise and depart the Stoneheart Temple.