Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1410 Return of the Old Guard

Dirtclaw harbored some resentment. From the moment Orion commanded the elimination of Insectoids inside their territories, he and Gustalon—the other Warden of Blackstone City—had settled on alternating their duties.

Gustalon took charge of the opening assault. Moving with the swiftness of a gale, he cleared out the northern badlands so completely that Insectoids were almost entirely eradicated from the area.

When Dirtclaw's opportunity arrived, it amounted to little more than a routine inspection. No threats remained to eliminate.

"Check the area south of the Thunderwood," Gustalon advised, his tone steady like the center of a whirlwind. "That spot's damp. They multiply quickly in the decay. Though I cleared it before, they've probably come back already."

He indicated likely trouble spots on the chart. The pair found themselves halted at the same barrier—top-tier Legends, repeatedly hitting the barrier to Archlord status. For fighters of their level, crushing minor pests served only as light exercise.

"The Great Shift draws near," Gustalon whispered, gazing at the overcast heavens. "The surroundings are transforming. The world's rules are reshaping, and mana levels are surging. Conflict looms ahead."

Gustalon sensed the unseen flows in the atmosphere. The vast sea of elements grew endlessly. This transformation signaled that the planet's landscapes would soon be remapped. And maybe, amid that turmoil, his personal constraints would at last break free.

"Do you catch that scent as well? The iron of blood mixed with soot?"

"Heh."

Dirtclaw smirked, a deep growl rising from his torso. He understood Gustalon held no fear. Far from it—his battle comrade yearned for combat. Both were born from strife, shaped in the blaze of battles.

"Truth be told, I just don't understand it," Dirtclaw pondered, rubbing his jaw. "How does this foreign realm muster the courage to assault the Titanion Realm? Didn't they survey us first? Are they unaware of the immense shadow cast by the Giant King? Raiding other realms... that's our role."

Gustalon lifted his shoulders. "I can't explain the insane. But here's what I know: their mistake brings us gain. Orion's triumph requires growth. And for us? We crave more territory. We hunger for additional supplies."

Dirtclaw tilted his head skyward and bellowed a laugh—a bold, echoing roar that bounced from the ravine sides.

"Partner, you're talking my talk!"

"Hahaha..."

His mirth halted abruptly as motion drew his attention. From the passage to the subterranean teleportation portal, known shapes started to appear.

"I'd know that cackle from a mile away. It resembles a wounded hyena's wail," a resonant voice declared. "It has to be our respected Warden Dirtclaw."

Dirtclaw squinted, then his smile stretched broader across his features.

"By the Giant King! See who's arrived!"

"The Archelder! Our mighty Pathfinder!"

"And the Prophet... my cherished Commander!"

"Thundar, you old brute!"

Discarding any formality of position, Dirtclaw advanced, hugging his longtime allies in turn.

"I figured it out. As soon as the inter-realm array activated, you'd all return. The golden era of the Stoneheart Horde has truly begun."

He gripped forearms with Onyx, the companion who'd preserved his life countless times.

"Brothers," Dirtclaw proclaimed to the assembly. "Greatness awaits us on the horizon. Yet a fresh trial confronts us too. Are you prepared to give all for the Horde?"

His words carried no symbolism. This crew—Onyx, Rendall, Earthshaker, Thundar, Dace, Ursa—consisted of seasoned fighters trapped at the summit of Chieftain rank. They'd come to advance or perish in the attempt.

"Elder Dirtclaw," Dace inquired, his voice grave. "You've become a Hell-Drake Hound. That's an uncommon, elite bloodline. Will you really forsake it to transform into a Stoneheart Titan?"

It stemmed from care, not rejection. Dace recognized the fierce battles Dirtclaw endured to reach that stage.

"You're missing the essence, Dace," Dirtclaw answered, his grin steady. "We all understand my identity. I battled fiercely for this shape, dragging myself from death's grip. But face facts—my growth has reached its limit. My innate gifts won't propel me farther along this path."

This was pure candor. Unlike Gustalon, an essence being supported by the Horde's vast assets where progress seemed assured, Dirtclaw faced an impasse.

"But today? Today offers a fresh surge. I trust that through our resolve and determination, we'll enter a higher realm."

The seasoned ones inclined their heads. Orion's rise to Demigod and his forging of the Stoneheart Titan path had flung wide a gateway they believed forever locked. It granted them renewed opportunity.

"On the topic of passing time," Dirtclaw shifted gears. "Gustalon and I must meet our purge targets. Want to tag along? We'll scout the lands. Summon your Winter Wolves, your Raptors, your Flame-Tigers... even the dragons if you've got 'em."

The allure struck hard and fast. Several had gained remarkable beasts during their absence. Coming back to the Horde without displaying them would feel like an offense.

"We ride!"

"Count me in!"

"Let's go!"

Blackstone City, nestled in the icy north, buzzed with energy.

Thanks to the Horde's veteran returnees, the place evoked memories of Orion's initial ascent—harsh, boisterous, and overflowing with life.

Maybe due to this gathering, Orion and Lilith relocated the full royal family to Blackstone City, settling into the Horde Hall.

Custom called for a massive bonfire feast honoring warriors' homecoming. Under Orion's direct order, the city erupted in eager setup. Even southern elders in verdant lands hurried to beam northward.

In the Stoneheart Horde, feasting rules were straightforward: the opening ale horn and finest meat slice went to the Mightiest.

That pointed to the Demigod, Orion in person, making an appearance.

Awareness of this sparked clansfolk everywhere to employ every means to arrive in Blackstone City.

For recent Horde joiners, Blackstone seemed merely a frontier post; they saw Stoneheart City as the real hub. But the elders grasped the reality.

Blackstone City formed the foundation. The forge.

While those dark fortifications endured, the Stoneheart Horde would remain unbreakable.