Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1478 Loyalty and Blood

Ursa lifted Anubis up onto the back of her beast, fastening him in place so he wouldn't tumble off while they traveled.

'My task hasn't finished yet,' Ursa grumbled, tugging at the bindings. 'I must advance the frontline further.'

'Take a break,' she ordered firmly, leaving no room for debate. 'You don't have to handle this battle by yourself.'

Titanion Realm, Blackstone City.

The fall season was starting to blanket the land. A sharp coolness hung in the atmosphere, but the vibrant hustle of Blackstone City refused to slow down. In fact, it was surpassing the buzz from Stoneheart City down south.

Folks were catching on that Blackstone City had become the central hub for the Stoneheart Horde. With the public teleportation array now operational, real estate prices and trade had skyrocketed, fueled by a wild rush for riches.

Inner City, Dirtclaw's Estate.

Back in the day, Dirtclaw was the one who gathered presents and visited homes to honor the other Horde Elders. But now, things had flipped. Elders from the inner city—acquaintances and unknowns alike—were queuing up to show their respects to him.

Rendall and Thundar weren't any different. They showed up with containers of premium liquor, passing through the entrance of Dirtclaw's residence.

'Salutations, High Warden!'

'Salutations, High Warden!'

Rendall and Thundar inclined their heads together, their grins blending true well-wishes with obvious jealousy.

'Arch Elder Rendall, Brother Thundar! No need for you to visit in person.' Dirtclaw hurried forward to welcome them, guiding his two elders into the secluded chamber of the property.

Exotic liquors and gourmet treats were set out in advance. For a long time, Dirtclaw had shown respect to Rendall and the senior folks like a subordinate. Prior to his ascent, their advice and power had kept him afloat.

'Traditions must be followed,' Rendall stated, his expression serious yet his gaze sparkling. 'Do you believe the position of High Warden in the Stoneheart Horde is unworthy of our attention?'

Rendall valued order and rank. Dirtclaw had turned into a mythic hero, ranking just below Orion. He bore the burden of the Horde's triumphs. Even seasoned fighters like themselves needed to honor the role he held.

Dirtclaw chuckled, filling a full cup of strong drink for Rendall. He understood the elderly giant's nature perfectly. A couple of cups of the fiery brew, and the rigid Grand Elder would transform back into the lively fighter from years past.

'Dirtclaw, I've come to request something,' Rendall declared straightforwardly after dabbing his lips.

'Steelblade is on his chosen route, but the rest—Bloodforge, Ironmaul, Grimhammer, Doomshard, Frostcrusher... they require a tough challenge. I'll be honest with you. Those youngsters lack the innate gifts of your pair of offspring, but they're reliable lineage fighters. They can hold the front.'

Dirtclaw had just been named Commander of the Fourth Legion, an army in the millions. Soon, he'd travel to Moonshadow Valley to rally the soldiers. Rendall and Thundar aimed to secure spots for their offspring in it.

They wouldn't leave their family in anyone else's hands. Yet with Dirtclaw, their trust was complete. They also wished that fighting beside him would instill some of his toughness in their young ones.

'Thundar, do you share this view?' Dirtclaw inquired.

Thundar gave a nod. After reaching the Legendary Tier, his prospects had widened, and his path ahead gleamed. He'd thought about schooling his relatives personally, but whenever he observed the explosive progress of Anubis and Wepwawet, he dropped the notion of gentle training.

'Grand Elder, Brother Thundar,' Dirtclaw replied, his look turning grave. 'I won't refuse you. But if you hand over your young ones to me, hear this: I'll send them on the riskiest assignments.'

He bent closer. 'You recall my background. I clawed my way from the tomb to reach this spot. If you desire their change, I must be harsh. They'll be worn to the bone. Either they perish in combat, or they emerge as something fearsome.'

Dirtclaw realized they sought no shielding. They wanted growth through trials.

'For anyone in the Stoneheart Horde, falling in battle is the greatest glory,' Rendall declared, his features setting into a visage of dignified resolve. 'It's a noble end.'

'I concur,' Thundar chimed in. 'Only a fighter's burial deserves the honor.'

'So it's decided,' Dirtclaw announced, topping up their cups. 'With that matter resolved... Grand Elder, I journeyed to the Emerald Dream Realm after departing the Divine Kingdom. I returned with some valuables. Here, have a glance.'

South, Stoneheart City.

Prince Theodore along with the veteran commander, Oswin Calder, positioned themselves in the grand chamber of the palace, anticipating a meeting with the King.

Upon the raised platform, Orion occupied the seat of power. Lilith was at his left side, Ava at his right.

'Theodore pays respects to His Majesty!'

'Oswin Calder pays respects to His Majesty!'

Although Orion restrained his essence, the immense aura of a Demigod weighed the space down like iron. Theodore and Oswin displayed clear unease.

Oswin especially shook with nerves. For an ordinary commander, a Demigod was a fable come alive, a god in flesh. Standing nearby was utterly daunting.

'We share blood ties,' Orion proclaimed, his words echoing across the room. 'I safeguard your well-being.'

It served as a pledge. Orion appreciated how Theodore had cared for Ava and Kronos before. As a senior kin, he held a responsibility to protect.

'Regarding Northguard...' Orion hesitated. 'I'll grant the area to you. It stays as your domain.'

Theodore exhaled a sigh he'd held unknowingly. This result was what Oswin had hoped for desperately.

'That said,' Orion went on, his voice turning from kin to sovereign, 'Northguard's authority setup will be reformed to align with the Horde's ways.'

'The ancient nobility ends here. Inherited privileges vanish. If your folk seek influence or rank, they'll gain it via achievements and army duty, same as all others.'

Orion settled back. 'I'll permit you a guard of one thousand troops in your realm. Anything more? If you crave greater authority or elevated role... earn it through devotion and sacrifice in war.'