Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 8: Hiding behind a woman wasn’t his style

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Previously on Titan King: Ascension of the Giant...
After defeating James in a duel, Orion gains the recognition of the Blackstone Tribe and the approval of his father, the chieftain. Rather than staying in his parents' prestigious home, he chooses to live independently in a secluded spot near an old, taciturn warrior named Kolgor. With his new home established, Orion begins a series of grueling physical trials to increase his agility, pushing his giant physique to its limits. However, as the difficulty of these supernatural quests scales exponentially, he finds himself forced to shift his focus toward consuming high-level beast meat to further his strength.

The mission objective shifted, becoming remarkably straightforward.

Orion stared in surprise.

Perhaps this was a benefit for beginners? The system panel was proving to be quite thoughtful.

Consuming meat was a simple task, especially since Clymene had provided him with an ample supply of jerky.

Picking up a piece, Orion shoved it into his mouth. The dried meat lacked the flavor of Earth’s cuisine, offering nothing but a heavy, salt-laden taste.

He swallowed after a few quick chews.

His eyes remained fixed on the panel, but the data showed no progress—it was still stuck at 0/20 pounds.

Did the quest specifically demand fresh kills? Was it possible that processed meat didn't count toward the goal?

After a moment of reflection, Orion decided he would hunt for himself. It would serve as excellent training.

However, darkness was falling, and the night held many perils. It was wiser to rest and begin his hunt at dawn.

“I should find my targets near the tribe, they shouldn't be too far,” Orion mused.

He was just about to lie down when a voice called out from beyond the tent flap.

“Orion, are you still awake?”

Recognizing the voice, Orion opened the entrance in surprise. “Elder Rendall? What brings you here at this hour?”

Standing next to Rendall was a massive female giant.

She possessed incredible strength; her chest was particularly prominent, resembling two giant, ripe pumpkins.

Her arms were even thicker than Orion's own thighs.

Orion suspected that, aside from Clymene, she might be the most powerful female giant in the Blackstone Tribe.

Despite her size, the female giant appeared timid, keeping her gaze fixed on the ground.

Rendall gave a warm smile. “Orion, I witnessed your fight with James today. Your potential is clear to me. You are destined to become a formidable bloodline warrior.”

Sensing Rendall’s true intentions, Orion shook his head slightly. “Elder Rendall, the path to becoming a bloodline warrior is treacherous. We giants must endure brutal trials, and success is never guaranteed.”

“Furthermore, the awakening is a deadly process. The records of the Blackstone Tribe show an 80% mortality rate for those who attempt the trial.”

That 80% figure was even more terrifying than it sounded. Only the most gifted young giants, such as James, even dared to attempt the transformation into a bloodline warrior.

The fact that the mortality rate remained so high even among the elite spoke volumes about the difficulty.

Orion wasn't actually rejecting the idea of becoming a warrior. He was rejecting a different offer, one he was sure Elder Rendall understood.

The truth was, Orion couldn't find the female giants of the tribe attractive. He still clung to the beauty standards of Earth.

He preferred black stockings, pencil skirts, and a certain aesthetic...

Elder Rendall, however, feigned ignorance and continued to praise his daughter. “My daughter Ursa might not match your sister's strength, but within the Blackstone Tribe, she is considered a rare beauty.”

“She is quite capable, having taken down a standard level brown bear on her own. If the two of you were to pair up, your children would surely be legendary!”

No thank you, I’m worried those breasts would actually smother me...

Orion kept his thoughts to himself and offered a polite refusal. “Elder, I am only ten years old and have just recently moved into my own tent. I am not yet ready for the responsibilities of a wife and children.”

Rendall looked let down but offered one last piece of advice. “Young man, if you ever seek a woman, remember my daughter. The bloodline warrior trial is a life-and-death matter. Don’t you want to taste the joys of being a man before you face such danger?”

Good grief, he’s talking like I’m about to leave a deathbed wish, Orion sighed internally.

He certainly wanted to experience those pleasures, but Ursa was not the one he had in mind.

To a giant, Ursa might be a prize, but to Orion, she was less enticing than a standard level brown bear.

To shift the conversation, Orion began asking about the locations of brown bears and other wildlife.

With the temperature dropping, he intended to gather meat and pelts before the arrival of the long winter.

This wasn't just for his own sake, but for the Blackstone Tribe as a whole.

Despite their natural strength, giants were not immune to the brutal environment of the Black Forest. Every year, the cold and famine claimed lives within the tribe.

“You are a noble young man. If it were up to me, I’d have you in bed with Ursa this very night. She is physically ready for you,” Rendall said, praising Orion's spirit before revealing where the brown bears could be found.

Elder Rendall warned him that while brown bears were only standard level beasts, their aggression was high. He suggested that Ursa go along to protect him.

Orion once again declined the Elder's suggestion with firm resolve.

He had no intention of hiding behind a woman's back.