Titan King: Ascension of the Giant - Chapter 1001: The list

Chapter 1001: The list

For Orion, the crystals themselves were of little consequence. But for succubus sisters like Lilith and Delilah, they might have a very specific, very potent use.

“A fine gift,” Orion’s avatar said. “I accept.”

The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon lazing in the sun.

Kraken still hadn’t returned by the next day, and Makareth, unable to bear the idleness any longer, took off for the front lines to find him. In truth, he was a battle junkie. With a war raging just over the horizon, it was a miracle he’d managed to sit still for a single night, and only because he was still injured.

“I envy that guy,” Isabella murmured, watching his retreating back, her beautiful eyes filled with a complex mix of admiration and frustration.

Makareth was a high-tier Demon by birthright, a pedigree far superior to her own or even Orion’s. That, combined with his insatiable love for battle, had allowed him to condense his own Lord’s Stone and ascend on his own terms. It was an enviable position. In the terms of their past lives, Makareth was a golden boy, one of heaven’s chosen.

“What are you looking at?”

Isabella bristled, feeling Orion’s gaze on her. She reacted like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on. She wasn’t being overly sensitive; Orion’s stare was intensely predatory. As his eyes swept over her, she had the distinct and unnerving sensation of being stripped bare.

“I was just thinking those boots look good on you,” he said, turning his head, his tone casual and teasing. “Very… flattering.”

Just as she was about to explode, he continued, “And don’t forget what I asked you. You promised you’d help me acquire a batch of dragon eggs.”

“Get lost!”

The reply was a furious snarl. Before the wars in the Emerald Dream Realm, when her territory was secure and her losses were minimal, she had readily agreed to Orion’s proposal. But now, having weathered several brutal campaigns, she understood. War wasn’t just about victory and spoils; it was about attrition. Rebuilding from that kind of loss took time and a massive amount of resources.

And right now, dragon eggs and other high-quality cavalry units were the exact resources she desperately needed to replenish her own forces. For Orion to press the deal now, while she was struggling to rebuild and expand, felt like he was trying to kneecap her progress—like he was trying to bleed her dry. At least, that’s how it felt to her in that moment.

“Hey, a promise is a promise,” Orion chuckled.

“Piss off!”

A boot came flying at his head. He blew a gentle puff of air, deflecting it effortlessly, and added, “And they stink.”

…..

Titanion Realm. The Castle.

Orion, sitting on his throne, opened his eyes. He spoke to the deep shadows in the corner of the room. “Bring Lilith to me.”

A few moments later, she entered the hall with her usual grace. “Darling. You called for me?”

He nodded, gesturing for her to come and sit with him on the throne. A small smile graced her lips as she approached. In truth, as his wife, it was rare for her to actually sit upon the throne that was his alone. To sit there was to hold power in your left hand and glory in your right. More importantly, it meant bearing a weight of responsibility and pressure she wasn’t sure she could handle.

“Send Sylvana to Soaring Bird City,” he commanded. “She is to take over Delilah’s duties and continue the negotiations with the other three factions.”

The opening of the Dragon Crucible was imminent, and both succubus sisters were on his list of candidates. This first activation would generate enough resources to baptize five thousand individuals. He and Kraken would each get fifteen hundred slots; Makareth and Isabella would get one thousand each.

According to his plan, a third of his fifteen hundred slots would go to the pioneers who had first migrated to the Emerald Dream Realm. They had bled to pioneer the horde’s new territory and had earned the right. Another third was reserved for the horde’s veteran Alpha-level powerhouses with distinguished battle achievements, especially key figures like Rendall and Onyx.

The final third was for the younglings in the youth camp and, most importantly, for the descendants of those who had died with honor in the horde’s service. The spirit of heroes had to be passed down, and their bloodlines deserved to be strengthened.

“You remember the list I gave you,” he continued. “Recall every one of them within seven days. The Dragon Crucible in Lorelia City is about to be activated.”

Lilith’s eyes lit up. Orion had described the Crucible to her as a unique structure capable of dramatically enhancing one’s power and potential. For those like her, stuck at the Alpha-level peak, the baptism offered a chance to finally ascend. The sudden news made her breath catch in her throat.

“Bring Elara and Pallas with you as well,” Orion added. “It’s time they met our people in the Emerald Dream Realm. Let them learn about the beasts and heretics of the Dusk Continent. They need to understand that the enemies of the stoneheart horde exist on more than just the continent of Utessar.”

He spoke in a tone that allowed no argument. Lilith could not, and would not, object.

“Should… Kronos be notified?” she asked softly after a long pause.

“No.”

The word was ice.

“Every youngling on that list has a father who bled for the stoneheart horde. Many of them paid the ultimate price. Kronos has done nothing. He has not earned a place.”

The way he said it sent a chill down even Lilith’s spine. It felt cold, merciless. No matter the circumstances, Kronos was his son. Even if his mother, Ava, had done nothing for the horde, the boy still carried Orion’s blood.

“I am not singling him out. The same rules apply to Pallas. Because Pallas is receiving the baptism of the Dragon Crucible, your personal merits, as his mother, will be cleared to pay for his spot.”

Lilith nodded slowly, saying nothing. This was his way of raising his heirs. She didn’t fully understand it, but she didn’t oppose it. Orion stood on a higher peak than she did; he saw the world more clearly, more completely.

“Lorelia is returning to Stoneheart. I will have her accompany you. She can take command of the garrison at Lorelia City. Have Soraya swap out with her and return to Golden Pearl for some leave. Her next mission will be long, and she won’t have another chance to visit her family for some time.”

Soon, Soraya would be joining Orion to aid his bro Arthas in the invasion of the Godforsaken Land. With Lorelia’s recent promotion to lord and her new combat experience, garrison duty would be the perfect way for her to consolidate her power and prepare for the next war.

“Of course,” Lilith said. “Who will be left to manage affairs here in the Titanion Realm?(Utessar Continent)”

With most of the horde’s key figures about to be absent for some time, the horde’s lack of high-level personnel—its greatest weakness—was once again laid bare.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by AiKurou