Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

On the road to the Skytalon Tribe's settlement, Orion rode atop a Frost Wolf, while Dace took on the role of his "driver."

Orion was in high spirits.

Over the past few days, Orion had been consuming a Foxtail magical plant every other day. The effects of the magical plants had caused significant changes in his stats:

- Strength: 2520/5000 (+5240)

- Agility: 2310/5000 (+246)

- Intelligence: 2225/5000 (+200)

- Constitution: 2722/5000 (+200)

Both his Strength and Constitution had finally surpassed 2500, thanks to the nourishment from the magical plants. However, the most notable increase wasn't in Strength or Constitution, but in Intelligence.

Orion understood that Intelligence here didn't refer to IQ but rather to elemental affinity. Sometimes, he suspected that Intelligence might also be linked to mental power. But at other times, he felt that Constitution could also be related to mental strength.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

In short, Orion had some lingering doubts about these attributes. He was still feeling his way through, learning and exploring as he went.

"Respected Master, we're no more than a day's journey from the Skytalon Tribe's settlement," Dirtclaw reported eagerly. Over the past few days, Dirtclaw had observed the special relationship between Orion and Delilah, and he frequently sought opportunities to ingratiate himself with Orion.

Orion didn't mind Dirtclaw's sycophantic behavior. After all, it was rare to find such an obedient and capable guide. Orion took the opportunity to ask Dirtclaw about Thunderwood Forest.

"Dirtclaw, tell me what you know about Thunderwood Forest. Talk about the races, the beasts, and their chieftains. And don't forget to mention the distribution of magical plants and any special items."

Orion genuinely wanted to learn more about Thunderwood Forest, and he hoped Dirtclaw's knowledge would be as extensive as possible.

"Respected Master, you may not know this, but the gnoll territory has relatively few magical plants. The truly valuable ones are found in the southern regions."

"Unfortunately, I've never been to the south!" Dirtclaw said, sneaking a glance at Orion's expression. Seeing that Orion remained impassive, Dirtclaw quickly continued, realizing he hadn't hit the mark.

"Respected Master, I've heard that the Skytalon Tribe has many magical plants that flying beasts love to eat. They use these plants to tame and attract flying beasts."

"And Thunderhawk City also cultivates a number of high-grade magical plants!"

Orion nodded, neither praising nor scolding Dirtclaw. For a gnoll, Dirtclaw's knowledge was already quite impressive.

Though Orion didn't show much reaction, Dirtclaw remained enthusiastic.

Suddenly, as if remembering something important, Dirtclaw spoke up again.

"Respected Master, Reynard has a sister, and it's said he dotes on her greatly!"

"Her name is Rowena, and she's known to be a spoiled and willful woman."

Orion was intrigued. What kind of woman would a gnoll consider spoiled and willful?

"Dirtclaw, how much do you know about this Rowena?"

Dirtclaw's face flushed slightly at Orion's question, but after a moment, he spoke the truth.

"Respected Master, I've only seen Rowena from a distance a few times when I accompanied that damned Scrag to Thunderhawk City."

"I don't know much about her; it's just what I've heard."

Orion nodded, not blaming Dirtclaw for his limited knowledge.

"Dirtclaw, here's your chance to prove yourself. Lead the cannon fodder to invade the Skytalon Tribe's settlement."

"Complete the task, and I'll reward you handsomely!"

Dirtclaw's eyes lit up at the prospect of a reward. He quickly retreated to carry out the order, heading straight for the cannon fodder unit.

Once Dirtclaw was out of sight, Orion turned to Delilah and said calmly, "Your slave is quite capable. Make sure to train him well—don't let him die."

To be honest, Orion did want to cultivate Dirtclaw. A sycophant who was both clever and useful was a valuable asset.

Delilah smiled seductively and nodded, already making plans in her mind.

"Prophet, what do you know about the Skytalon Tribe?" Orion asked. He trusted Prophet Onyx's knowledge and insight more than Dirtclaw's.

"Chieftain, the Skytalon Tribe has been around for a long time."

"To be blunt, most of the flying beasts in Thunderwood Forest come from this tribe."

"However, it's strange that the Skytalon Tribe has never produced an Alpha-level warrior."

"Chieftain, if possible, try not to kill them. Instead, enslave them."

Orion nodded. Prophet Onyx's suggestion was practical. If he could enslave the Skytalon Tribe, he could slowly cultivate his own flying beast force for the Stoneheart Horde.

Unfortunately, half a day later, both Orion and Prophet Onyx's plans were dashed.

The Skytalon Tribe's settlement was completely deserted.

Even the immature magical plants had been harvested, leaving nothing behind for Orion.

Orion wasn't the only one disappointed—Dirtclaw was as well.

Dirtclaw, ever ruthless, had personally whipped the cannon fodder troops into invading the Skytalon Tribe's settlement, only to find nothing of value.

The bone armor he had dreamed of was now out of reach, and Dirtclaw was visibly dejected.

"Damn it, it's all your fault, you useless lot!"

"If you had moved faster, maybe the Skytalon Tribe wouldn't have had time to escape!" Dirtclaw lashed out at a disabled gnoll with his whip, venting his frustration.

"It seems they knew we were coming and prepared in advance, leaving before we arrived," Orion sighed, though he wasn't too disappointed.

If their roles were reversed and he knew that an invasion by myriad races was imminent, Orion too would have made preparations and found an escape route.

"Let's keep moving south. Don't waste any more time. We're heading straight for Thunderhawk City!"

Orion's orders were quickly relayed, and the army resumed its march southward without delay.

However, just as Orion was leaving the Skytalon Tribe's settlement, an eagle's cry suddenly echoed from above.

At the same time, a wave of Alpha-level pressure swept over the area, causing the gnoll cannon fodder troops to immediately drop to the ground in fear.

Even Orion narrowed his eyes, his trident appearing in his hand as he prepared for a potential attack.

Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall all looked up at the sky, releasing their own Alpha-level auras to intimidate the Thunderhawk that had appeared.

Shriek!

The Thunderhawk screeched, and its initial dive toward the group slowed as it began to ascend, increasing its altitude.

"A smart Thunderhawk, keenly sensing danger!" Orion remarked, watching the flying creature retreat into the sky.